Hi Charles, Good question. Certainly, amateur radio activity requires a license. More broadly, it’s also helpful to know that a volunteer is familiar with the ham community, and a license definitely signals that. Some of our volunteer opportunities are not strictly ham-related, however, particularly in grant-making efforts, where we might benefit from contributions that could come from someone in an aligned or adjacent community. So yes, a ham license is helpful, and for some things, a ham license is going to be needed, but no, not every volunteer role needs to call for a license up front. I know we’ve visited a similar question in the past, and some have a fairly exclusive view of ARDC’s mission, which no doubt reflects their own perfectly legitimate reasons for being involved. We certainly all find our way here by different paths. If the foundation's stated goals include bringing people in toward amateur radio (“digital communications” being at least one avenue), and if a volunteer interested in contributing thus finds their way toward being a part of the community, then it winds up being to everyone's benefit to welcome their curiosity and participation. In my view at least, it’s a great way to let someone see first-hand what being a ham is all about. Thanks and 73 -- John Burwell - KI5QKX 44Net Program Manager Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) ardc.net On Sep 16, 2025, at 14:35, Charles J. Hargrove via 44net < 44net(a)mailman.ampr.org&gt; wrote: Shouldn't a volunteer for an amateur radio related organization actually have an amateur radio license _before_ volunteering? Otherwise the group gets diluted by those who don't know what being an amateur radio license holder and active participant is all about. "An amateur radio license OR a technical degree OR experience in digital communications is required to serve in any volunteer role." On 9/16/2025 3:23 PM, Rebecca Key via groups.io wrote: Hey Everyone, *We’re now accepting applications for our 2026 volunteer cohort, which includes some new roles. Check out our latest blog post for more details: https://www.ardc.net/join-ardcs-2026-volunteer-team/ <https:// www.ardc.net/join-ardcs-2026-volunteer-team/>.* *As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!* *73,* *Rebecca KO4KVG* -- Charles J. Hargrove - N2NOV NYC-ARECS/RACES Citywide Radio Officer/Skywarn Coord. NYC-ARECS/RACES Nets 441.100/136.5 PL ARnewsline Broadcast Mon. @ 8:00PM NYC-ARECS Weekly Net Mon. @ 8:30PM http://www.nyc-arecs.org NY-NBEMS Net Saturdays @ 10AM & USeast-NBEMS Net Wednesdays @ 7PM on 7.036 Mhz USB (alt 3.536)/1500 hz waterfall spot; MFSK-16 or 32 "Information is the oxygen of the modern age. It seeps through the walls topped by barbed wire, it wafts across the electrified borders." - Ronald Reagan "The more corrupt the state, the more it legislates." - Tacitus "Molann an obair an fear" - Irish Saying (The work praises the man.) "No matter how big and powerful government gets, and the many services it provides, it can never take the place of volunteers." - Ronald Reagan _______________________________________________ 44net mailing list -- 44net(a)mailman.ampr.org To unsubscribe send an email to 44net-leave(a)mailman.ampr.org _______________________________________________ 44net mailing list -- 44net(a)mailman.ampr.org To unsubscribe send an email to 44net-leave(a)mailman.ampr.org

I’m glad to see people are interested in getting involved and participating in the organization and engaging with its leadership. Inviting contributions is very much the purpose of this thread. The people who contribute their time and effort are doing their best to serve the community. I work with people every day who want nothing but for people to succeed in exploring and learning and building with technologies for the benefit of their communities. The challenge sometimes when there’s a large group of people trying to move many things forward is that not everyone agrees on what everyone else should be doing. That’s okay though, because not every corner of the world has the same needs and interests. But the way things work is, we all try to do our best to be considerate and conscientious. We do need to agree at least on that. Fortunately, I think we do. That’s how we and those who’ve come before us keep the spirit alive and this community thriving. So let’s keep it up. Thanks very much! -- John Burwell - KI5QKX