Spectrum Defense Fund 2006: Keeping ARRL's Voice Strong:

As its name implies, the primary focus of the ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund is to help the League remain vigilant in guarding the range of frequencies Amateur Radio enjoys. The Fund, which kicked off its 2006 campaign October 10, also makes it possible for the League to forcefully advocate on behalf of the US amateur community at the FCC and on Capitol Hill and at international conferences.

"A healthy Spectrum Defense Fund will ensure that ARRL's voice continues to be Q5 S9 in every corner of official Washington," said ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH. "As we ask others in official Washington to recognize the role of Amateur Radio and protect our spectrum, the strength of our voice comes in part from the generosity of all radio amateurs."

Hobart added that it's crucial for the League to maintain the momentum of the increased visibility Amateur Radio has earned as a result of its role in disasters and emergencies, such as the Hurricane Katrina response. She pointed to the positive and well-received testimony offered in Congress by ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, and ARRL COO Harold Kramer, WJ1B, on ham radio's Katrina effort.

Haynie describes spectrum defense as an ongoing and all-encompassing activity that doesn't always involve a specific threat such as Little LEO satellites or broadband over power line. "It involves our advocating to be able to keep what we've got," he said. In his view, that means keeping ham radio in prominent view of elected officials as well as of the public at large.

"It's by selling what we can do--and not what the League can do but what you can do as members," Haynie observed.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) grants to provide Amateur Radio emergency communications training and to help reimburse volunteers' out-of-pocket expenses are further evidence of Amateur Radio's enhanced visibility, Hobart said.

"It's a matter of official record that this country cannot afford to be without Amateur Radio," she asserted. "We have visibility and recognition, and it's the ARRL's mission not to let anyone forget what we have done and are ready to do, anytime the need arises."

Preparations already are under way for World Radiocommunication Conference 2007 (WRC 07), which will consider agenda items that could impact Amateur Radio. The ARRL, as the IARU International Secretariat, funds IARU observers as representatives of Amateur Radio at such conferences. While they don't have a vote, they can lobby the delegates. The Spectrum Defense Fund supports these activities too.

Hobart thanked all who have contributed to the 2006 Spectrum Defense Fund, and she urged those who have not yet done so to take the opportunity to express their pride in the Amateur Service. "The care and feeding of our spectrum begins at home, with contributions from ARRL members," she concluded.

Giving is easy. Radio amateurs may contribute online via the ARRL's secure donor Web site https://www.arrl.org/forms/fdefense/fdefense.html. The ARRL has been included in the 2005 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) http://www.opm.gov/cfc/. The League's CFC donor code is 9872.

For more information about the 2006 Spectrum Defense Fund or to discuss other ways you can support the ARRL's continuing work on behalf of Amateur Radio, contact ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH mhobart@arrl.org; (860-594-0397).

Source:

The ARRL Letter Vol. 24, No. 46 Nov 25, 2005

Member Comments: