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Meeting the communications needs of "served" agencies is a
challenging, and often daunting proposition in today's complex
disaster/emergency relief arena. With the proliferation of emergency
relief organizations, increasingly sophisticated needs, all competing for
that scarce resource--the volunteer--coupled with the emergence of other
non-ARES amateur providers, it's enough to make an ARES member's head
spin. As more of the population moves to disaster-prone areas, and less
government funding is available, more pressure is consequently placed on
agencies to use (and sometimes abuse) the volunteer sector for support of
their missions in disaster mitigation. Toes are sometimes stepped on and
volunteer morale can be undermined.
On the other hand, the League's formal relationships with served
agencies are vitally important and valuable to radio amateurs. They
provide us with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the relief
of suffering among our fellow human beings. Another substantial benefit
not to be overlooked is that these relationships lend legitimacy and
credibility for Amateur Radio's public service capability, and that is
important when it comes time to defend our frequencies and privileges
before the FCC and Congress, an ever more challenging task. So, ARRL's
relationships with the emergency/disaster relief world are to be nurtured.
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First, it is imperative that a detailed local operational plan be
developed with agency managers in the jurisdiction that set forth
precisely what each organization's expectations are during a disaster
operation. ARES and agency officials must work jointly to establish
protocols for mutual trust and respect. Make sure they know who the
principle ARES official is in the jurisdiction. All matters involving
recruitment and utilization of ARES volunteers are directed by him/her, in
response to the needs assessed by the agency involved. Make sure ARES
counterparts in these agencies are aware of ARES policies, capabilities
and perhaps most importantly, resource limitations. Let them know that
ARES may have other obligations to fulfill with other agencies, too.
Technical issues involving message format, security of message
transmission, Disaster Welfare Inquiry policies, and others, should be
reviewed and expounded upon in the detailed local operations plans.
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Another challenge ARES faces is the number of agencies that demand
communications support during a disaster. A local ARES unit only has so
much to go around, and it can't possibly meet every agency's needs.
While the League maintains several formal Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)
with disaster and emergency response agencies including the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, National Weather Service, Red Cross,
Salvation Army, National Communications System, and Associated Public
Safety Communications Officers, these documents merely set forth a
framework for possible cooperation at the local level. While they are
designed to encourage mutual recognition, cooperation and coordination,
they should not be interpreted as to commit, obligate or mandate in any
way that an ARES unit must serve a particular agency, or meet all
of its needs, in a jurisdiction. MOUs are "door openers," to
help you get your foot in the door--that's all. It's up to you to decide
whether or not to pursue a local operational plan with an agency, a
decision that will be based on a number of factors including the local
needs of the agency and the resources you have available to support those
needs, given that you may have other prioritized commitments as well.
To address this, sit down with your fellow ARES members, EC and SEC,
and determine what agencies are active in your area, evaluate each of
their needs, and which ones you are capable of meeting. Then prioritize
these agencies and needs. After you're all in agreement, sit down with
your counterparts in each of the agencies and execute local, detailed
operational plans and agreements in light of your priority list based on
the above.
Given the above, however, you should also be working for growth in your
ARES program, making it a stronger, more valuable resource and hence able
to meet more of the agencies' local needs. There are thousands of new
Technicians coming into the amateur service now that would make ideal
additions to an ARES roster. These new Technicians have hand-helds and a
strong interest in emergency communications and public service. They're
ripe for picking for an active ARES program! A stronger ARES means a
better ability to serve your communities in times of need and a greater
sense of pride for Amateur Radio by both amateurs and the public. That's
good for all of us.
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With a strong ARES program, and a capability of substantially meeting
most of the local served agencies' needs, you might avoid another problem
that is cropping up in some parts of the country, that of
"competition" with emerging amateur groups providing similar
communications services outside of ARES. Some of these groups may feel
that their local ARES doesn't do the job, or personality conflicts and
egos get in the way, so they set up shop for themselves, working directly
with agency officials, and usurping ARES' traditional role. Some agencies
have been receptive to their assistance.
There continues to be "RACES versus ARES" polarization in
some areas. And some agencies, including at least one with statewide
jurisdiction, are forming their own auxiliary communications groups, and
recruiting their own hams, some away from ARES.
There's not much you can do about this, except to work to find your
ARES program's niche and provide the best services you can as outlined
above. Strive for growth and enhancement of ARES members' abilities, and
make sure you present a "professional" face to potential
"served" agencies and your opportunities will grow. Make your
program better than the next guy's, and agencies will be more attracted to
you.
If possible, setting egos and personalities aside, seek out these other
groups and take the initiative to try to establish a rapport, and the fact
that "we're all in this together," for the good of the
public and Amateur Radio. With good communication, mutual respect and
understanding between you and the other groups, at the least, you should
be able to coordinate your program's missions with theirs (i.e., divide up
the pie, or who will do what for which agency) to foster an efficient and
effective Amateur Radio response overall. At best, you may find other
groups willing to fold their tents and join your camp! Try it.
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Page last modified: 1:54 PM, 28 Jul 1998 ET
Copyright © 1998, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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