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What is Public Service?
One of the reasons that the FCC established the amateur radio service was for the "Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary non-commercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications."
The use of ham radio for communications during truly emergent conditions, such as floods and tornadoes, is one of the key services that CVARC provides. However, public service extends well beyond the more occasional emergency situation.
CVARC members, like many other hams, volunteer their time and equipment to help with communication during public events, like races and parades, as a way to serve the community. By working with the event organizers, hams can get a message through from one end of an event to the other, helping the organizers stay on top of things. Every ham, regardless of experience has the opportunity to participate and hone their skills at these events. The biggest perceived barrier to event participation is not having the right equipment. However, for CVARC members, this is not a barrier at all. Loaner radios of various types are available during these events.
Public service events are a great way to learn and gain experience with your radios and equipment. The events are usually low key and fun. When the big emergency happens at 3 AM some Wednesday, you'll be glad you worked the bugs out during a noon weekend 5k Fun Walk. The free t-shirts aren't bad either.
If you would like to volunteer to help with any of these events, please contact Ken Hamer at WØHKR@ImOnMail.com.
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