PUBLIC SERVICE VOLUNTEERING,  MAKING THE MOST OF THE EXPERIENCE

by

Richard Bartlett, KE6LOU

 

DARC members volunteer at public service events for many different reasons.  Public service communications is a great way to give back to the community.  Our primary goals are to have a successful event and that our volunteer radio operators feel fulfilled.  You are a partner in making this happen!

 

The first question to ask is what equipment do I have?  Some of the urban events have great repeater coverage, and all that you might need is a hand-held radio with a magnetic mount antenna.  Other events might require mobile radios for vehicles and portable base stations for rest stops.  A shadow operator may only need a hand-held radio with a headset.  When applying for an event, let the event communications coordinator know what your equipment capabilities are.  This will ensure the best fit for each position.

 

The next question to ask is do I have any limitations?  It is important to know your limitations and not to put yourself in jeopardy by doing something you shouldn’t be doing.  While we don’t expect you to make disclosure of your personal history, let the communications coordinator know if you can’t do a walking post, or if you can’t be in direct sunlight for extended periods, etc.  Limitations might also be work or family related.  If you have to leave by a certain time, let us know in advance.  That way, we can best fit you to a position so you can leave and meet your other obligations.

 

Then ask, what are my capabilities?  We are who we are….and that’s okay!  Someone who gets lost easily might not be the best person to put in a SAG (support and gear) vehicle.  However, that same person might be an excellent rest stop or shadow operator!  Someone who doesn’t do well around blood or injury might not be the ideal operator to put in an ambulance.  That person might be a great organizer though, and be an excellent net control operator.  Know yourself, and ask for assignments that best suit your skills and personality. 

 

It helps to know if you can work any position.  Usually, there are limited numbers of positions available.  For example, not everyone can be assigned to rest stops or SAG vehicles.  We make every effort to place people in positions that they want to volunteer in.  We appreciate everyone’s flexibility when we have to start drafting people to fill certain positions.

 

Next apply for the event.  Applying might occur by signing up at a club meeting, sending an e-mail to the event’s communications coordinator, or making a phone call.  Usually, approximately two weeks prior to the event, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to each participant.  For those without e-mail, a phone call will go out.  Then, approximately one week out, assignments and the communications plan will be sent to each participant.  Please print the communications plan, review and be prepared for the event. 

 

If you can’t attend, send the communications coordinator an e-mail prior to the event or call.  The sooner you notify us, the easier it becomes to replace you.  Please don’t “no-show”!  When people “no-show”, then we either have to leave positions vacant (and not be able to meet our commitment) or relief operators are scheduled to fill vacant positions.  When relief operators are backfilled into vacant positions, your fellow volunteers might not get breaks, or relief rotations.  We fully understand that things come up at the last minute, people get sick, etc.  Just let us know so we can work around it.

 

If you have questions or need additional information about the event, feel free to e-mail or call the communications coordinator.  As event information becomes available, it will be posted on the DARC’s website www.w5fc.org, in the PS Events section.   

 

After the event is over, feedback is encouraged.  There is an event feedback form on the DARC website, or you can send an e-mail to the event communications coordinator.  Many problems are beyond our control and many have solutions.  If we don’t know what needs improved, we can’t improve for next year.  Also let us know what went well!  We want to keep doing what works well!

 

We appreciate everyone who participates in public service events!  Thanks for helping spread awareness of amateur radio emergency communications and contributing to successful events!  We look forward seeing at 2005’s public service events!