Jay Taft K1EHZ writes:
Hello,
I write to introduce a new organization intended to support ARES®-related activities.
ARES® is a program of the ARRL®. It is not an entity that can own property or collect and spend money.
For these reasons many ARES® groups around the country started clubs that can own property and transact business to support ARES® activities. Hillsborough County and Greater Manchester NH ARES® leaders have formed such a club.
Merrimack Valley Amateur Radio Association, callsign N1MVA, is a New Hampshire nonprofit charitable corporation. We are also applying to the IRS for 501(c)3 status.
Our main goals are
- enhancing emergency communication infrastructure through fundraising
- developing operator communication skills by supporting community events.
For example, a current MVARA project is a collaboration with the New England Digital Emergency Communications Network to connect two DMR repeaters with microwave links, as backup for internet connections, making DMR more resilient for emergency communications. This is a pilot project to demonstrate proof-of-concept before applying for funding for a larger deployment.
We also hope to expand the small microwave network among served agencies in Manchester, NH to Nashua and Concord. External funding for this project would also be the subject of an grant proposal.
We seek members interested in these kinds of activities. Applicants need not be ARES® members nor reside in New Hampshire’s Merrimack Valley Region. ARRL® membership is encouraged so we can become an ARRL® affiliate club.
Those who join MVARA by December 31, 2022 will be designated Charter Members.
The membership application can be found on our website – MerrimackValleyARA.org.
Questions or comments may be directed to me at k1ehz@arrl.net
73,
Jay K1EHZ