ARRL gets new Community Education Program Co-ordinator

Bill Barrett, W1WJB, of Ridgefield, Connecticut, is the newest member of the ARRL Headquarters family.

He joined the ARRL Field and Educational Services (F&ES) staff in October as ARRL Community Education Program
Coordinator. In that position, he'll execute a pilot program to enlighten a dozen US localities about the value of Amateur Radio to community safety and security. And he'll be exploring the best ways Amateur Radio can work with Citizen Corps councils to show them what ham radio can do.

Barrett plans to make the most of his experience as an ARES District Emergency Coordinator, more than 40 years of Amateur Radio experience, and his work producing video and film projects for corporate clients.

"I enjoy bringing a message to groups that expands their capabilities," Barrett said. As an emergency coordinator, he developed a PowerPoint presentation that local officials could view right at their desks. "A new presentation will grow out of that, with a lot of new material better suited to the new audience," he added.

The one-year position Barrett is filling is new at ARRL HQ. Both the position and the program are funded by a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). The funding of nearly $90,000 will enable the League to develop the Community Education Project (CEP) and carry ham radio's message to communities.

ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, says now that more amateur licensees have been trained in how to handle emergency communications, they have some educating to do. "Hams can contribute so much to Citizen Corps council members," she said, "not just to served
agencies like the Red Cross and The Salvation Army, but also when communication problems confront grassroots community institutions such as hospitals, utilities, blood banks, shelters and even schools."

F&ES Manager Rosalie White, K1STO, says Amateur Radio is fortunate that many hams newly trained in emergency communications are getting involved in ARES groups and ARRL-affiliated clubs. "ARES groups and affiliated clubs and Citizen Corps councils haven't necessarily started working
together in many US communities," she said. "The new CEP hopes to start connecting the dots."

Barrett said his plan is to share the message about ham radio and emergency communications with community leaders, and have local ARES and ARRL-affiliated club members demonstrate their expertise to Citizen Corps
councils.

Source: ARRL Letter - courtesy of The American Radio Relay League

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