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January
1 ARRL Straight Key Night
6-7 ARRL RTTY Roundup
7 Kid's Day
13-14 North American QSO Party--CW
20 ARRL January VHF Sweepstakes
20 North American QSO Party--Phone
21 ARRL January VHF Sweepstakes
21 North American QSO Party--Phone
27-28 CQ WW 160-Meter Contest
February
Severe weather week - see link for your state's dates
4 North American Phone Sprint
10-11 CQ WW WPX RTTY Contest
11 North American CW Sprint
12-16 School Club Roundup
17 ARRL International DX Contest--CW
18 ARRL International DX Contest--CW
24 CQ WW 160-Meter SSB Contest
24 North American QSO Party--RTTY
25 CQ WW 160-Meter SSB Contest
25 North American QSO Party--RTTY
Get ready....it's coming! Here's a preview of what is in store.
Take a look at this!
These 2007 brochures are being made possible thanks to a $15,000 donation from the Dayton Amateur Radio Association - the people who also sponsor the Dayton Hamvention®. Just as we did with the Hello brochures, all we ask is the mailing costs of $6 per 100 brochures. Send check (payable to ARRL) along with request to ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. Be sure to include the mailing address where you want them sent! OR... You can put it on your credit card by going to: https://www.arrl.org/forms/development/donations/basic/ Please type in "PR" in the comments area and also be sure to let Allen or Roseanne know you did it so we can get them out to you.
Looking for a good video PSA to go with the brochure? We have that too...
Quicktime - When all Else Fails PSA
WMV - When All Else Fails PSA
MP4 - When All Else Fails PSA
There's more coming later!
Severe Weather week is usually the beginning of February and a great time to publicize information about Skywarn and other Amateur Radio actions in aiding meteorologists and communities in weather related problems. If your local radio or TV station has a weather report from NOAA or NWS, then you have a reason to contact them!
Want a good PSA to go with Severe Weather Week? No problem! The PSAs in the article above work great for this.
Unfortunately, different states have differing dates for when it is held. To find out your local information, go to:
http://www.weather.gov/os/severeweather/severewxcal.shtml
Hello formally ended with the Dec 29-30 events. While there is a lot of paperwork yet to do, it was a success. All the elements were there for any PIO in the country to take to their local media and they could get coverage at some level. Many areas of the country did just that and scored major hits. Unfortunately, some others did nothing.
Who actually is responsible for making sure that there is a good public relations activity in your area? Who encourages PIOs, helps train them and gives them pointers and suggestions. Who is the PIO's Elmer ?
It's the PIC who should be appointed by each Section Manager.
Here's an abbreviated run down of the PIC position. Do you have one? Most PICs are really great people and eager to help out their PIOs. If you don't have that type of support, or if "nothing much" is happening in your section, talk to your PIC or Section Manager about it.
Your Public Information Coordinator
ARRLFieldOrganization ·ARRLPublicRelationsDepartment ·PIOHandbook
The ARRL Public Information Coordinator (PIC) is a section-level official appointed by and reports to the Section Manager (SM) as the section's expert on public information and public relations matters. The PIC is responsible for organizing, training, guiding and coordinating the activities of the Public Information Officers (PIOs) within the section.
Public relations are not conducted in a vacuum. Even the best PR is wasted without effective follow-up. To do this best, PR activities must be well-timed and well-coordinated within the amateur community, so that clubs, Elmers, instructors and so on are prepared to deal with the interest the PR generates. Effective PICs will convey this goal-oriented perspective and attitude to their PIOs and help them coordinate public relations efforts with others in their sections.
Specific Duties of the Public Information Coordinator
Advises the Section Manager
Counsels the SM in dealing with the media and with government officials,
Maintains contact with other section level League officials to otherwise help to assure and promote a coordinated and cohesive ARRL Field Organization.
Works closely with the section Affiliated Club Coordinator and ARRL-affiliated clubs in the section to recruit and train a team of Public Information Officers (PIOs). With the approval of the Section Manager, makes PI0 appointments within the section.
Works with the SM and other PICs in the division to develop regional training programs for PIOs and club publicity chairpersons.
Coordinates public relations efforts for events and activities which may involve more than one section
Establishes and coordinates a section-wide Speakers Bureau
Helps local PIOs to recognize and publicize newsworthy stories in their areas.
Working with the PIOs, develops and maintains a comprehensive list of media outlets and contacts in the section for use in section-wide or nationwide mailings.
Helps local PIOs prepare emergency response PR kits
Works with PIOs, SM and ARRL staff to identify and publicize League-related stories
Familiarizes self with ARRL Public Service Announcements (PSAs), brochures and audiovisual materials
may assist with preparation of a section or division newsletter.
Encourages, organizes and conducts public information/public relations sessions at ARRL hamfests and conventions.
and assures that sponsoring organizations are prepared to follow-up on interest generated by these activities.
If there is an emergency in your area and a JIC is established... will you be there? Do you know who is in charge? What credentials will you need to be included? While it varies with the location, there are some standard titles and positions you really need to know. Find out now about the arrangements and staffing plans for your area so you are not left out in the cold in an emergency.
LEAD PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (PIO)
The Lead PIO manages the activities of the Joint Information System to ensure the proper, timely, and accurate release of information. The Lead PIO works with the JIC Coordinator to coordinate the news briefings, press releases, etc. The Lead PIO also will provide overall policy direction for the JIC based upon input from the JIC Coordinator and the EOC Policy Group. The Lead PIO and staff will develop procedures, in conjunction with the JIC Coordinator's staff, that deal with news conferences, interviews, press briefings, etc. Major accomplishments are: information is gathered, verified, coordinated and disseminated to the public. The lead PIO will ensure that the public's perceptions are monitored.
ASSISTANT LEAD PIO
The Assistant Lead PIO assist the Lead PIO to coordinate the activities of the Joint Information System, to ensure the proper, timely, and accurate release of information. The Assistant Lead PIO works with the Lead PIO and JIC Coordinator to coordinate the news briefings, press releases, etc. The Lead PIO provides overall policy direction for the JIC based upon input from the JIC Manager and the EOC Policy Group. The Lead PIO and Assistant Lead PIOs will develop procedures, in conjunction with the JIC Coordinators'staff, that deal with news conferences, interviews, press briefings, etc. The Ass't Lead PIO will work primarily with the Lead PIO to coordinate information for the Lead PIO. Major accomplishments are: to assist Lead PIO in accomplishment of JIC/JIS goals and objectives.
JIC COORDINATOR
The JIC Coordinator and assistants will serve as the clearinghouse for information flowing from all federal, state, local, and industry personnel. The JIC Coordinator oversees minute-by-minute JIC operations in support of the JIC member organizations. The JIC Coordinator ensures effective organization is in place to support JIC/JIS operations based on the overall policy direction provided from the Lead PIO and the EOC Policy Group. In conjunction with the Lead PIO the JIC Coordinator determines agenda, spokespersons, topics, time, and frequency of press conferences, interviews, etc.. Major accomplishments are: to assume all responsibilities assigned by Lead PIO; staff the JIC with the most qualified staff; establish work hours and operating schedule; manage the operation of the JIC; edit and secure approval of news releases from the Lead PIO; serve as Lead PIO (in the absence of the Lead PIO); ensure documentation of the JIC operations.
ASSISTANT TO JIC COORDINATOR (Support and Production)
This Assistant JIC Coordinator will serve the JIC Coordinator and assist with the minute-by-minute JIC operations in support of the JIC member organizations. The Assistant JIC Coordinator ensures effective organization is in place to support JIC operations based on the overall policy direction provided from the Lead PIO, JIC Coordination coming from the EOC Policy Group. In conjunction with the Lead PIO the JIC Coordinator and assistants determine agenda, spokespersons, topics, time, and frequency of press conferences, interviews, etc. The major accomplishments of this Assistant JIC Coordinator will be to: work in conjunction with the JIC Coordinator to ensure that all information is shared throughout the JIC; to serve as the EBS Coordinator for the entire JIC; to maintain a documentation of the JIC/JIS activities; to solve security and facility issues; to provide assistance in new conferences/briefings.
ASSISTANT TO JIC COORDINATOR (P AND M INQUIRY CONTROL/Dissemination)
This Assistant JIC Coordinator will serve the JIC Coordinator and assist with the minute-by-minute JIC operations in support of the JIC member organizations. The Assistant JIC Coordinator ensures effective organization is in place to support JIC operations based on the overall policy direction provided from the Lead PIO, JIC Coordination coming from the EOC Policy Group. In conjunction with the Lead PIO the JIC Coordinator and assistants determine agenda, spokespersons, topics, time, and frequency of press conferences, interviews, etc. The major accomplishments of this Assistant JIC Coordinator will be to: produce new releases originating from Lead PIO function area; produce fact sheets; support requests for information from the media; maintain doucmentation of all media and public inquiries; maintain documentation of rumors; and tasks as assigned by the JIC Coordinator.
ASSISTANT TO JIC COORDINATOR (Situation Support)
This Assistant JIC Coordinator will serve the JIC Coordinator and assist with the minute-by-minute JIC operations in support of the JIC member organizations. The Assistant JIC Coordinator ensures effective organization is in place to support JIC operations based on the overall policy direction provided from the Lead PIO, JIC Coordination coming from the EOC Policy Group. In conjunction with the Lead PIO the JIC Coordinator and assistants determine agenda, spokespersons, topics, time, and frequency of press conferences, interviews, etc. The major accomplishments of this Assistant JIC Coordinator will be to: Gather information from throughout the JIC and display so that it is easily accessible by ALL people working in the JIC; to produce and distribute frequent updates to JIC staff; answer and respond to request for information from JIC staff members; maintain information boards in strategic locations throughout the JIC; and assist JIC Coordinator as assigned.
PUBLIC AND MEDIA INQUIRY ROOM MANAGER
If deemed necessary the Lead Pio will activate the P/M room in the JIC. The P/M Manager is responsible for managing and supporting the P/M Inquiry staff. This group will be responsible for delivering rumors, public inquiries and media requests to APPROPRIATE PIO's in the JIC and ensuring that the response is documented and shared with other members (usually by giving the information to the Lead PIO Office staff). The P/M Manager will also serve as the manager of the phones teams if activated. The P/M Manager will work closely with the Lead PIO office in tracking and resolving and rumors. All procedures that deal with news conferences, interviews, press briefings, etc. will be established by the Lead PIO Office.
PUBLIC AND MEDIA INQUIRY STAFF (P/M)
If deemed necessary the Lead Pio will activate the P/M control room in the JIC. The P/M Control staff is responsible for gathering, verifying, and resolving media inquiries, public inquiries and rumors. A major accomplishment would be to ensure that the response is documented and shared with other members (usually by giving the information to the Lead PIO Office). The P/M Control Manager/Staff will work closely with the Lead PIO office in tracking and resolving and rumors. As a member of the P/M staff you will be responsible for tracking inquiries and rumors received via telephone to the P/M room. Rumors should be verified by PIO's in the JIC. The P/M room will be receiving calls from the public, the media, and outside business and government officials.
All procedures that deal with news conferences, interviews, press briefings, etc. will be established by the Lead PIO Office.
You may not need all of the following items in your Go-Kit, but here's a pretty extensive list of what you should at least think about for supporting yourself as a PIO in an emergency:
Supporting Items For PIO
Update Media Contact List monthly.
Update Other Useful Contact List monthly.
Appropriate letter head has been established for news releases, fax information, and correspondence.
Portable audio tape recorder available for use.
Batteries and spare cassette tapes available for tape recorder.
VCR available for your use.
Television available for your use.
Computer available for your use.
Boot disk, word processing program, telecommunication program, data and blank disks, power supply and maintenance available for the computer.
Printer available for the computer to include cords, cables, ribbon, and paper.
General office supplies available for your use.
Purchase orders/research has been done on how and where additional supplies, materials, and equipment can be bought if necessary.
Pens and pencils
_____ a. 3 ball point pens
_____ b. 2 pencils (#2)
_____ c. 1 black permanent pen
_____ d. 1 large black marking pen
_____ e. 1 yellow highlighter pen
_____ f. 4 felt writing pen
_____ g. Assorted colored markers
Paper
_____ a. 2 yellow lined tablets
_____ b. 20 sheets of white typing paper
____ c. 2 large "post-it" pads
_____ d. 2 small "post-it" pads
_____ e. 1 package of 3x5 cards
Stapler/staples
Paper clips
Thumbtacks
Masking and scotch tape
10 file folders
10 manila envelopes
Portable computer (if available)
Maps of incident area (if available)
By now, you should know what a JIC is how a JIS works to benefit everyone involved. Here's a list of some of the resources that a JIC often has available for you - IF you have made the arrangements to be included.
_____ 1. Work space to support operation of JIC.
_____ 2. Work space adjacent to EOC operations or adequate communication with EOC.
_____ 3. Briefing area to hold news conferences and update the media.
_____ 4. Dedicated phones lines established for participating PIO's in the JIC.
_____ 5. Sufficient fax machines available for use to the PIO's.
_____ 6. Copy machine available for use.
_____ 7. VCR's available for use by participating PIO's.
_____ 8. Sufficient televisions strategically placed for PIO viewing during the duration of the incident.
_____ 9. Computers available for use.
_____ 10. Printers available for use.
_____ 11. Typewriters available for use.
_____ 12. General office supplies available for use.
_____ 13. Community maps which can be marked and used as visuals for presentations.
_____ 14. Access to EOC members, department heads, and chief elected and appointed officials to collect and verify information.
_____ 15. Access to EOC members, department heads, and chief elected and appointed officials for briefings, news conferences, and permission to release information (if needed).
_____ 16. Access to information from EOC, dispatch, and field.
_____ 17. Bulletin board to post media releases.
_____ 18. Bulletin board to post JIC procedures and administrative items.
_____ 19. Administrative staff to assist in recordkeeping and filing of information.
_____ 20. Pre-printed letterhead, fax headers, media release headers, etc.
_____ 21. Copy of community resource manual.
_____ 22. Copy of community basic emergency plan and annexes.
_____ 23. Copy of appropriate departmental procedures pertaining to the emergency situation.
c. Supporting Items For PIO Operation - Disaster or Major Emergency (EOC Activation)
_____ 1. Work space to support operation in EOC.
_____ 2. Briefing area to hold news conferences and update the media.
_____ 3. Dedicated phone line established for use.
_____ 4. Radio communications with on-scene personnel.
_____ 5. Fax machine available for use.
_____ 6. Copy machine available for use.
_____ 7. VCR available for use.
_____ 8. Television available for use.
_____ 9. Computer available for use.
_____ 10. Printer available for use.
_____ 11. Typewriter available for use.
_____ 12. General office supplies available for use.
_____ 13. Community maps which can be marked and used as visuals for presentations.
_____ 14. Access to other EOC members to collect and verify information.
_____ 15. Access to information from dispatch.
_____ 16. Access to community department heads and chief elected and appointed officials for briefings, news conferences, and permission to release information (if needed).
_____ 17. Bulletin board to post media releases.
_____ 18. Pre-printed letterhead, fax headers, media release headers, etc.
_____ 19. Copy of community resource manual.
_____ 20. Copy of community basic emergency plan and annexes.
_____ 21. Copy of any appropriate departmental procedures pertaining to the emergency situation.
The root cause of anger and frustration is "unmet expectations." We believe that if we do X, then Y will follow. When it does not happen, we get upset. Perhaps something else happens. Perhaps nothing at all happens.
In dealing with people, these expectations come in two ways. The first is what we have come to assume to be real, but have no hard data. For example, most folks that we meet are given the initial expectation and belief that they are good people. We are friendly with them and upset if that turns out not to be true. Or we assume that a driver will stay in their own lane on a road - and get upset when they veer off into our lane. A continuing series of these events can lead to significant outbursts of anger.
The second type of frustration in dealing with people are expectations for which we HAVE data. These are situations in which there is an actual agreement or promise which is unfulfilled. Formal and informal contracts and especially politicians come to mind, but there are other examples. In any voluntary association, there are many people who make promises. They do it when they take on an office in the organization. They promise to DO THE WORK of that position for the benefit of all. Some do - some don't.
If you are reading this.... (way down here at the end of this month's CONTACT!) I want to say Thank you! I am pretty sure you are one of the people that DOES THE WORK of a PIO, tries to stay up to date on things and wants to benefit all of Amateur Radio through PR. You take the agreement you made in assuming the PIO office seriously and deserve recognition. THANK YOU! - and that's the last word.