Allen Pitts, W1AGP
Media and Public Relations Manager
(860) 594-0328
apitts@arrl.org
Amateur Radio operators come from all over the world to have their
pictures taken in front of the sign on the Southeastern corner of the lawn of
the leading organization of radio amateurs in the United States -- The American
Radio Relay League. In the ARRL's red brick headquarters buildings, experts
transmit Morse code practice for amateurs throughout the country. Contest
managers score the latest long-distance contacts in a competition among hams.
Engineers design, analyze and evaluate radio circuits. And skilled technical
writers track down the latest information on the effect of sunspots on radio
propagation.
Founded in 1914, the 156,000-member American Radio Relay League is a microcosm of the Amateur Radio community, not only reflecting a commitment to the many enthusiasms of hams, but also providing leadership as the official voice of Amateur Radio, whether in dealings with the Federal Communications Commission, the World Administrative Radio Conference, the International Amateur Radio Union, or with the general public. Indeed, many of the most knowledgeable hams believe that, as competition grows for increasingly scarce radio spectrum, the future of The League is the future of Amateur Radio.
Full membership in the ARRL is restricted to licensed Amateur Radio operators. The League is governed by a board of directors elected by member hams from among their own ranks. ARRL's powerful field organization coordinates ham radio emergency communication services, establishes formal message traffic networks among hams, sponsors local special events, and serves as the League's "ears and eyes in the field" by providing volunteer counsel and technical assistance for local hams, public information services to local media, and monitoring in local government on zoning and other issues that affect the hobby.
From the Newington headquarters, a staff of more than one hundred provides many direct membership services including the monthly journal QST and other periodicals, book publishing, a ham radio contact confirmation card (QSL) service, a variety of contests, low-cost equipment insurance, and on-the-air operating privileges at Amateur Radio station W1AW. The ARRL education department provides information on Amateur Radio to schools, as well as a collection of film and video suitable for showing at local ham clubs. In addition to developing projects for hams, the League's fully equipped labs test and analyze equipment. The results are published so hams know what they're buying. And experts in propagation, local antenna ordinances and a variety of other fields are on hand to provide current advice for members.
To find out more about Amateur Radio and the activities of the American Radio Relay League, contact: ARRL, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111, telephone 1-800-32NEW HAM.