Join Sumner ARES
Sumner ARES membership is open to all amateur radio operators irregardless of age or skill level set. There are no membership dues/fees for Sumner ARES and is a strictly volunteer organization with professional integrity. There are different membership options available to suit your level of interest/commitment within the Sumner ARES organization. While we realize that committing to an organization may be difficult given individual personal schedules, we hope that you will choose the best level that fits you. The criteria and benefits for each level can be found in the descriptions below. You will need to complete an Sumner ARES Membership Application available on our SCARES public access drive. Or the following links take you to the application in either Application in Document Format or Application in PDF Format with editable fields if you download it (FoxIt works well but other PDF readers may work). You can print, complete, and may scan your completed/signed application then email it, or if you have any membership questions, to info@SumnerARES.org, or you may bring it to one of our monthly meetings. Information on time and location can be found on the SumnerARES info section.
While ARES is an recognized extension of the ARRL, membership in the ARRL is not required nor mandatory, however it is recommended, to benefit from the communications training the ARRL supports and provides. If you are not a member of the ARRL but are interested in the many benefits the ARRL does provide for it members, visit the ARRL Website for further information.
Membership Levels in Sumner ARES:
Regular/Active Member - A member that participates in reasonable amount of monthly training nets, coordinated and/or non-coordinated events, and monthly meetings. **Unlicensed but actively studying individuals, can join as a Regular/Active "Pending" Member and receive available basic training/mentoring with the organization in a probationary time period until the individual becomes licensed with the FCC.
- Regular/Active Member benefits include: Official Sumner ARES credential (required by SCARES policy and our Served Agencies), Official ARRL A.R.E.S credential (required for fee waive of Tennessee designated "Emergency" Amateur Radio vehicle tags in Sumner County and other ARES organizations), Basic communications/amateur radio (ham radio) related ongoing training. Primary consideration for acceptance into advanced emergency communications related training opportunities often provided in-house or by other agencies/organizations as they arise, especially those with limited seating. Individualized training in specific skill-sets will be available in the future. Inclusion, on a voluntary basis, into the MAT/RDT teams is available. NOTE: For Regular/Active Team Members and the benefits and training investment received, both present and future, a reasonable individual time commitment to the organization is expected.
- Reserve Member benefits include: Official Sumner ARES "Reserve Member" credential (required by SCARES policy and our Served Agencies), Basic communications/amateur radio (ham radio) related ongoing training often presented when in attendance to selected monthly meetings. Reserve or backup considerations for acceptance into advanced emergency communications related training opportunities often provided in house or by other agencies/organizations. Membership Level upgrade available at anytime if member is able to fulfill Regular/Active Member requirements. NOTE: Reserve Members are placed on a standby list and subject for "second wave" or "relief" call ups for deployments to relieve the initial first responding Active members in the event of an emergency, extended deployment, or mutual aid request. Reserve Members ARE eligible to deploy as first response with Active members but must be coordinated thru the EC or AEC's prior to ANY deploymnent.
- Junior/Youth Member benefits include: Official Sumner ARES credential (required by SCARES policy and our Served Agencies), Basic communications / amateur radio (ham radio) related ongoing training. Primary considerations for acceptance into advanced emergency communications related training opportunities often provided in-house or by other agencies/organizations. Future Individualized training in specific skill-sets will be available. NOTE: Junior/Youth Members have a more relaxed expectation of time commitment and involvement than Regular/Active Members. Junior/Youth Members can be deployed in limited circumstances/environments as approved by the EC and must be accompanied by parent(s) or guardian(s) to be responsible for the safety and care of the Junior/Youth Member.