On 18 April 2013 radio amateurs will celebrate the World Amateur Radio Day (WARD) on the 88th Anniversary of the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union, IARU.

This theme for this year World Amateur Radio Day is “Amateur Radio: Entering Its Second Century of Disaster Communications”.

The selected theme for 2013 is a excellent opportunity for amateur radio emergency communications or disaster communications groups to take advantage of the WARD to highlight the role amateur radio plays in disaster communications and disaster response. IARU member-societies could arrange amateur radio demonstrations in public places such as parks or shopping areas.

Prepared handouts could explain the benefits of amateur radio in times of emergency or disaster. A ham radio demonstration in public areas usually generates inquiries and questions from the public about amateur radio and it also provides a great opportunity to attract new ham radio operators. If you plan on such a demonstration, don't forget to include some young people from your society so that young people who happen by the demonstration can see that amateur radio activity can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

In 2013, 18 April is a weekday. However, that doesn't prevent the public activity from taking place on the weekend before or after 18 April. The idea is to gain as much exposure and publicity for amateur radio as possible.

WARD also provides an opportunity for amateurs to give presentations about ham radio to such groups as civic organizations, charitable groups, etc. For example, Rotary Clubs and Lions Clubs are only two of many worldwide organizations who have weekly meetings and these organizations are always looking for interesting and informative programs to present to their membership. There are very few experienced hams who can't talk for 15 or 20 minutes about ham radio in a positive fashion. Don't make the talk too technical. Stress the fun aspects of ham radio and the opportunity to assist in times of disaster. Keep the presentation to about 20 minutes to allow time for questions.

Several National Societies, and clubs related to them, will have special event stations on the air.

Mexico – FMRE, with the help of Grupo DXXE, will activate a unique prefix for the first time: 4A8DMR (DMR = Día Mundial del Radioaficionado). This station will be active from April 18 to 21, 2013 on all bands from 6 meters to 160 in all modes including EME and amateur radio satellites from different Grid Locators throughout Mexico. QSL via N7RO and LoTW. Log will be available also on ClubLog.

Puerto Rico – To echo the theme for this year the ARRL’s Puerto Rico Field Day Group will be active on April 18 from the Emergency Management Agency of the city of Cataño, Puerto Rico. QSL via QRZ.com as well as LoTW.

IARU World Amateur Radio Day - http://www.iaru.org/1/post/2013/03/e-letter-world-amateur-radio-day-2013.html