Newcomer Survey 2021-22 Results

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Popular online Amateur Radio Club and trainers Essex Hams have released details of a survey of newcomers to the Amateur Radio hobby.

They reached out to those who’ve completed the course after a month or so, to see how they’re getting on. In 2021 and 2022, 1,614 responses gained.

Essex Hams - https://www.essexham.co.uk/

ARRL Foundation Accepting Grant Applications in June

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The ARRL Foundation is accepting grant applications from amateur radio organizations for eligible amateur radio-related projects and initiatives, particularly those focused on educating, licensing, and supporting amateur radio activities. To grow amateur radio's future, youth-based projects and initiatives are especially encouraged.

The ARRL Foundation grants program accepts proposals on a cyclical model three times a year: in February, June, and October. Proposals for the June grant period are accepted through 30th June 2025. Awardees will be notified approximately 1 month after the closing of each cycle.

The ARRL Foundation carefully manages a portfolio of endowments where donors have provided specific goals for their gifts, and that portfolio is invested and managed in a way that it can continue to support those goals for many years to come. More Information - http://www.arrl.org/amateur-radio-grants

IARU Considers Consolidation

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The IARU has released guidance on potential restructuring to help the organisation meet modern challenges. The proposed changes would combine the 3 separate regional organisations into a single global entity.

The proposal (PDF) outlines several areas where the currently independent, regional organisations struggle. Problem areas include declining membership, duplication of resources, lack of coordination, and other inefficiencies. The changes are designed to establish several benefits:

  • Global representation

  • Streamlined decision making

  • Better allocation of resources

  • Improved communication

  • Long-term sustainability

  • Centralised finances

  • Greater influence

Member societies will vote on the restructuring with the potential for a transition as early as next year.

IARU Consultation on Restructuring - https://www.iaru-r2.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IARU-Consultation-on-Proposed-Restructuring_march_2025.pdf