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