WC‑ARES Support Volunteer 

A Support Volunteer is a community member who assists WC‑ARES during events, trainings, exercises, or administrative tasks. Support Volunteers help strengthen operations by providing logistical, organizational, and non‑tactical support. No amateur radio license is required, though obtaining one is encouraged. A GMRS license is also recommended for those who want to participate more actively in voice communications. 

Purpose

The Support Volunteer Program expands WC‑ARES capability by welcoming community members, new radio operators, and served‑agency partners to participate in approved support roles. This program increases manpower, improves event flow, and encourages future membership and radio licensing.

Eligibility

Support Volunteers may participate if they:

• Have an interest in emergency communications or community service

• Agree to follow WC‑ARES leadership direction

• Provide basic contact information for coordination

• Understand you are not acting as deployed ARES members Licenses:

• No license required

• Amateur radio license encouraged

• GMRS license recommended for voice‑based support roles

Roles & Responsibilities

Support Volunteers may assist with:

• Event setup, staging, and logistics

• Check‑in tables, information booths, and documentation

• Non‑tactical communications support (message handling, clerical tasks)

• Photography, mapping, or field observation

• Served‑agency coordination tasks approved by WC‑ARES leadership

• Shadowing ARES members to learn radio procedures

Support Volunteers may not:

• Serve in official ARES deployment roles

• Operate radios in tactical positions unless licensed and authorized

• Represent themselves as ARES members

Training & Orientation

Support Volunteers receive:

• A brief orientation on expectations and safety

• Event‑specific instructions

• Optional introductory radio training 

• Learn more by listening to ARES Weekly Nets

• Participating in training If desired. 

Supervision

Support Volunteers operate under the direction of:

• The Event Coordinator

• The ARES Officer in Charge

• Assigned team leads

All tasks must be approved and supervised to ensure safety and mission integrity.

Path to Full Membership

Support Volunteers interested in joining WC‑ARES may transition to full membership by:

• Obtaining a Amateur Radio license.

• Completing the ARES registration process

• Participating in training

• Meeting credential requirements

This program serves as a welcoming entry point for new operators, GMRS users, and community supporters.