Turn your FCC license into real community service.
DeKalb ARES is open to any FCC-licensed amateur radio operator — any license class, any age, regardless of ARRL membership status. There are no dues and no fees. The only qualification, beyond the license itself, is a sincere desire to serve when needed.
Why this matters
Before diving into the practicalities — a short video on why amateur radio's public-service mission still matters in 2026, and why trained volunteers are worth their weight in an emergency.
Watch on YouTube
What's expected of members
Active membership is a light but real commitment. We ask that you:
- Check into the weekly practice net on Sunday evenings.
- Attend the monthly in-person meeting when you can.
- Participate in community events and drills throughout the year — marathons, Field Day, simulated emergency tests, APRS/Winlink exercises.
- Serve as Net Control or Alternate Net Control at least once per year.
These activities are how we sharpen our communications skills and stay ready to support served agencies in a real event.
What you get out of it
A direct, concrete way to serve DeKalb County and its residents.
Work alongside a network of trained operators, EMA staff, and served agencies.
Hands-on skills — message handling, digital modes, net operations, deployable gear — and the satisfaction of knowing you're useful.
How to register
- Email the Emergency Coordinator: ec@dekalbares.org . A short note ("I'm KC4XYZ, I'm interested in joining") is plenty.
- Fill out the ARRL ARES registration form: Print, fill in, and return to Jim Penland, N4RAR, our Emergency Coordinator.
- Show up to a meeting or check into a net. That's it — you're in.
Stay in the loop
Register with the DeKalbARES Groups.io to receive meeting announcements, last-minute updates, and ongoing member discussion. This is the primary channel for group communications between meetings.
A supplementary real-time chat channel for quick questions, live-drill coordination, and informal conversation. Join the DeKalb ARES Discord.
DeKalb ARES runs an alerting system that sends an email or SMS when the group is activated, and relays National Weather Service warnings that affect DeKalb County. Members can opt in by sending their email address or cell number + carrier to radio.w4tga@gmail.com .
Traffic is low — activations, monthly meeting reminders, and a periodic test message to confirm the link works. No unrelated messages.
Don't have a license yet?
You're still welcome at any meeting or net. The Technician class is the entry point — 35-question multiple-choice exam, a few weeks of self-study. DKARES maintains a study guide and a short page that walks you through it.