About the Valley Radio Club of Oregon

Memorandum of Understanding Between the Lane County Chapter,
American Red Cross (LCARC) and The Valley Radio Club of Oregon (VRC)

Foreword.

The Valley Radio Club (VRC) is a non-commercial, non-profit association of radio amateurs organized for the promotion of interest in amateur radio communication and experimentation. Other objectives of VRC include relaying of messages by radio, advancement of the radio art and of the public welfare, and the maintenance of fraternalism and high standard of conduct in matters pertaining to amateur radio communications. The Amateur Radio Service is established and governed by Part 97 of the Rules and Regulations of the Federal Communications Commission of the United States. A primary~responsibility of the Amateur Radio Service is the rendition of public service communications, particularly in times of disaster emergencies.

I. Purpose.

The purpose of this document is to state the terms for an understanding between the Lane County Chapter, American Red Cross (LCARC) and the Valley Radio Club (VRC) that will serve as a framework within which volunteer personnel of VRC may coordinate their activities and equipment with LCARC's facilities and programs. This document cancels and supersedes the Memorandum of Understanding between LCARC 2nd VRC dated February 5, 1991.

II. Organization of VRC.

VRC was established in 1932 and has been continuously active in local amateur radio activities. Its goals are to promote the five principles of the Amateur Radio Service as presently set forth in Federal Communications Commission Regulations, Part 97, subpart A, Section 97.1:

A. To provide emergency and public service communications;

B. To advance the state of the art;

C. To improve individual skills in radio operation;

D. To provide a reserve pool of qualified radio operators and technicians; and

E. To promote international goodwill.

VRC is governed by a slate of officers elected annually by the membership. it holds regular meetings during every month of the year and special meetings as required. Special events are scheduled as appropriate. The Club has been affiliated with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) since 1932. ARRL is recognized as the standard-bearer in amateur radio affairs in the United States, and has its headquarters in Newington, Connecticut. A large percentage of VRC members also maintain individual memberships in ARRL.

VRC has been associated with LCARC since 1951, maintaining an amateur radio station at the Chapter House and providing amateur emergency communications to LCARC whenever needed. Because of its commitment to LCARC, the VRC has always given priority to Red Cross communication needs. In addition, VRC has been a major contributor to the Eugene Area Radio Clubs' "Radio Amateur Volunteer Emergency Service" (RAVES).

III. Method of Cooperation.

LCARC will provide VRC with space and electricity for its Club Radio Station, W7PXL. LCARC will provide some space for VRC's club meetings, its annual Field Day Exercise,any Simulated Emergency Tests or actual emergency operations.

VRC, on request, will provide LCARC with disaster welfare communications via the National Traffic System as well as tactical communication as depicted in Annex "C" of the RAVES Emergency Communications Plan. In addition, VRC will maintain its state of disaster readiness through participation in RAVES on-going training programs and on-the-air exercises and drills. Requests directed to VRC/RAVES regarding emergency communication should go to the VRC/RAVES Emergency Communications Coordinator or the designated primary contact persons.

 IV. Club Station.

VRC will maintain an amateur radio club station, W7PXL, in the Chapter House. In addition to its use in VRC emergency communications and training, this station will be used for general communications for member5 of VRC. Since this station is the property of VRC and is licensed to the VRC Club Station Trustee, it will not be available to non-club members except under direct supervision of a VRC officer or his/her designee. LCARC will not allow access to the club station or equipment by non-club members. VRC/RAVES members may provide personal equipment for their own use or for use of other VRC/RAVEs members during an emergency. In all cases, except life and death emergencies and serious threats to life and property, Red Cross communications will have priority in the Club Station.
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