Topic: NEAR-Fest Joins Forces with the A.R.R.L. to Support the Spectrum Defense Fund

[W1RC]

Yeah, you read it right........but keep reading.

One of our  benevolent projects for 2014 is to help raise money and provide matching funds up to $1,000.00 every year for for the A.R.R.L. Spectrum Defense Fund. 

So, notwithstanding the fact that NEAR-Fest is not an A.R.R.L. "sanctioned" event nor are we affiliated with them in any way other than this important initiative, we firmly believe that this NON-PARTISAN undertaking benefits ALL radio amateurs equally whether they are members of the League or not.  The Spectrum Defense Fund is the front line of defense protecting our assigned radio frequency allocations from greedy commercial interests attempting to grab portions of our priceless radio spectrum and otherwise decrease the wonderful privileges we currently enjoy.

Therefore we call upon ALL radio amateurs to contribute to the A.R.R.L. SPECTRUM DEFENSE FUND on a regular basis.  Towards that end we will match all donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,000.00 to this important Fund.  Thanks to you we were able to read our goal for 2014.

There are also threats from other levels of government to the very privileges we enjoy, such as proposed distracted driving laws as well as legislation against antennas and towers that constantly require vigilance and decisive action. 

The Spectrum Defense Fund was first established by A.R.R.L. in 1996 to protect the 2 meter band from "Little LEOs" (Low-Earth Orbiting satellites), then from BPL (Broadband over Power Lines) and constant assaults by commercial interests.  The most recent and ongoing attempt is a "grab" of 10-10.5 GHz spectrum for wireless Internet access which will earn the petitioner, Mimosa Networks, piles of dough if they get away with it.

Additionally, the Fund allows amateur radio to be represented at international conferences such as WARCs, etc.  The League published a newsletter, SPECTRUM DEFENSE MATTERS, that details the efforts made in this area up to the middle of 2012.  Hopefully this will be updated in the near future.  It is a constant battle.

You may make your donation in many ways.  You may mail a check directly to the A.R.R.L. using this NEAR-Fest Challenge special form or telephone and use your credit/debit card.  Just make sure you indicate that this is for the NEAR-Fest Challenge to ensure that your donation counts for the matching funds.  You can also visit the A.R.R.L. Web site, click on The green "donate now" button.  Be sure to put "NEAR-Fest Challenge in the "Additional Comments" box to ensure your gift will be matched.

The will also be a "drop bucket" at the 'fester for those wanting to donate cash towards the effort.

NEAR-Fest has appointed John Moore, N1FOJ, as our Benevolent Projects and Club Relations Coordinator.  John, also known as "El Presidente" will serve as Spectrum Defense Fund Challenge project liaison with Pete Stohrer, K1PJS, the A.R.R.L. NH Section Manager and the A.R.R.L. Development Department folks.

We thank you in advance for your donation.

73,

Mister Mike, W1RC

[W1RC]

Thanks to you we reached our goal amount and, in fact, we actually surpassed it.  We presented our check in the amount of $1,000.00 on October 11th, 2014 at the NEAR-Fest XVI Closing Ceremony.  We were fortunate to have Jeremy, KB1REC, who is an Assistant Section Manager for Youth from the Eastern Massachusetts section there to represent them and receive the check.

http://forum.near-fest.com/mm/NEAR-Fest_ARRL_SDF_Letter.pdf

We hope to do another such challenge soon. 

73,

MrMike, W1RC