If you are a leader of a club, someone who maintains a repeater, or a member of some other organization that helps organize a net, please consider incorporating our Welcome Net format in your net. We are currently holding a weekly ZOOM gathering Thursday at 8 P.M. EST helping others utilize our welcome net format. Please use our contact form to inquire further about being included in our meetings. We strongly believe that the availability of a Welcome Net to freshly licensed amateurs is a valuable approach to bringing new members into our amateur radio community.
The Welcome Net format first asks for check ins from amateurs licensed one month or less, then for check ins from amateurs licensed one year or less, and finally by all amateurs using the traditional suffix letter groups. We ask all stations checking in to give their call sign phonically, followed by their first name and location. We then offer each participating amateur once all are checked in a chance to tell their current area of interest they would like to chat further about with more experienced hams after the net. Establishing these connections is key to the future of our hobby.
It takes experienced amateur radio operators to establish a welcome net. It takes “Elmers” to provide knowledge to new hams on a welcome net. It takes a club or group repeater to host a welcome net. A welcome net does not have to be separate from an existing net. Our format and protocol will work on the front end of the usual A-E, F-M, N-R, S-Z call for check ins. Our format gives the newest and newer licenses the front row seats on the net letting them introduce themselves and make contact with more experienced amateurs willing to answer their questions both on and off net.
Our hobby is becoming increasingly complex with more sophisticated radios, modes of operation, computers, etc. The basic training needed to pass the entry level license exam today hardly scratches the surface of the package of knowledge needed to enjoy radio operating today. The Welcome Nets are places where new amateurs can feel at home trying to figure out all they have not been taught in the licensing process. The Welcome Nets serve as a supportive place for new members of our amateur radio community and pathway into the amateur radio hobby.