 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
PURPOSE
1. This purpose of this document is to state the terms of a mutual agreement (Memorandum of
Understanding) between the American Radio Relay
League, Incorporated (ARRL), and REACT International, Inc., (Radio Emergency Associated
Communications Teams), that will serve as a framework within which both organizations may coordinate the development
of protocols and procedures for communication in emergency and disaster situations. Each organization
comprises volunteers and professional staff in support of their respective educational and technical programs and
efforts. It is intended that this agreement will promote joint coordination and exercise of the resources of both
ARRL and REACT to recognize the potential and capability of individual members of both organizations to facilitate
the flow of information to and from the public during disaster and emergency situations.
RECOGNITION
2. ARRL recognizes REACT as a public service organization of private radio operators, which provides radio communications
to local communities during emergencies. REACT coordinates efforts with other emergency organizations including
the police, FEMA,
NOAA,
RACES, ARES,
NVOAD,
the Salvation Army, and the American
Red Cross. REACT's other activities including participation in safety radio
assistance for community events, hosting "Safety Wake Breaks" on holiday weekends along highways and
developing the use of radio services as
additional sources of communications in emergencies. REACT accomplishes these goals through REACT Teams located
through the United States and the world. Members of these Teams also have oversight authority over different Committees.
The committees are responsible for establishing and maintaining the orderly flow of business within their specialties.
REACT's primary mission is to improve their communities through the provision of voluntary, two-way communications
that serve the interests of public safety.
3. REACT recognizes ARRL as a noncommercial membership association of radio amateurs, organized for the promotion
of interest in amateur radio communication and experimentation. It is the principal representative of the Amateur
Service and Amateur Satellite Services in the United States, and is the Secretariat for the International Amateur
Radio Union, the worldwide association of national amateur radio societies. ARRL coordinates efforts with other
emergency organizations including the police, FEMA, NOAA, RACES, ARES, NVOAD, the Salvation
Army, and the American
Red Cross. ARRL was organized for the establishment of networks to provide
communications in the event of disasters or other emergencies, for the advancement of the radio art and of the
public welfare, the fostering of education in the field of electronic communications; the promotion and conduct
of research and development to furtherthe development of electronic communication; the dissemination of technical,
education, and scientific information relating to electronic communication; the printing and publishing of documents,
books, electronic media, and publications necessary or incidental to any of the above purposes; for the representation
of the radio amateur in regulatory matters; and to promote fraternalism and high standards of conduct among radio
amateurs. It serves its members by protecting and enhancing spectrum access and providing a national resource to
the public.
PRINCIPLES OF COOPERATION
4. In order that the parties may cooperate and utilize their resources from time to time to optimum mutual benefit
to both parties, the following principles and methods are agreed upon:
4.1 The parties will correspond with each other and exchange certain materials
and engage in certain activities in order to encourage and broaden interest, understanding, and appreciation of
radio telecommunications technology and its value to the public in emergency situations.
4.2 The parties will work to establish protocols and procedures that foster safe and efficient radio services communication
to help the public during emergencies and disaster relief. The parties, through these protocols and procedures,
will try to eliminate duplicative or technically inferior service to the community in emergencies.
4.3 The parties will work with each other in times of emergency or disaster to meet the communications needs of
the public.
4.4 The parties will generally encourage ongoing liaison with each other and urge members of both organizations
to develop increasingly effective communications and cooperation.
5. This memorandum shall take effect upon its signing by authorized representatives of each organization. It may
be amended by mutual agreement of the parties and will remain in effect until terminated by either party, upon
ninety (90) days advance written notice to the other. REACT and ARRL will periodically review this agreement and
coordinate such revisions as may be necessary. Nothing herein will create any joint venture, partnership, or other
business association, nor shall either party enter into any obligation or commitment on behalf of the other.
SIGNED
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