Our nets are designed to be an excellent source of information about each district, their activities, and any pending changes. They also give us an excellent opportunity for training (some a bit better than others). Can you find the time to participate in at least one out of every four of your nets? On average, that works out to less than thirty minutes per month. Think about that. If we can get everyone to check into just one out of every four of their own nets, that would be a twenty five percent participation - per net, over all.

Many people complain that "times are tough". Yes they are. Does anyone actually remember any times in the last twenty five years that were not? With twenty twenty hind sight we can see that several of those times were not as tough, but as we moved through them they were just as tough as now. During the ramp up for Y2K many people made time for training and practice because the potential for disaster was perceived to be so great. After 9/11/01 who says today's threat is any less? What about “Katrina”? That got everyone hyper for a few months. Who can say the Telephone company building in down town Manchester will not be the next target? We all hope not, but none can say.

Net participation and traffic handling, unlike riding a bicycle, where once you learn you don't forget - require regular participation to maintain proficiency. To those of you that participate regularly - thank you, thank you, thank you. That level of commitment makes it much easier to field a group of well trained people during times of need. To the others, can you find thirty minutes per month? Remember, this is part of what you volunteered to do. Regular training is what keeps you a valuable resource for ARES!