If you are starting from scratch in utilizing communications volunteers in an EOC or office, funds can be hard to come by. In such cases, the funds may have to come in segments, rather than all at once. Many EOC Amateur Radio communications have begun with the installation of only antennas and coaxial fittings. This simple, but critical step, allows the Amateurs to bring in their own radios and computers and setting up for any emergency or exercise. Time consuming, but it is a way many agencies have begun. It does have its drawbacks in late arrivals and no shows. The next step should then be implemented -- installing the necessary agency owned equipment permanently. Then the operators need only to report for duty. The equipment is already there and ready to operate.
Scheduling of operators and assignments is a task for the Radio Officer to delegate to the operations assistant, although in a small organization the Radio Officer may have to do this activity. The Radio Officer need only bring in the people with operational skills, not be an operator. In fact, the indication of a good manager is the ability to stand back and manage and assist without getting bogged down in doing other people's work. Properly staffed and trained, volunteers should be able to function with or without their leader. This requires depth in personnel and skills, of course. The capable leader (i.e., Radio Officer) does not try to do everything. Instead he or she brings out the unique talent in others and fits them into those places where their services are useful to the agency and meaningful to the volunteers themselves. It's a win-win situation all the way around.
---Stan Harter, KH6GBX
Scheduling of operators and assignments is a task for the Radio Officer to delegate to the operations assistant, although in a small organization the Radio Officer may have to do this activity. The Radio Officer need only bring in the people with operational skills, not be an operator. In fact, the indication of a good manager is the ability to stand back and manage and assist without getting bogged down in doing other people's work. Properly staffed and trained, volunteers should be able to function with or without their leader. This requires depth in personnel and skills, of course. The capable leader (i.e., Radio Officer) does not try to do everything. Instead he or she brings out the unique talent in others and fits them into those places where their services are useful to the agency and meaningful to the volunteers themselves. It's a win-win situation all the way around.
---Stan Harter, KH6GBX
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