Greetings, members! The role of Web Manager transitioned from Bruce N4PDX to me in December, 2014. I would like to thank Bruce for all his previous work, and for helping me take on his duties. Since the transition, I have been working hard to update and add new content to the website, and expand our use of Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr.
The website now has a Training tab, under which you will find details about our training plan, training calendar, certifications, traffic handling, ICS courses, and licensing.
Two other notable additions are under the Resources tab. The Nets section lists several area nets which will be of interest to both new and experienced ARES members. The Equipment Manuals section contains links to manuals for radios and other equipment at our served agencies. The calendar has been updated with meetings, drills, nets, events, and volunteer opportunities, as well.
Robert WX5TEX created the Multnomah ARES / RACES Facebook page to help get the word out about our Trailer Project fundraiser campaign. The page drove additional traffic to the campaign, and was directly responsible for donations totaling $275! It has surely proved to be a valuable asset. We now have 69 followers on Facebook, and each week brings more.
We are now using Flickr for organize our photos from meetings, events, and exercises. These photos are an excellent tool to show people what we do, and can be used on the website, in social media, and in training and promotional materials. Several members have contributed and we now have over 160 photos sorted into albums. Please take some time to browse through the photos and let me know if you have any to share.
Some members have voiced concern over our adoption of Facebook as a communications tool, fearing it might replace existing communication methods. Rest assured, the website and email distribution list will remain our primary means of disseminating information to Multnomah County ARES members; we have absolutely no intention of replacing them.
While participation in the email list is only open to active and supporting members, social media provides opportunities to demonstrate our role and value as emergency communicators to a wider audience – people who are not members and who may not even be familiar with ARES or Amateur Radio.
Our Facebook page, Twitter feed, and Flickr photo albums are public, so you do not need to register with those services to view the content. If you do have accounts, however, please consider Liking/Following us to help increase our exposure.