I have been asked on behalf of the PSC working group to forward this to ODV: Dan Henderson, N1ND Assistant Secretary - American Radio Relay League, Inc. Regulatory Information Manager ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio 860-594-0236 dhenderson@arrl.org<mailto:dhenderson@arrl.org> Subject Line: Information Update on ARES Connect -- Beginning Beta Testing Notices are now going out to those who have been selected to beta test the new ARES Connect volunteer management system in their section. We believe that during this testing period, testers will discover many valuable features that will truly enhance their ability to manage their emergency communication volunteers. Those features include: a robust event management feature that allows ECs at all levels to create events, register users, log hours; a more automated reporting system based on user input, so that, instead of filing reports, ECs will be able to generate reports based on the events users register and log hours for; enhanced roster management capabilities; and embedded communications tools that will allow ECs at all levels to send email and text messages to volunteers. As we start on this beta-testing process, it may be helpful to remind everyone what ARES Connect is and what it is not. ARES Connect is built on a platform hosted by Volunteer Hub, a company that specializes in volunteer management solutions. Volunteer Hub has created platforms that are currently being used by a wide range of organizations of all sizes, including non-profits, religious organizations, hospitals, food banks, and public service programs. ARRL has committed to cover the costs of acquiring and implementing the ARES Connect system for ARES, so there is no cost to users or field organizations' leadership. ARES Connect offers many helpful features for the management of ARES volunteers, including: * A standardized ARES application process with the ability to add ARRL Section level customization. * An event management feature that allows ECs at all levels to create events, register users, log hours, and share information with other system users. * Roster management - the roster of volunteers remains the same when leadership changes. * Communications tools - ECs at all levels can send email and text messages to volunteers. * An on-site log in feature - so that during an event you can create a volunteer log in kiosk to track hours. * Each ARRL Section will have a dedicated page where new radio amateurs can be directed to sign up for ARES, find contact information, and see upcoming events including important training opportunities. * Volunteer approval process - new volunteers can still vetted by ECs before being added to the roster. * ARES Connect can be used on a computer or tablet or mobile device. * Reporting based on user input - so that, instead of filing reports, you will now generate reports based on the events users register for and log hours. This will offer a wider range of information so that more detailed or customized reports can be created at all levels. One important thing to keep in mind with ARES Connect is that it is not just a website or a database; it is a volunteer management system that is web-based. ARES Connect cannot serve as a full web page for ARES in a section. However, it can be used to direct potential volunteers to a wealth of available information about the ARES program. The timeline for the Beta Test Process will involve a week for training, a week for familiarization, and then about a month for local testing. After that will be a one-week period where we will reconnect with our beta-testers to get their feedback on their experiences and get insights on any needed changes to the system. As we continue moving forward, we will endeavor to keep everyone informed about the progress of testing, refining and implementing the ARES Connect system. Again, we want to sincerely thank those who taking part in the beta testing and we appreciate the support of all those involved in making this evolution to a better trained, better organized, more professional ARES program. ARES Connect Support Team ARRL Field Service Department