I'm active in the NERT (Neighborhood Emergency Response Teams) in San Francisco, CA, mainly focusing on emergency packet and voice communications on 2m and 70cm. One good thing about these volunteer programs is that you'll learn to work with all kinds of people, many that don't think at all like you do. Many people will have strengths that complement yours. Be prepared to be a bit frustrated at times. Problems and solutions that are obvious to anyone on this list can be unimportant to almost everyone else. The same works in reverse. Many people will be deeply involved in issues that you've never thought about.

I think it's a great program here on the Ring of Fire. Have fun and remember you're a volunteer. You don't have to do anything that doesn't feel right to you. Be safe so you don't become part of the problem.

Best,
Lynn, W6JAE