RADIO CLUB OF TACOMA INC
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Mission Statement
The Radio Club of Tacoma (RCT), a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1916 in Tacoma, Washington, USA. Its mission is to promote amateur radio by training radio operators and facilitating their FCC licensing, sponsoring amateur radio activities, promoting best operating practices, informing its members of developments in amateur radio, and training them to assist with communications in disasters. RCT is affiliated with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and is designated an ARRL Special Service Club. The RCT clubhouse houses high-end radio equipment with various antennae erected on its lot, including on an 80-foot tower. It also hosts a museum (open to the public) of vintage (but still functional) radio equipment and a library of historic and current amateur radio literature and reference materials. Other services provided by the RCT include: • Amateur radio Emergency Service (EmComm) training • Amateur radio training and license testing • A museum is maintained at the club house. • A dedicated room at the club house provides emergency communications equipment. • An RF lab is maintained at the club house for testing, repairs and construction. • A reference library of amateur radio and technical materials is available for members and non-members for research. RCT has over 300 members mostly residing within Pierce County. It owns a clubhouse in the center of the county's largest city, Tacoma. Its clubhouse, a converted 1905 residence (1,527 square feet) acquired in 1958 with an adjoining lot, is open to the community (members and nonmembers) on Saturdays and is used for training classes, testing sessions, and meetings during the week. The RCT clubhouse houses high-end radio equipment with various antennae erected on its lot, including on an 80-foot tower that supports two public FM repeaters and other antennae.
About This Cause
The Radio Club of Tacoma (RCT) is a beacon of communication and community service in the heart of Tacoma, Washington. Established in 1916, this esteemed 501©(3) organization is not only one of the oldest amateur radio clubs in the USA but also a vital hub for fostering communication skills, providing emergency communication training, and enhancing technical knowledge among radio enthusiasts. Mission and Activities: RCT’s mission is to elevate the field of amateur radio. It achieves this through comprehensive training programs that guide aspiring radio operators towards obtaining their FCC licenses, and by sponsoring a variety of amateur radio activities. The club is dedicated to promoting best operating practices, keeping its members abreast of the latest developments in the field, and preparing them to offer crucial communication support during disasters. As an affiliate of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), RCT stands at the forefront of amateur radio advocacy and education. Facilities and Services: The RCT clubhouse is a treasure trove of technology and history. It boasts an array of high-end radio equipment and an 80-foot tower adorned with various antennae, including two public FM repeaters. The clubhouse also serves as a museum showcasing vintage radio equipment that not only tells the story of radio’s evolution but is also fully operational. Alongside, there’s a library rich with historic and current amateur radio literature and reference materials for both members and the public. Emergency Communication: Ham Radio is currently embedded with and at the ready to assist our governmental emergency communications (EmComm). One scenario is when the Northwest experiences Cascadia Rising or other very serious seismic event, where we lose our cell phone--internet service and a large chunk of our first responder radio services, is a major portion of the ham radio's preparation focus. In addition, Ham Radio will likely be the only way for citizens to get messages to their loved ones outside of the disaster zone. The club’s commitment to service is evident through its offerings: Preparing members for effective communication in times of crisis. License Training and Testing: Facilitating the journey from amateur to licensed radio operator. Museum and Library: Preserving the past and enlightening the present with a collection of radio artifacts and literature. RF Lab: A space dedicated to testing and repairs, and construction of new experimental equipment ensuring that equipment is always at peak performance. Emergency Communications Room: Equipped to serve the community when disaster strikes. Community Engagement: With over 300 members primarily from Pierce County, RCT is deeply rooted in the local community. Youth Focus: RCT is starting it’s youth focus program. When our young become engaged with ham radio, they are setting themselves up for a lifetime of career and community participation. Ham Radio brings to life the academic STEM studies, to a practical hands-on relevancy and experience. Learning the how and why of the electronics behind radio communications translates to meaningful STEM insight. Our March 2024 issue of RCT’s Logger’s Bark News Magazine (pages 53-58) provide an in depth look at our January 2024 Radio Camp for high school students and their camp counselors. This event was created as a partnership between RCT and Camp Quest Northwest. Links: Youth Radio Camp weekend: https://w7dk.org/images/rct_bark/bark_2024_03b.pdf. Camp Quest Northwest: https://campquestnorthwest.org/ The clubhouse, a converted 1905 residence, is not just a meeting place for members; it opens its doors to the public every Saturday and hosts training classes, license testing sessions, and meetings throughout the week. RCT welcomes all who share a passion for amateur radio, from seasoned operators to curious newcomers. By joining RCT, members become part of a tradition that spans over a century—a tradition of exploration, education, and service. To learn more about the Radio Club of Tacoma, visit their clubhouse in Tacoma, or explore their resources and activities online at www.w7dk.org. And the club Magazine, The Logger’s Bark. You’ll get a glimpse of the Club House happenings plus many Ham Radio related articles, starting with the March 2024 issue. https://w7dk.org/ . Select “Newsletter” from the top banner. Whether you’re looking to become a licensed operator, seeking to contribute to emergency communications, or simply interested in the world of amateur radio, RCT is your gateway to a community that speaks the universal language of radio waves. Join RCT in their mission to connect people and save lives, one frequency at a time.