CARS Goals and Objectives

Every year, CARS surveys its members to gather their aspirations and plans for the club’s future. We collect your input during the October club meeting and share the results at the start of the new year. Please consider volunteering to lead or support your club’s efforts.

CARS 2026 Goals & Objectives

The Chesapeake Amateur Radio Service is committed to providing its members with opportunities to learn, practice, and enjoy the hobby of amateur radio. To achieve this, the club has developed the following goals and objectives for 2026, based on the input from the membership and the approval of the Board of Directors.

Goal 1: To expand training opportunities and technical knowledge for all license levels. Objectives:

  • To organize specific construction and usage classes for amplifiers and transceivers.

  • To increase training frequency for license upgrades, specifically targeting General and Extra class preparation.

  • To provide support for new hams to ensure they are making contacts, utilizing the "New Ham Class" already in planning.

  • To host more Public Service Operations Center (PSOC) meetings to prepare members for event support.

    • Even months will be hosted at the PSOC
      ODD months will be hosted at the W4CAR Clubhouse

Goal 2: To reinvigorate the club’s public service capabilities and relationship with the city. Objectives:

  • To bring ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) back up to speed, ensuring it is active, effective, and fully integrated with the city's needs.

Goal 3: To enhance the quality and engagement of club meetings and social functions. Objectives:

  • To implement "General Interest" Amateur Radio topics on the 3rd Thursday of the month (as proposed by Jim).

  • To move technical demonstrations to General Meetings to ensure focused attention, as "Shack Days" have proven too social for effective demos.

Goal 4: To increase participation in field operations and off-site activities. Objectives:

  • To set up planned field setups that allow members to practice operating portable gear.

  • To actively invite and include members in Parks on the Air (POTA) activations.

Goal 5: To ensure the sustainability of the club through fundraising and member retention. Objectives:

  • To organize fundraisers that encourage member participation and support club resources.

  • To focus on member retention strategies that keep the club active and financially healthy.

How you can make your club better:

  • Take the lead on a goal or item that interests you.

  • Send your idea(s) to the Board of Directors (BOD@W4CAR.ORG)

  • Draft a big picture idea or plan.