The National Amateur Radio Alliance serves as a central hub of resources for amateur radio operators. As an national association built for today’s ham radio community, NARA focuses on four key areas: resources, engagement, outreach, and advocacy -ensuring that operators, clubs, and communities have the support they need to grow, connect, and lead in a changing world.
The Association for the Modern Ham
Whether you’re chasing DX, running a net, volunteering in your community, or just getting started, we’re here to support you at every step of your amateur radio journey. At the Alliance, we envision a dynamic community of operators who are well-prepared, educated, and actively engaged in the hobby. One operator, one club, one conversation at a time, we are fostering a stronger community of ham radio advocates—ensuring that amateur radio remains vibrant, relevant, and welcoming for generations to come.
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Our Initiatives
The National Amateur Radio Alliance (NARA) is a forward-thinking organization deeply committed to the growth and sustainability of amateur radio. We actively develop initiatives that foster engagement, build community, promote learning, and support public outreach. Through community events, media efforts, and partnerships, we raise awareness of amateur radio’s value, protect its future, and strengthen its role in today’s world.
Club Week
Club Week is a dedicated event that encourages amateur radio clubs to get on the air, connect with other clubs, and exchange QSL cards. It’s a national celebration that gives clubs the opportunity to build stronger connections, energize their members, engage with local communities, and showcase what makes them unique.
State of Amateur Radio Survey
The State of Amateur Radio Survey is the most comprehensive and in-depth study ever conducted, gathering insights on operator habits, licensing, club participation, advocacy, and the overall health of the amateur radio community. We hope to launch this in 2026
Alfred Vail 20-20 Young Keyers Award
This award honors young amateur radio operators under 20 who have achieved a Morse code proficiency of 20 words per minute or greater. Inspired by passionate youth keeping the tradition alive, it recognizes dedication, skill, and a commitment to carrying amateur radio forward.
Club Location Map
Our interactive Club Locator Map helps you find amateur radio clubs near you. Whether you’re looking to join a local group, need help with a project, or are a club leader wanting to collaborate with others, this easy-to-use tool makes discovering nearby clubs simple and convenient.
Regional Club Councils
Club Councils bring together leaders from amateur radio clubs within regional areas to collaborate, share resources, and support one another. We believe this is a valuable resource for clubs, helping to strengthen the local amateur radio community by fostering communication, coordinating events, and addressing common challenges faced across the region.
Excellence in Amateur Radio Award
This prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions to the amateur radio community.
Focused on the Future
Amateur radio is changing—and so are the people who power it. At NARA, we're not just keeping up with the times. We're shaping what comes next.
From digital innovation to fresh outreach efforts, from empowering youth to strengthening clubs, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected amateur radio community. We believe the future belongs to those who embrace new ideas and honor the legacy that got us here.
Whether you're a brand-new ham, an educator, a club leader, or a lifelong operator, there’s a place for you in the future we’re creating. Together, we can ensure that amateur radio continues to thrive—not just survive—for generations to come.
Membership
Whether you're a new ham, a seasoned operator, a club leader, or a business that supports the amateur radio community—we have a membership designed for you.
The National Amateur Radio Alliance offers flexible membership options for individuals and groups of all kinds:
- Youth Memberships start at just $15/year, perfect for students and young operators eager to grow in the hobby.
- Individual Memberships are only $32/year and include full access to our national programs, resources, and community.
- Club & Organization Memberships are great for local clubs, non-profits, podcasters, YouTube channels, and other groups looking to connect, grow, and expand their outreach.
- Corporate Memberships give businesses and manufacturers a direct way to show their dedication to amateur radio by supporting it at the national level.
Join a growing movement that’s building a stronger, more inclusive future for amateur radio.
Leadership Team
The driving force behind NARA is a small team of dedicated volunteers who bring fresh, unique perspectives to amateur radio. Together, they guide daily operations, provide strategic direction, and foster a culture of excellence. Their efforts ensure NARA’s continued growth and lasting impact on the amateur radio community.
Volunteer
The National Amateur Radio Alliance is a member-driven, volunteer-powered organization. If you’re interested in volunteering, your time, skills, and commitment can make a meaningful impact. Whether through leadership roles, local engagement, or support for national programs, your involvement helps strengthen our shared mission. Together, we can grow, thrive, and more effectively serve the amateur radio community.
We are currently seeking volunteers and committee leaders in the following areas:
- Web design – Help us keep our website fresh, functional, and user-friendly.
- Award management – Assist with creating, organizing, and promoting awards and recognition programs.
- Event planning – Coordinate outreach events, workshops, and ham radio activities.
- Member support – Help answer questions, onboard new members, and keep our community connected.
- Public relations & promotions – Help share our mission and grow awareness through media outreach, partnerships, social media, email campaigns, and creative storytelling.
- Beta testers – Try out new tools, surveys, and resources before they launch and provide feedback to help us improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Amateur Radio Alliance (NARA)?
NARA is a member-driven, nonprofit association dedicated to empowering, connecting, and advocating for amateur radio operators across the United States. We provide resources, support, and national coordination for clubs, individuals, and organizations involved in amateur radio.
Who can join NARA?
Anyone with an interest in amateur radio can join NARA. This includes individuals at any experience level, families who enjoy the hobby together, and clubs or organizations looking for resources and support. Businesses and manufacturers involved in amateur radio are also welcome with a corporate membership. If you're part of the amateur radio community—or want to be—NARA is here for you.
How can I get involved or volunteer?
Getting involved with NARA is a great way to make a positive impact on the ham radio community. Once you become a member—just $32 per year for individuals—you’ll find many ways to contribute. We’re currently looking for volunteers to support areas such as web design, award management, event planning, member support, and outreach. You can also represent NARA at local hamfests and amateur radio events. Whatever your skills or interests, there’s a place for you to get involved and make a difference. To learn more or get started, email us at cq@usnara.org.
Does NARA lobby on behalf of amateur radio?
NARA is not a registered lobbying organization, but we are deeply committed to advocacy. While we don’t employ professional lobbyists, we actively support coordinated advocacy efforts, provide tools and resources to help individuals and clubs engage with policymakers, and collaborate with other organizations when legislative or regulatory issues arise. In short, NARA advocates for amateur radio—but our strength comes from the voices of our members, not lobbyists in Washington.
How is NARA different from the ARRL or other amateur radio organizations?
The National Amateur Radio Alliance is here to add value, fill gaps, and serve the amateur radio community in new and complementary ways.
We respect the long history and contributions of the ARRL and other organizations. At the same time, we recognize that the needs of today’s hams are evolving. Our mission is to connect more people to amateur radio, empower local clubs and operators, and provide fresh ideas, modern tools, and inclusive programs that reflect the diversity and creativity of today’s ham radio landscape.
There’s room for multiple voices working toward the same goal: a stronger, more vibrant future for amateur radio. We’re proud to be one of them..
How does my membership benefit me?
NARA provides essential support and resources to enhance your amateur radio experience. This includes assistance with licensing, access to educational materials, and timely updates on important legislation and proposals that affect the hobby. Your membership dues play a crucial role in sustaining both the organization and the broader ham radio community. They help fund on-air activities, offering opportunities for community engagement, as well as annual awards that recognize exceptional contributions and educational scholarships for youth. Additionally, your dues ensure that NARA remains a key source of information for both new and experienced operators. By becoming a member of NARA, you not only enrich your own experience but also contribute to the growth and development of amateur radio. You’ll benefit from a dedicated organization that amplifies your voice, keeps you connected, and encourages your active participation in the ever-evolving world of amateur radio..
How much are the dues?
NARA's individual membership dues are $32 per year, offering a range of benefits, including access to discounts, notifications about proposed regulations, and license resources. What sets NARA apart is that we go beyond just individual memberships; we also offer memberships for clubs, organizations, businesses, and manufacturers. While our individual membership focuses on providing personal benefits, the expanded membership options are being developed to support the broader amateur radio community. These different membership tiers help foster collaboration across various sectors of the hobby, further enhancing the value for all involved.
How can I get involved?
Getting involved with NARA is a great way to make a positive impact on the ham radio community! We are looking for individuals to serve on our Board of Directors and the Board of Review for awards. Additionally, like many organizations, we rely on dedicated volunteers to help us grow and thrive in areas such as web design, award management, event planning, member support, and more. You can also get involved by promoting NARA at local hamfests and events. Whatever your skills or interests, there’s a place for you to make a difference. Reach out to us by sending a message, or emailing us—together, we can create something amazing and make a lasting contribution to the ham radio community! an answer to this item.