Divisional Advisors to Council (DA)

The objective is to establish a core of subject matter experts to provide a link between the SARL Council and Radio Amateurs in each division, who will provide input in their area of expertises, this structure will also assist in bringing the League and members closer and further improve the communication channels.

One of the main objectives of the SARL is promote transparency of its operation and to involve members and clubs in all divisions. In governmental terms some competencies are national, some provincial and other metropolitan. For the SARL to respond to any issues affecting amateur radio, the SARL needs ears on the ground and information scouts who are able to feed council with the details of local issues and provide strategic input. It will greatly improve the speed and enhance the efficiency with which local issues can be dealt with. The DA system is a two-way system. While DAs will make input to Council through their designated Councillor, they will get feedback for dissemination to local clubs and members. This will greatly enhance the communication process.

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FOCUS AREAS

The following areas have been identified as the one requiring immediate attention:

• High Frequency Operation: adherence to band plans, use of International beacon programme, propagation studies, new technologies such as digital HF, promotion of new modes, contesting
   
• VHF/UHF/Microwave:, contests, new technologies and satellites
   
• Hamnet: align Hamnet with the new structure
   
• Youth Development: liaison with the DOC programme, local youth promotions, examinations and licensing issues
   
• Membership: the retention of current and previous members
   
• Interference and Intruder Watch (IARU Monitoring System): dealing with local interference problems, PLC, RFI and monitoring of intruders in the amateur bands. (Active participation in the IARU Monitoring System)
   
• Environmental issues: antenna and tower restriction, unreasonable rules for complex dwellers, electromagnetic radiation (current legislation is under the department of health but current not fully implemented.)
   
• Band Planning and Repeaters: repeaters, beacons, band plans, coverage plans, licensing issues, and applications
   
• RAE & Education: Course content and management, RAEs, development and maintenance of presentation materials, lecturer selection process and qualifications
   
• Upgrades and Assessors: selection, training and dissemination of information, monitoring service provided
   
• Technical: collection and dissemination of information relevant to the various Technical Committees with which we are associated

Reporting Structure

Each DA reports to the Councillor dealing with the designated portfolio.

Every six weeks, prior to a council meeting the DA will participate in a teleconference with the designated Councillor to discuss issue and table matter that requires Council attention. The Councillor discusses issues that Council would like assistance and feedback on. Where the area covered by a division is geographically large there may be more that one DA, possible one per province in these areas.

Prerequisites of a DA:

• Paid up members of the SARL
• Recognized subject matter expert in his / her chosen field
• Computer literate and access to the internet
• Access to a Telkom fixed line for the six-weekly teleconference. ( Cell phones and Prepaid Telkom lines cannot be connected)

How does the DA operate?

To enable to do his/her job properly, a DA should be close to the clubs in his/her division by

• Calling in on their nets
• Speaking to club chairmen on a regular basis
• Attend club meetings as often as possible on a rotational basis. (At least one meeting per year)
• Be active on the air
• Be a subject matter expert in the chosen area
• Participate in the forum on the SARL web under their portfolio

Depending on his/her area of operation:

• Monitor local media (with assistance of clubs)
• Understand the local regulatory environment and get to know local officials as appropriate
• Be an ambassador for the SARL and Amateur Radio
• Communicate the benefits of being a member of the SARL.
• Participate in the Presidents net and Intecnet
• Promote the SARL News bulletins and Amateur Radio Mirror International as valuable resources of information
• Disseminate information from Council
• Provide feedback on local issues to Council.

Click here to volunteer to become a Divisional Advisor for your area.