SeaScholar

Working on all of that. The discord is a great place to get started and when the program is ready, i'll make sure the training is ready very shortly after. Thanks for bringing that up!

Ever wonder who runs the show? GMRUS is a volunteer-led organization, and we have a structure designed to support members at both the national and local levels. Our Leadership Structure: National Team: A team of volunteers (President, VP, Secretary, etc.) handles the overall strategic direction of the club. State & Local Coordinators: These are the boots-on-the-ground leaders who organize local meetings, on-air nets, and GOTA events in your area. As we grow, we will be looking for passionate members to step into Coordinator roles. If you're interested in helping build the GMRUS community in your town or state, please let us know!

We're incredibly excited to introduce the cornerstone of our public service mission: the GMRS On The Air (GOTA) Program! What is GOTA? Think of it as being the "Helpful Neighbor on the Trail." GOTA is a volunteer initiative where our members provide communication assistance and promote safety in public recreational areas like state parks, hiking trails, and OHV areas—places where cell service is often unreliable. A GOTA operator's role is to: Act as a friendly, visible point of contact. Provide information like trail conditions or directions. Monitor for safety issues. Relay critical information to authorities (like Park Rangers) in an emergency. This is NOT a security patrol. It's about community service and helping others enjoy the outdoors safely. The GOTA program is a fantastic way to practice your radio skills while making a real difference. We'll be offering specific GOTA Operator Training to get you prepared. Ask any questions you have below!

So, what do we actually do? GMRUS is all about hands-on learning and community fun. Here’s a look at the activities and programs we're building: Regular Get-Togethers: Monthly Meetings: A mix of in-person and virtual meetings to hang out, discuss club news, and learn from guest speakers. Weekly On-Air Net: A designated time each week to jump on the radio, test your gear, practice your skills, and chat with fellow members. Training & Education: We offer training for all skill levels! GMRS Licensing Workshops: We'll walk you through the FCC application process. Beginner's Bootcamp: Learn basic radio programming and on-air etiquette. Advanced Workshops: Dive deeper into topics like mobile stations, repeaters, and GMRS-based APRS. Net Control Training: Learn how to run an on-air net like a pro. Community & Social Events: Group Activities: We'll organize group campouts, trail rides, kayaking trips, and family picnics where we can put our radios to good use. Community Service: We'll provide volunteer communication support for local charity events. Stay tuned to the forums for announcements about upcoming events!

Make it easy for people to understand the membership structure and how to sign up. Topic Title: How to Join GMRUS & Membership Info Post Content: Ready to become a part of the GMRUS community? Here’s how our membership works. We've kept it simple and affordable. Membership Levels: Individual Membership: $10/year for one licensed GMRS operator. Family Membership: $15/year for one GMRS license holder and their immediate family at the same address. Associate Membership (Non-licensed): Free! If you're just curious about GMRS/FRS and want to learn, this is for you. You'll have access to all our resources except those that require a license (like transmitting on GMRS frequencies). Why Join? Your membership dues are the primary source of funding for the club and help cover costs like website hosting, event supplies, and future projects like a club repeater! (The Website and association is still being worked on, and much of this is still up for discussion/change until we post the website going active)

Hello and welcome to the official forum for the General Mobile Radio Users Society (GMRUS)! We are a new community-focused organization dedicated to the promotion, education, and responsible use of GMRS and FRS radio. Who are we for? If you're an individual, a family, or a small business looking for a simple and effective way to communicate without the deep dive into HAM radio, you've found the right place. We are built for the everyday user who enjoys GMRS for: Family events and coordination Camping, overlanding, and hiking Small business operations Emergency preparedness And so much more! Our Mission is Simple: To create a supportive and educational community for GMRS users of all skill levels. We want to empower you with the knowledge to use your radios effectively and confidently for recreation, work, and safety. We believe there's a seat at the GMRUS table for everyone. We're excited to have you here and look forward to chatting on the forums and on the air!

GMRS on the Air (GOTA) 1. Vision & Mission Vision: To see a GMRS radio in the hands of every family and individual recreating in the outdoors as a primary tool for safety, convenience, and community. Mission Statement: To establish a network of licensed General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) operators who volunteer their time and equipment in public recreational areas to provide communication assistance, promote safety, and build a stronger, service-oriented GMRS community. 2. Core Concept: The "Helpful Neighbor on the Trail" GOTA is a volunteer-based program focused on public service through communication. It is not a security patrol or an official watch group. The role of a GOTA operator is to be a friendly, visible, and helpful source of information and communication for the public. Operators act as a reliable point of contact in areas where cell service may be unavailable, offering assistance and enhancing the safety and enjoyment of the recreational area for everyone. 3. Organizational Structure A two-tiered structure allows for national cohesion and local autonomy: National Level (The GOTA Association): Manages the GOTA brand, website, and a central database of operators and locations. Develops the general rules, code of conduct, and operating procedures. Issues national-level awards and recognition for participation. Maintains a master list of eligible Areas of Operation (AOs). State/Local Level (Coordinators & Clubs): The driving force of the program, consisting of volunteer coordinators or existing GMRS clubs. Builds relationships with local park management and recreational groups. Organizes local events, such as a "GOTA Day" or coordinated watches. Serves as the primary point of contact for new operators in their region. 4. Areas of Operation (AOs) Primary AOs: Parks (State, County, & National): The foundation of the program. Recreational Trails & Trail Systems: Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) Areas: Designated areas for ATVs, 4x4s, etc. Secondary AO (Optional): Inland Waterways (Lakes & Rivers): Smaller, inland bodies of water where Marine VHF radio is not required. A GMRS license is required for all GOTA operations. 5. Operator Roles & How Value is Provided An operator who is "On Station" serves the public in several key ways: Information Source: Providing directions, park/trail conditions, points of interest, etc. Safety Monitoring: Acting as a point of contact for individuals who are lost, separated, or need minor assistance. Weather Updates: Relaying current weather forecasts and alerting people to hazardous conditions. Emergency Relay: In critical situations without cell service, a GOTA operator can relay information to the proper authorities (Park Rangers, 911 dispatch). 6. Technology & Equipment To maximize effectiveness, operators are encouraged to use quality equipment. Base Station: A mobile GMRS radio (15-50 watts) connected to a vehicle or portable power source, with a high-quality, externally mounted antenna for best performance. Signage: A small, friendly sign ("Volunteer GMRS Operator - Monitoring Channel XX for Assistance") makes an operator visible and approachable. Mobile GMRS Repeaters: This is a key force multiplier for the GOTA program. Function: An operator can deploy a portable, low-power GMRS repeater at a high-elevation point within the park or trail system (e.g., a hilltop or ridge). Benefit: This single repeater can provide park-wide communication coverage, linking hikers with handhelds in low-lying valleys back to the GOTA operator's base station and to each other. It dramatically increases the range and reliability of the service being provided. Use Case: An operator sets up their base station at a main trailhead and deploys a solar-powered repeater on a nearby peak. Now, they can hear and assist people from anywhere in the park, not just those within direct line-of-sight. 7. Key Terminology & Procedures The Activity: "Going On Station" or "Conducting a Watch" The Participants: "GOTA Operators" (those on station) and "Monitors" (those listening in) The Log: "Station Log" (a record of time, location, contacts, and assistance provided) Procedure: An operator finds a location, sets up their station, and makes an announcement on a designated GMRS calling channel (e.g., Channel 20, CTCSS 141.3 Hz), stating their call sign, location, and the channel they will be monitoring for their watch. 8. Code of Conduct Operators are volunteers, not officials. They must never represent themselves as park staff or law enforcement. All FCC rules and regulations for GMRS must be followed at all times. Operators must be courteous, professional, and helpful to all members of the public. The primary goal is service and safety. The program is not for contesting or simply making contacts. 9. Awards & Recognition To encourage participation, the National Association will offer awards for achievements such as: Conducting a watch in 10, 25, or 50 different AOs. Logging 24, 50, or 100 hours "On Station." A "Public Service Award" for operators who provide documented, critical assistance. 10. Web Domains Jason Albers (WSJI765) has purchased the following domains for this program. gmrsontheair.com - the primary site where the GOTA program will be hosted with access to transmission (watch) reports. joingota.com - This will be the forwarding domain for recruit of GMRS Operators. gmrsontheair.org - A secondary backup domain for GOTA. It will forward to the dot com. --------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have any thoughts or additional ideas for this program, please discuss them below. This is OUR program, let's make it the best!