Mission Statement

Through its club activities and/or radio communications, the Jay County Amateur Radio Club, Inc. (herein known as JCARC) strives to introduce the public to radio electronics, the art of radio communications, the importance of the Amateur Radio Service, and the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  We bring awareness of Amateur Radio to the public by continually being involved in events such as the Tractor and Engine Show,  Amateur Radio Field Day, Scouts of America, Public Education, and others.

We will also strive to be available to local emergency agencies as a source of communications during emergency situations when it is required.

Club Officers (2024)

Francis Betts: President

Steve McDowell: Vice President

Kim Oswalt: Secretary

Krystal McDowell: Treasurer

Club Memberships

We now have three ways you can become a member of the JCARC.

• Full Membership

• Probationary Membership

• Associate Membership

  1. Full Member:  Currently our club dues is $50 per year (can be broken in to 2 payments of $25 each) and that helps support all of our activities, pays for insurance for our emergency comm vehicle, as well as other expenses that are needed throughout the year. The JCARC is a 501(c)(3) educational and community service organization so the membership dues may be considered a tax deductible donation. Being a full member will allow you to run for office and vote on motions and members. At this time it is not a requirement to be a probationary member (see section 2 below) before becoming a full member. Family members (up to 4) may also join for $10 each per year. All members must hold a valid amateur radio license with the classes Tech, General, or Extra.

  2. Probationary Member: Dues for probationary membership are $25 for your first year. This does not give you voting rights or the ability to run for club offices. At this time, we don't require you be a probationary member to become a full member. Family members (up to 4) may also join for $10 per year.  All members must hold a valid amateur radio license with the classes Tech, General, or Extra.

  3. Supporting Member: At a suggested donation of $25 per year, this membership does not have any specific requirements as far as any classes of licenses. As an associate member, we encourage you to obtain your amateur radio license or at minimum a GMRS license (no test required) and join us on our local GMRS nets or assist with GMRS emergency communications (or regular e-comms, if needed).

Why Join?

Joining the Jay County Amateur Radio Club helps our club maintain and insure our open repeater system. You can attend and vote at all club meetings, attend social events, attend all business meetings, and even run for a club office, if that's what you'd like to do. (coming soon:) As a vetted member, you'll have access to our new clubhouse, antennas, and any amateur radio equipment allocated for club member's use.  Though you don't have to be a member to attend our club meetings, you do have to be a member to vote. You also have to be a member or be invited by a member to attend some of our social functions.  You could perhaps even make yourself available to help publish our website and any newsletters. Your membership is truly appreciated.