A national hub of resources for amateur radio
Whether you are chasing DX, running a net, volunteering in your community or just getting started, NARA exists to strengthen amateur radio through resources, engagement, outreach and advocacy.
Start here
Four things most people come to NARA for.
Our mission
The National Amateur Radio Alliance serves as a central hub of resources for amateur radio operators. As a 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.
Resources
Licensing guides, a community wiki, club toolkits and a national club database — the practical material operators actually need.
Learn moreEngagement
Club Week, regional councils and the presenters panel keep clubs connected to each other and to their members.
Learn moreOutreach
Public demonstrations, youth programs and plain-English explanations that bring new people into the hobby.
Learn moreAdvocacy
Representing operators and clubs on spectrum, antenna restrictions and the regulatory questions that shape the hobby.
Learn moreOur initiatives
NARA develops initiatives that foster engagement, build community, promote learning and support public outreach.
Whether you’re chasing DX, running a net, volunteering in your community, or just getting started, we’re here to support you. The National Amateur Radio Alliance exists to strengthen amateur radio by providing resources, promoting engagement, expanding outreach, and advocating for the interests of operators and clubs nationwide. 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 and ensuring that amateur radio remains vibrant, relevant, and welcoming for generations to come.
Club Week
Clubs get on the air together, exchange QSL cards and show their communities what amateur radio can do.
Alfred Vail 20-20 Young Keyers
Honoring operators under 20 who have reached 20 words per minute or better on CW.
Excellence in Amateur Radio
Our annual award for skill on the air, technical innovation and service as an ambassador for the hobby. Nominate anyone — or yourself.
National Presenters Panel
Clubs find knowledgeable presenters from across the country and request them for a meeting in a few clicks.
Find a Club
Search more than 12,000 amateur radio clubs by location and connect with the group nearest you.
State of Amateur Radio Survey
The most in-depth study of operator habits, licensing, club participation and the health of the hobby.
Regional Club Councils
Club leaders collaborating by region to share resources, coordinate events and tackle common challenges.
What we’re working on
Filings with the FCC, statements and new resources for operators and clubs.
Spot a contact, see who else is on the air
A spotting page of our own: post the station you are working, read what everyone else is hearing, and filter it down to the band or mode you care about.
Club Week is a week away — put your club on the map
Club Week runs November 1 to 8. Signing up takes a minute, puts your club on the national participants list, and gives you a week of ready-made reasons to invite people in.
A rebuilt usnara.org, a new wiki and a better board back end
The Alliance has relaunched its website with far more for clubs and individual operators, a community amateur radio wiki, and a more efficient back end for board members.
None of this happens without volunteers
NARA is powered entirely by people who give their time. Every contribution matters — leading a committee, helping at an event, lending technical skills, or working quietly behind the scenes.
We are recruiting volunteers and committee leaders right now. Most roles are a couple of hours a month, and you can start small.
Committees forming now
Live spots
DX cluster Y08RXO 3.573 MHz FT8
02:19 · spotted by N0AN
Parks on the Air VK2DOD 7.074 MHz FT8
02:17 · spotted by WZ7I
DX cluster KF7WX 7.034 MHz CW
02:13 · spotted by OH6NUW
DX cluster KO4VW 7.032 MHz CW
02:04 · spotted by PA3BUD
DX cluster AH6KO 7.029 MHz CW
02:03 · spotted by OH6NUW
DX cluster KH0W 14.019 MHz CW
02:01 · spotted by 7Z1AO
Members post their own spots from the spot board; the rest come from the DX cluster, Parks on the Air and WWFF.
Ham radio, explained without the jargon
What is amateur radio? Who can get licensed? Why bother, and what can you actually do with a license? Our companion site answers all of it in plain English — no acronyms, no assumptions.
No Morse code required
The US dropped the code requirement in 2007. The entry-level Technician exam is 35 multiple-choice questions.
Any age, no license fee to study
There is no minimum age. Study material is free, and exam sessions typically cost about $15.
A 501(c)(3) you can check up on
Our determination letter, bylaws, annual filings and policies are published openly.
Charity ID 39-2868923
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Governed by a volunteer board
Directors serve without compensation; travel is reimbursed against published IRS and GSA rates.
Open by default
Bylaws, conflict-of-interest policy and annual returns are posted as soon as they are filed.