Like the Roman god Janus, the ARRL Second Century Campaign is reflecting back on the League’s 100 years of service to the Amateur Radio community, while looking forward to paving a path to passionate involvement for a new generations of hams. As it heads into the unknown of its second century, the ARRL is gearing up to face new and ongoing challenges — among them, spectrum protection; inspiring and educating new hams; licensing, and promoting new technology and techniques. Maintaining a commitment to Amateur Radio comes with a cost, and today’s hams are already helping. Until July 1, contributions to the ARRL Second Century Campaign will be matched dollar for dollar from the $250,000 Valentine Challenge Fund, thanks to the generosity of Mike Valentine, W8MM.

“The notion of taking a leap of faith into the future can be scary to imagine, as it must have been for the League’s founders, Hiram Percy Maxim and Clarence Tuska,” said ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart. “Who knows what issues we will face, or where radio and wireless technology will take the next generation?”

But Hobart is certain of one thing: Amateur Radio has meant a great deal to many people. “Its history is filled with stories of science and service,” she said. “What better way to celebrate the accomplishments of the first 100 years by investing in our future, even though the shape of that future is as yet unknown? Like Maxim and Tuska, we must have faith that those that follow us will have the same tenacity, vision and enthusiasm as past generations.”

Hobart said that as of February 28, ARRL had received more than $6.1 million in gifts and commitments. The goal of the ARRL Second Century Campaign is to raise $10 million to build the League’s endowment and ensure a solid financial footing for the League’s next 100 years of serving Amateur Radio.

Hobart said all contributions are welcome. She encourages ARRL members to consider regular monthly installments, which can make a larger contribution easier to manage. “One of our donors is giving monthly for 5 years!” she pointed out. She also urged ARRL members to consider the Second Century Campaign in their estate planning. A pledge form and more information are on the ARRL Second Century Campaign website.

The ARRL Second Century Campaign is dedicated to the following vision for the League’s next 100 years:

• Build upon its historic role as a responsive, flexible and progressive organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the art, science and enjoyment of Amateur Radio;

• Organize, promote and manage a national program to offer a 21st century experience to young people as they build skills in scientific and technological discovery through Amateur Radio in a safe competitive and collaborative environment for their curiosity and creativity;

• Enhance Amateur Radio’s capacity to serve local, national and global communities by applying and sharing our radio communication skills, technical knowledge and volunteer ethic in response to disaster and in public service communications;

• Expand Amateur Radio’s ability to share our radio communication skills and knowledge by strengthening and expanding partnerships with organizations pursuing similar or complementary goals; and

• Commemorate the contributions and accomplishments of the Amateur Radio community since 1914.