TENNESSEE AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION
About us
Tennessee Amateur Radio Association
The Tennessee Amateur Radio Association (TARA) was born from a shared passion for radio communication and a desire to connect with others who shared this enthusiasm. Founded in 2024, TARA's origins can be traced back to a group of dedicated individuals who recognized the potential of amateur radio to foster community, promote education, and serve as a valuable resource during emergencies.
Mission
At Tennessee Amateur Radio Association, our mission is to advocate for the advancement and enrichment of the ham radio hobby by fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts, clubs, and organizations. We are dedicated to promoting the benefits of amateur radio as a critical tool for communication, emergency preparedness, and technical innovation. Through educational outreach, collaborative events, and the support of local clubs, we strive to enhance public awareness of ham radio, encourage new operators to join our ranks, and celebrate the diverse interests that make our hobby unique. Together, we aim to create an inclusive environment where knowledge is shared, skills are developed, and lifelong friendships are formed, ensuring the continued growth and relevance of amateur radio in today's interconnected world.
F.A.Q
In essence, TARA acts as a central hub for amateur radio operators in Tennessee, providing resources, support, and opportunities for its members while also contributing to the broader community through public service activities. We conduct licensing classes workshops and as well as test sessions to help advance and gain more users into the hobby!
We currently do not charge dues or fees. We do however sell items to help fund our operations and initiatives. As a not-for-profit, TARA's primary goal is not to generate profit. Any revenue generated through future membership dues, donations, or fundraising activities is typically reinvested back into the organization to support its activities and programs that benefit its members and the amateur radio community in Tennessee.
Education and Training: TARA often organizes workshops, seminars, and licensing classes to help members improve their skills, learn new techniques, and prepare for higher-level licenses.
Networking and Social Events: They host events like hamfests, picnics, and club meetings that provide opportunities for members to connect, share knowledge, and foster camaraderie within the amateur radio community.
Advocacy: TARA may represent the interests of Tennessee's amateur radio operators to local, state, and federal regulatory bodies on issues like spectrum allocation and licensing regulations.
Community Service: While primarily member-focused, TARA may also participate in community service activities that utilize amateur radio technology.
We are divided into four regions with each region having a coordinator see the map below to see where your county is at!
Promote TARA: Tell your friends, family, and other radio enthusiasts about TARA and its activities. Share information about TARA events and initiatives on social media. We also accept donations and have items for sale that help support our not-for-profit operation.
Amateur radio operators are often at the forefront of technological advancements in radio communication. Their experimentation and innovation can lead to breakthroughs that benefit the wider public. TARA Members embrace it and many other types of advancements.
Here You will find the latest Event information...
Professional team
Administrator
KQ4FFP-Riley
Riley, a seasoned professional with a background in law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services, found his passion for radio communication during a challenging time. Following the devastating Nashville bombing, where communication networks were severely disrupted for days, Riley recognized the critical need for reliable off-grid communication systems. This experience ignited his dedication to emergency communications, leading him to pursue amateur radio.
Riley has served his community as the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) Emergency Coordinator (EC) in his county, demonstrating his commitment to public service. He stepped down from this role to focus on building a strong and supportive community within the amateur radio world.
With this goal in mind, Riley founded TARA, an organization dedicated to fostering a welcoming and active environment for both novice and experienced ham radio operators. He strives to create a space where individuals can connect, learn, and contribute to the broader amateur radio community
Region I Coordinator
KC8CPW-Jonathan
Bio Coming Soon.
Region II Coordinator
W4ETA-Will
Will developed the spark for amateur radio at age 10, obtaining his technician license in 1996. After joining the local rescue squad a few years later in the Explorer program, he began a long career in public safety.He was awarded the Red Cross “Communicator of the Year Award” in 2002. After a busy time working and volunteering as a Firefighter & Paramedic, he decided in 2016 it was time to re-enter the hobby, earning his General license, then his Amateur Extra in mid 2022. Since then, he has served as Secretary and President of a local club. He also became a volunteer examiner in mid-2022, in the remote testing community. In 2023, he decided to start the “Tennessee Valley Exam Team”, administering online exams with around 50 volunteer examiners administering exams to over 600 applicants since June of 2023. Not only does he help new hams get licensed, or others upgrade, he also helps foster new hams by being active in the Parks On The Air (POTA) program. If you’d like to have him administer your exam, or if you’re interested in becoming a VE, or would like to join him for a POTA activation, reach out to him!
Region III Coordinator
KB3YMG-Leroy
Bio Coming Soon.
Region IV Coordinator
Vacant
Bio Coming Soon.
