How to Join RATS!

Prospective members must submit an application with the appropriate dues. All areas on the application must be filled out in order to apply for membership. Election will be by majority vote of members present at the next club meeting. You do not have to be present at this meeting to be voted into the organization. You must however be present at a meeting to get your orientation and to receive repeater codes.

Full Membership: Available only to licensed radio amateurs who already hold their valid FCC issued amateur radio call sign. Full members in good standing shall have full voice in the conduct of the affairs of the organization and shall enjoy all the privileges of membership, including access to the repeater functions.

Associate Membership: Available only to non-amateurs, organizations, or licensed radio amateurs who reside outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Associate members do not have voting privileges or access to repeater codes, and are not eligible to hold office in the organization.

Dues: The annual dues year runs from October 1st through September 30th of each calendar year. New member's dues are prorated by quarter to expire on September 30th (see chart on application), and include a $5.00 new member fee. The fee covers various administration, printing, and postage costs the club incurs with a new membership. Annual renewal rates do not have the fee included.

Full Membership dues are currently $20.00 per year (prorated), plus the $5.00 new member fee.

Associate members, additional Full members from a Full member's immediate household, Senior citizens (age 65 and over), and those members 17 years of age and younger, pay at a rate equal to one-half the annual rate of $20.00 (i.e. $10.00, also prorated), plus the $5.00 new member fee.

If any individual of a family membership qualifies under the standard (Full) dues rate, that member shall be the primary holder of the family membership. Special rate members can not be primary holders of a family membership.

RATS is a "People Powered" Club: In order for a large club such as RATS, Inc., to operate in accordance with its purpose, a commitment is needed from all members. Whether it is a need to fill an elected or appointed office, deliver a meeting program, or work on a special project, the club needs your support. Though we all enjoy the benefits of the repeater, members also have an obligation to participate as helpers in club activities. Please consider volunteering to fill a need.

The Frostfest is our annual hamfest, which takes place in January or February. Help is always needed, whether it is selling tickets or just watching the doors to ensure "gate-crashers" don't get in without paying. The purpose of the Frostfest is to promote amateur radio and to provide funds for the support of club's operation.

The Program Committee helps with the ideas and coordination of programs for our monthly meetings.
The Social Committee helps plan and implement various social functions (as approved by the Board) such as parties, picnics, or other group get-togethers.
The Public Relations Committee is responsible for the collection, dissemination, and distribution of information pertaining to amateur radio as deemed/set by the Board.

Meeting Information: Meetings are normally held at 7:30 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. Meeting information is available at by clicking here.

Three ways to join RATS

1. Join Online - Your application will be recorded and voted on at the next meeting.
2. download the membership application form that is available in PDF format, fill out two (2) copies and mail both to the address on the form with your dues check made out to "RATS, Inc.". You can also download a Word document application.
3. Fill out an application at a meeting