Radio Emergency Services is a part of the ARRL that helps to train operators and provide operators during times of emergencies. In addition, local A.R.E.S. groups help to provide communications for walkathons, bike-athons, marathons and special olympics, just to name a few. R.A.C.E.S.-Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services is part of Civil Defense. This group provides communication between government agencies during times of a declared emergency. In the Long Island area, both groups work closely together.
Many hams are members of both groups.
You do not have to be a member to attend these meetings.