At first, I was skeptical with becoming a member but realized that it would be beneficial for me and the HAM community in general to be one. Here are some of the benefits of being a member:

• Monthly QST Magazine
• Members-only Web Services
• QST digital edition
• QST archive and periodical search
• E-Newsletter
• Product review archive
• E-mail forwarding (with arrl.net email address)
• ARRL member directory
• Continuing education
• ARRL field organization
• ARRL sponsored contests
• Operating awards
• Volunteer Examiner Coordinator Program

All though those are more individualized or self-serving benefits, here's something that really is good for the HAM community and the public at large:

• Facilitates amateur radio emergency service
• Hamfests and conventions
• Technical awareness and education
• ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications (for telecommunications professionals and amateurs)

The most important benefit I can see is ARRL as a political body for advocacy of amateur radio service to government and regulatory bodies. In our telecommunications-driven age, the radio spectrum is valuable territory. A lot of commercial service want to get access to the aforementioned with long-term effects notwithstanding. The ARRL assists regulators and legislators understand the nature and needs of amateur radio.

So here on in, as long as I am breathing (and my license as a HAM is valid), I will be an ARRL member.