N0FP posted an idea to the CQ-CONTEST reflector a couple of years ago
about a contest that could prove to provide considerable exposure to
contesting, ham radio, and emergency preparedness.

The purpose? To demonstrate that US hams are capable of originating and
delivering significant and meaningful traffic to central collection
points. We are not rank "amateurs".

Imagine a contest where the purpose is to publicly simulate a
significant national disaster--a thermo nuclear device detonated over
Chicago for example. The FCCs Mr. Powell would send out a press release
to the ARRL and all media (CNN, NBC, ABC, etc.) at high noon EST on a
Friday or Saturday between two dates (e.g. 9/11 and 3/31) stating: "All
amateur radio operators are instructed to begin the emergency
communications simulation beginning today at 02:00 UTC and ending 06:00
UTC. That would be the kick-off of the mother of all US contests. All
amateurs on all bands on all modes all at once. Every scrap of
equipment you own would be pressed into service.

Starting at 22:00 hours the same day, W1AW would begin posting
instructions for the contest using digital modes to provide the "rules
of engagement" for the contest. The contest exchange, log routing,
collection points, etc., would be sent from W1AW during the entire
contest. Specific instructions from W1AW will direct appropriate band
limits, restrictions, regional information, etc.

The goal for contesters would be to collect valid QSOs using the
instructed exchange. Any station may be worked for valid QSO points, on
any non-WARC band more than once, but never more than once per hour.
All US amateur ops on all bands except the WARC bands would be eligible
to collect valid Qs. Each US section would be a "team." Logs would be
routed to section managers using ARES people to man the traffic. The
traffic would be the logs of contesters.

The goal? Deliver logs to section managers as often and quickly as
possible. Points would be assigned to sections based on the number of
Qs in the log and the time received by the section manager. Relays of
logs are encouraged. The use of VHF frequencies is encouraged. Every
scrap of equipment you own will be pressed into service, except your
phone line. No internet is allowed. No twisted pairs allowed. Only RF
delivered traffic allowed.

Section managers will accumulate the data and summarize the results.
Email the results to a central collection point -- W1AW. Mr. Powell
will get a report on Monday morning outlining the success of the
operation. Number of Qs, counties covered, time delivered, number of
stations, etc. would all be proudly displayed to the FCC and the media.
We are not rank "amateurs" as some congressmen have proclaimed recently.

This is rough but I think you get the general idea.

*****

Imagine the press. Imagine the questions you will get at work. Imagine
the pride in Mr. Haynie's heart when he delivers the 6" thick printout
to Mr. Powell, in a ceremony on the following Monday morning.
Congressmen will no longer be able to call us rank "amateurs" any more.
I wonder if the BoD will question whether these line scores should make
it into print? Contesting will be front page news on QST for sure. Page
2 on NYTimes, Wall Street Journal, CNN Headline news and on-and on-and
on.

Imagine the local press in your neighborhood anxious to get the local
scoop on this mysterious press release the previous Friday noon.
Equipment sales will soar. Contesters will be asked to Elmer the
capable hams that have shun contesting all these years. I get goose
bumps.

You want to contribute. Give this idea legs and the ranks of ham radio,
and contesting, will grow more than at any other time in our history.
The only way this will fly is if contesters get involved. The time is
ripe (9/11).

Real traffic in a real emergency simulation.