During the pandemic, Minnesota's parks provided amateur radio operators with welcoming places to get on the air with friends or just gather in a safe social setting. Many of those parks have since evolved into the birthplace of an organization that encourages POTA activations throughout the state by hosting activities, awards and formal events with the help of a group known as MNPOTA [pron: "MIN POTA."] Supported by the Stillwater Amateur Radio Association and a coalition of other clubs, MNPOTA has spent two years hosting year-round meetups and POTA activity days - including a Minnesota POTA Day in June. There is also an awards scheme that recognizes activators and hunters in different categories and different modes each spring.

Collin O'Connor, KEØIYN, a board member of the Stillwater club, said that all of this activity has nurtured and expanded Minnesota's population of POTA participants. He said that in the Stillwater club alone, between one-third and one-half of the more than 180 club members have become active in POTA.

Next year MNPOTA will add a new focus to its activities, encouraging Technician class license holders to get involved. Multi- and single stationary activations will be scheduled specifically on 6m and 10m, enabling the Techs to put their privileges to good use.

In the meantime, Collin encourages other POTA enthusasts in different states to consider a similar effort, even if they start small. He told Newsline: [quote] "Even 15 to 20 people is successful. Everything can grow from there. So let's spread POTA and keep POTA growing." [endquote]