The founding organizations that sponsor N.E.W.S. are the:
NYC Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Service (WC2OEM)
Empire Contest Club (NE2CC)
Wm. H. Pouch Amateur Radio Group (W2WHP)
Staten Island Amateur Radio Association (W2CWW)

We have coordinated the formation of a LOCAL OPERATIONAL CENTER on the grounds of the William H. Pouch Boy Scout Camp located within the borough of Staten Island.  The function of the LOC will be to provide emergency communications with other emergency service agencies and the NEIGHBORHOOD EMERGENCY WATCH SERVICE.

The NEIGHBORHOOD EMERGENCY WATCH SERVICE is now being formed by Staten Island radio groups, not any national organization, and will consist of volunteer hams willing to provide emergency communications during an emergency effecting their immediate area.  As a volunteer, while providing for yourself and your family, you will agree to pass requests from your neighbors for medical, food and other needs of an emergency nature to the LOC on a predetermined frequency.  As a member of N.E.W.S. you will be provided with current information from the LOC about the state of the emergency so that you can determine what action is best.

Membership to the NEIGHBORHOOD EMERGENCY WATCH SERVICE is strictly voluntary with no dues or fees and does not require any membership or affiliation to any other group or organization.  All training is free and will be provided by the NEIGHBORHOOD EMERGENCY WATCH SERVICE to it's members.  The only requirement is your willingness to participate and having a valid Amateur Radio license.

We welcome the following supporting organizations:
Hospital Disaster Communications
State of NY OMH - South Beach Psych Amateur Radio Group (W2OMH)

Staten Island Advance editorial about N.E.W.S. - July 31, 2007

Staten Island Advance full article about N.E.W.S. - August 19, 2007