I have been receiving comments from fellow Section Managers and our Division Director and Vice Director that echo the following
from the ARRL West Texas Section Manager…..
” Wow! North Texas has Vocal and Astute ARRL Members which know how to articulate the facts” – Dale Durham W5TX
I am proud to say,
Some of us North Texas members are sharing what we know with other talk groups and email reflectors.
The discussion started on the DFWCG (Dallas Ft. Worth Contest Group) and is spreading to other groups such as the one below……….
(I just late last night heard about the Shadow Board of Director Meetings – Steve KG5VK)
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(From the CW OPS Talk Group Reflector)
Folks,
You may be asking why are we seeing a discussion of ARRL governance on the CWOPS reflector?
The most obvious reason – ARRL management has seen fit to refrain from publicly disclosing, in any meaningful way, the text of at least three announced motions scheduled for presentation at the upcoming Board Meeting ten days hence.
Maybe you noticed the ARRL Letter published last Thursday makes no mention whatsoever of the upcoming Board Meeting nor the three important motions to be considered (there may be other motions we are unaware of at this time). You would think the Officers of a ‘membership’ organization such as the ARRL would act more transparently, actively informing the membership on issues of importance, and welcome broad-based member participation in decision-making, particularly when it comes to the bylaw changes. Unfortunately, such is not the case. The tendency to keep Members in the dark and uninvolved has been standard practice and noted by many on this reflector for much too long.
We only know about motion specifics, and in particular, the proposed changes to BL 46, by virtue of two or three ARRL Directors who have seen fit to openly publish them for the benefit of their Division constituents, seeking Member comment and suggestions. I’m sure most of you would agree, at least in principle, Directors have an obligation to consult with their constituents on such matters of importance. Unfortunately, very little outreach by Directors is being practiced.
The powers that be in Newington have made the communication process difficult. There are few local or national forums where these issues can be openly discussed so we’re seeing some spill over to this forum which does enjoy a broad cross-section of ARRL membership and ARRL support. But given Board meetings are effectively ‘closed’ and poorly reported, we may never know how our Directors present their views in the debate, nor who voted to approve or disapprove motions given the recent change in the roll call vote rule.
Many on this reflector certainly recall 2018 when similar events occurred leading up the 2018 January ARRL Board meeting. In my view this is much like watching the ‘video tape’ of that sad series of events.
The revelation this week (made in a report written by ARRL First VP K1TWF) that there is a ‘shadow board’ operating which excludes elected Directors representing nearly 1/3 of all ARRL members is appalling. This news should be exceptionally troubling to all Members – but unfortunately very few know that the secret “board” even exists. Perhaps more will come to learn about this in the week ahead. This is a serious ‘red flag’ regarding the health of ARRL governance.
If you haven’t read the K1TWF report, I urge you to do so. It is found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12mvpIlYgnQCHkmDuKM7lLCVnNis_ZTYh/view?fbclid=IwAR20q3kRQYh_P52BgnFFVyRBZY8yd_ACR-PKmH3koaW3EpIXEVGyUQEX0yc
If you don’t want to participate in this discussion, hit the ignore button. But if you are sufficiently curious, please seek out the documents, read them for yourself, also read the views of those in favor or against, reach your own conclusions, and take a few minutes to communicate your thoughts and opinions with friends and those elected to represent your membership in the ARRL.
Regards,
John Crovelli, W2GD
ARRL Life Member
CWOPS #204
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I am hoping many ARRL members will do more than just conclude
the ARRL is heading down the wrong path.
And will email Our leadership using the simple email link that Phillip provided in his comments.
If you desire a shorter message to send to the League Board, just email me or ask, here.
If we just shake our heads, we will deserve the disaster new ARRL we are provided.
Speak gently, courteously and loudly through the large voice of a group composed of many.
Steve
KG5VK
ARRL NTX Section Manager
CW Ops Member # 1806