Why I’m Running

A healthy ARRL needs to grow and change as amateur radio itself changes.

Most importantly, it needs to listen to its members and address their needs. Here are a few of my concerns and ideas.

Here’s an endorsement I’m proud to note.

"I've been concerned about the direction of ARRL for a long time but the organization does not seem to be able to respond effectively. Too many resources are consumed by organizational squabbles and staff turnover, leaving the ARRL strategically adrift and unable to respond effectively. When an organization reaches this state, it's time for new energy and ideas for responding to challenges. In my work with Drew in the ARRL Contest Program, I realized he has the necessary background and qualifications to help the organization take new approaches and evaluate the results. I think he'd make a good ARRL Director from the Midwest Division. - Ward Silver, N0AX, Lifetime ARRL Member, Amateur Radio Author and Yasme Foundation President"

  • ARRL membership is declining at, in my opinion, an alarming rate. This effects finances, of course, but it also reduces ARRL’s impact when working with governments and other organizations.

    Most importantly, this decline implies a level of dissatisfaction with the organization. We need a solid study to determine why, and the will to act on that information through effective market development and innovation that meets the needs of tomorrow’s new members..

  • ARRL needs to be more open on many levels rather than creating rules that limit communication with members . In my opinion:

    • Board of Directors meetings need detailed minutes for member review. All significant votes should include a roll call with voting record in those minutes.

    • So called “Election Reform” changed the rules to require:
      1) Candidates cannot generally talk about the competing party, not even to note their record.
      2) All campaign publicity and fund raising efforts must be fully contained within the Division. This eliminates use of nearly all social media and ham websites.
      3) Candidates must be residents of their division. This seems reasonable, but one past candidate with a FL summer vacation home has already been disqualified. Why not use the state definition for resident instead of leaving it to interpretation?

    In my opinion, too many candidates have been disqualified in the last several years. This should be a rare event. Do these changes seem even handed and reasonable to you, helping you make an informed choice? Or do they work in the favor of incumbents?

    I encourage all ARRL members to do a quick web search for comments on these items. It’s easy! K1VR, the KB6NU blog, and other concerned groups note these issues in more detail than I am permitted to here.

  • Mobile, portable, and remote operating are becoming an ever increasing portion of on-air operation. Membership services, award programs, and sponsored events need to recognize and incorporate these changing trends.

  • More and more constraints challenge the active amateur radio operator. HOA limitations are not likely to go away anytime soon. Noise is worse every year. Hams need programs, services, and training to assist them in addressing these issues. ARRL can and should lead this effort.

  • Print-format publications alone do not address the habits and preferences of younger hams. We cannot expect to grow youth interest without more use of video, podcasting and other digital formats.

    Websites and other tools need to work well with Windows, iOS and Android. And they need to be secure.

    This said, we cannot simply abandon printed materials for cost reasons without a plan that respects the preferences of many members.

  • Technology is changing at an ever increasing pace. Ham radio needs to leverage high speed networking and other technologies as part of the radio state-of-the-art. These items are especially important for emergency communications and other public service needs. ARRL programs, publications, and services should address these areas and raise the state of the art for the average amateur.