The recent discussion about the ARRL Board of Directors “Code of Conduct” both here on my blog and on the Ham Radio Now podcast (vidcast?) has stirred up a lot of discussion about what to actually do about it. Several people have suggested a petition. Others have suggested that we deluge our directors with an email or even a snail mail letter expressing our displeasure.
Along those lines, someone suggested how we might want to word such a petition or email message. He noted that it should be “short, non-aggressives, and to the point. Here it is:
Dear [your director’s name here]
I am unhappy with both the ARRL Policy on Board Governance and Conduct of Member of the Board of Directors and Vice Directors (aka the “Code of Conduct”) and the N6AA censure.
I want to freely discuss issues with our directors. I want our directors to tell me where they stand, not where the board stands.
I want the directors to be free to express their opinions and to know how they voted.
I want directors to not fear censure.
Therefore, I urge the following immediate actions:
- Modify the Code of Conduct to allow the above.
- Revoke the N6AA censure.
73,
[Your name and callsign go here.]
I would urge everyone who’s upset by these recent board moves to fill in the blanks and send this message to their ARRL director. If you know know who your director is go to the ARRL Divisions page. There, you will be able to determine what division you’re in, and who your elected director is.
As far as a petition goes, I’d be happy to post a petition similar to this one here on KB6NU.Com if you all think it would be effective. I tend to think that deluging the directors with emails and letters would get the point across more forcefully, though.
Thom W8TAM says
Thank you Dan, for not only standing up for what’s right, but for encouraging others to follow your example.
73,
-Thom
w8tam
Mark K8LD says
You’re wasting your time. The ARRL staff is just a good ol’ boy network sitting around acting important but doing nothing of any substance. That’s why I finally decided to drop my membership a few years ago.
Dan KB6NU says
Maybe, but it keeps me off the streets. :)
Rory N6OIL says
But my Director is Dick Norton, I guess I’ll send it to Ed Stearns
Coopdog says
please post a petition. I think it would easier for most hams to just add themselves to a petition than pen a letter (email) to their section dorectors.
thanks for bringing this to the attention of us all.
Dan KB6NU says
It may be easier to just sign a petition, but a personal message to your director has more impact.
Having said that, Jim, NO1PC, has started a petition on change.org. Go to https://www.change.org/p/american-radio-relay-league-improve-arrl-transparency-and-respect-for-present-and-future-membership/fbog/16473340 to sign it.
Bill Burgner says
I am in the Southeastern Division. Our director was placed in office through similar back room, closed door, manipulation. What good is emailing him?
geri says
vote no on Proposed By Law 46.