This was forwarded to me by my section manager, Jim, K8JK….Dan
The text below is the official announcement of the retirement of the OO (Official Observer) program as we adopt the new VM (Volunteer Monitor) program on October 1st, 2019.
My personal thanks to our OOC Ken Coughlin, N8KC, and all the Michigan OO’s that devoted time and energy in keeping a watchful eye for the benefit of all amateurs.
Forwarded text below, 73 Jim K8JK
As you are aware, the ARRL has spent more than two years working with the FCC developing an enhanced program to support the FCC Enforcement staff with monitoring and reporting alleged problems arising on the Amateur Radio bands. The time has come to transition from the former Official Observer (OO) program to the new Volunteer Monitor (VM) program. The OO program will officially sunset on Monday September 30, 2019. The new Volunteer Monitor program will become effective on Tuesday October 1, 2019.
At its July 2018 meeting, the ARRL Board of Directors authorized the implementation of the new Volunteer Monitor Program and the retirement of the existing OO program at the appropriate time. The new MOU with the FCC establishing the VM program was signed in the spring. On May 14, 2019, a solicitation was made for applications to join the new VM program. Many of you existing OOs applied for the new program after receiving a reminder notice in early July 2019. When the July 15, 2019 application deadline had passed, VM Program Administrator Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, interviewed nearly 200 applicants and began the selection process for the new program. Finally, the new program is ready to start.
The ARRL offers its deepest appreciation and gratitude for the dedicated work by the hundreds of OOs over the years. The cornerstone value of the OO program has always been a dedication to integrity. The good work of the Official Observers over the years was a key element in the corporative alliance between the FCC and the ARRL and led to the resolution of countless on-the-air problems. Whether sending compliance notices or “good operator” cards, you, the Official Observer, worked for the betterment of our hobby.
For those of you that have offered your services in the new VM program, your continued commitment is appreciated and valued. To those who decided not to apply for the new program, it is our sincere hope that you will enjoy exploring new challenges in this wonderful hobby of Amateur Radio.
To the various Section Managers – we appreciate the efforts and energy you committed to growing and supporting the OOs and OO Coordinators in your section. Your part in the maintenance of the OO program helped to guarantee its success. While the new Volunteer Monitor program will be developed and maintained at the ARRL Headquarters level, please offer support and suggestions to the VM Program Coordinator as the program develops.
If you served as a section OO Coordinator, the value of your work to the program may have been unnoticed by some. However, I can assure you that it was seen and appreciated by the ARRL HQ staff as they managed the program’s work.
On a personal note, as the Regulatory Information Manager at ARRL, I have worked with many of you involved with the OO program over the years. While reviewing potential cases to be sent to the FCC for consideration, I never had reason to doubt the integrity or veracity of any of the data received from the hardworking OOs. Please accept my personal thanks for your dedication and commitment over the years.
Good luck and see you on the air!
73
Dan Henderson, N1ND
Assistant Secretary – American Radio Relay League, Inc.
Regulatory Information Manager
ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio ®
860-594-0236
[email protected]
Glad to see that the ARRL website acknowledges that OO’s have been around “for more than 85 years”. Previous info from ARRL could be interpreted as saying the heritage of OO was much shorter.