May 2009 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:17768] Bob Indefrbitzen
by K8JE 19 May '09

19 May '09

Dave, I want to let you know how valuable Bob Inderbitzen proved to be for the Legislative Agenda booth at the Convention. As you know, thanks to the availability of the draft "dear Congressman" letter, we shifted the emphasis of this booth at the last minute. This shift required a bit of retooling. Without hesitation, Bob knew precisely how to deal with the situation and did it. Later when we had a bit of a problem with the equipment he provided, he turned from administrator to technician and solved the technical problem. All of this was accompanied by a smile. Amy Hurtado, similarly, proved very helpful in pre-Convention days and has earned our thanks. 73, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: k8je(a)arrl.org, Tel.: 513-459-1661 ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio

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[arrl-odv:17767] RE: PR 101 CD vs Other Volunteer Materials
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 19 May '09

19 May '09

In this case we surveyed PIOs and found that ¾ of the respondents thought a charge of $20 (or more) was acceptable. See question 8 in the attached. The PR-101 course is not exactly in the category of "materials required to perform their volunteer tasks." The Swiss Army Knife, Talk on a Disk, and other material that we provide free of charge fall into that category. The course is aimed more at bringing volunteers up to speed who may not already possess all of the necessary attributes to be effective as PIOs. Allen also makes the point that someone is more likely to complete the course if they have some buy-in. Dave K1ZZ From: John Bellows [mailto:jbellows@skypoint.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 10:40 AM To: arrl-odv Subject: PR 101 CD vs Other Volunteer Materials Allen Pitts, W1AGP, and the good folks at HQ have developed a PR-101 course for ARRL volunteer PIO's (see below). The course is in CD form and is sold for $19.95+shipping. The course was available at Dayton at the ARRL EXPO booth. With all the activity at the ARRL EXPO it didn't occur to me to ask why we decided to charge for this course. An initial and obvious answer is that it required ARRL resources to develop the course and we would like to recoup that expense. Still, I'm a bit troubled by the idea of asking members to volunteer for a Field Service task and then charging them for the materials to perform that task. The promo material states "The future of Amateur Radio depends on how we are perceived by the public. As a PIO, you are our "face" to the public." Surely we value and encourage the members who give their time to that goal. I just wonder if we should charge them for putting additional time into doing the job well. We don't charge VE's or OO's for the materials required to perform their volunteer tasks. While we do charge for the EC-001 materials that involves a certification program. My basic question is how do we determine when to charge volunteers for materials helpful in performing their tasks? 73, Jay, KØQB _________________________________________ >From the HQ Notice of the new PR-101 CD At the end of '08 we did a survey of PIOs and are using the results to create educational materials for PIOs, more "fill-in-the-blank" materials and greater accountability for actively fulfilling the PIO role. Mailing in only one or two press releases a year to a local paper is unacceptable for a PIO. That's where you come in as the some of the most important people in the ARRL organization. The entire basis of our PR planning rests with the actions of the local PIOs and PICs. The old saying that, "All news is local," is true. By your actions in providing news releases, information, PSA's and talking to your local media, you make it all happen. The future of Amateur Radio depends on how we are perceived by the public. As a PIO, you are our "face" to the public. To help new PIOs we created a whole course titled PR-101. This course is on a CD you can study at your own pace. It is available for ordering from the ARRL website at http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=0133

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[arrl-odv:17766] Re:PR 101 CD vs Other Volunteer Materials
by Bruce Frahm 19 May '09

19 May '09

Jay, as I read your msg. I was going to raise the issue of the ARECC course fees but you already did, and mentioned the certification aspect of the EC course. PSC monitored the development of the PR-101 course. I don't recall whether we discussed the fees for the material but if so it was not in a "do or don't" context. Allen reports to K1ZZ but we looked at the course as a 'best fit' to PSC's purview. As other comments accumulate from your query I'll try to keep a mind toward having PSC look at this. 73 K0BJ On Tue, May 19, 2009 at 9:40 AM, John Bellows <jbellows(a)skypoint.com> wrote: > Allen Pitts, W1AGP, and the good folks at HQ have developed a PR-101 > course for ARRL volunteer PIO’s (see below). The course is in CD form and is > sold for $19.95+shipping. The course was available at Dayton at the ARRL > EXPO booth. With all the activity at the ARRL EXPO it didn’t occur to me to > ask why we decided to charge for this course. An initial and obvious > answer is that it required ARRL resources to develop the course and we would > like to recoup that expense. Still, I’m a bit troubled by the idea of asking > members to volunteer for a Field Service task and then charging them for the > materials to perform that task. > > The promo material states “The future of Amateur Radio depends on how we > are perceived by the public. As a PIO, you are our “face” to the public.” > Surely we value and encourage the members who give their time to that goal. > I just wonder if we should charge them for putting additional time into > doing the job well. We don’t charge VE’s or OO’s for the materials required > to perform their volunteer tasks. While we do charge for the EC-001 > materials that involves a certification program. > > My basic question is how do we determine when to charge volunteers for > materials helpful in performing their tasks? > > 73, > > Jay, KØQB > > ....... >

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PR 101 CD vs Other Volunteer Materials
by John Bellows 19 May '09

19 May '09

Allen Pitts, W1AGP, and the good folks at HQ have developed a PR-101 course for ARRL volunteer PIOs (see below). The course is in CD form and is sold for $19.95+shipping. The course was available at Dayton at the ARRL EXPO booth. With all the activity at the ARRL EXPO it didnt occur to me to ask why we decided to charge for this course. An initial and obvious answer is that it required ARRL resources to develop the course and we would like to recoup that expense. Still, Im a bit troubled by the idea of asking members to volunteer for a Field Service task and then charging them for the materials to perform that task. The promo material states The future of Amateur Radio depends on how we are perceived by the public. As a PIO, you are our face to the public. Surely we value and encourage the members who give their time to that goal. I just wonder if we should charge them for putting additional time into doing the job well. We dont charge VEs or OOs for the materials required to perform their volunteer tasks. While we do charge for the EC-001 materials that involves a certification program. My basic question is how do we determine when to charge volunteers for materials helpful in performing their tasks? 73, Jay, KØQB _________________________________________ >From the HQ Notice of the new PR-101 CD At the end of 08 we did a survey of PIOs and are using the results to create educational materials for PIOs, more fill-in-the-blank materials and greater accountability for actively fulfilling the PIO role. Mailing in only one or two press releases a year to a local paper is unacceptable for a PIO. Thats where you come in as the some of the most important people in the ARRL organization. The entire basis of our PR planning rests with the actions of the local PIOs and PICs. The old saying that, All news is local, is true. By your actions in providing news releases, information, PSAs and talking to your local media, you make it all happen. The future of Amateur Radio depends on how we are perceived by the public. As a PIO, you are our face to the public. To help new PIOs we created a whole course titled PR-101. This course is on a CD you can study at your own pace. It is available for ordering from the ARRL website at http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=0133

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FW: Thank You
by Joel Harrison 18 May '09

18 May '09

FYI - CEO Sumner has forwarded my message below to the ARRL staff. The 2009 ARRL National Convention, from early reports and feedback, was a huge success. While it will be a while before we have concluded our financial results, an event of this status has a much greater impact than just financial. The impression that our members and non-members alike take with them from Dayton are eternally valuable to our organization and to the health of the Amateur Radio Service. The magnitude and success of ARRL Expo just doesn't happen. It takes long hours of planning by our staff and the execution is even more important and involves our entire organization. We don't close the doors in Newington during this time so the dedication of the entire staff becomes evident when you not only flawlessly organize, erect, staff, tear down and pack up ARRL Expo but also step up at HQ to fill the void of those in Dayton to address the calls, emails and letters that continue to come in from those not in Dayton. And, it is QST deadline time as well so an extra burden is present as well. This doesn't go unnoticed. I was proud to have been a part of ARRL Expo at the 2009 ARRL National Convention and proud of each and every person in our organization! It takes a unified team effort to keep everything functioning during times like this and on behalf of the Officer's and Director's: THANK YOU! 73 Joel W5ZN ARRL President

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[arrl-odv:17763] Oregon HB2377 - Amateur Radio Amendment Passed
by William Sawders 15 May '09

15 May '09

We have some good news today on Oregon HB2377 which will limit hand held cell phone use and texting from a motor vehicle. The Senate sub-committee met yesterday and passed an amendment to the bill that will exempt Amateur Radio mobile equipment using push to talk microphones. I was present and provided testimony at the hearing. It was a packed hearing room and the committee chair person indicated she must have heard from every ham radio operator in Oregon by mail or telephone. The bill still has to go to the full Senate for a vote and is expected to make one more pass through the House. The governor is reportedly ready to sign it when it reaches his office. It could still be blocked in the Senate or House and not make it out in this session. At least Amateur Radio is covered now. Here is the amendment passed yesterday. HB 2377-A12 Amendments to A-Engrossed House Bill 2377 On page 2 of the printed A-Engrossed bill, line 6, delete "or". After line 6 insert: "(i) To a person who holds a valid amateur radio operator license issued or any other license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and is operating an amateur radio: There was a similar line item change exempting Citizens or FRS radios from the House Bill.

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[arrl-odv:17757] Re: RE: RE: Clubs in PA14?
by Frank Fallon 13 May '09

13 May '09

Dave, What is the dollar amount? If my memory serves me correctly I think Chris once mentioned at a meeting that we, or any 501 c 3, could spend up to 20% of their income/intake on lobbying/legislative persuasion. That works out to 3 million. As we spend something near 1 million on our total advocacy program we have a long way to go before the alarms sound in any government office. Or to look at it a few other ways: 1. It is a non issue. 2. We should have no fear. 3. Bottom line - we are NOT spending enough money on advocacy. 4. Hiram would be disappointed in our legislative efforts. Was not one of his goals back in 1914 to have strength in numbers when ARRL was formed. Hiram did knowt how to manipulate the military (Navy) industrial complex back in the 1920's. 5 Perhaps a good long range planning goal would be to plan to be spending 2.9 million a year on advocacy/legislative action by 2014. CU all, or most of you,l in Dayton. Safe trips and good weather. Bruce, I planted half my BIG corn crop today. It was all of 2 ounces! I still have two more to go. 73 de Frank...N2FF..... Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ wrote: > Jim, the distinction is between direct lobbying and grassroots lobbying. > Direct lobbying includes anything we encourage our members to do to > influence legislation. Grassroots lobbying encompasses anything we > encourage the general public (i.e. non-members) to do to influence > legislation. > > We are not prohibited from engaging in grassroots lobbying. However, > 501(c)(3) organizations are much more limited in how much they can spend > on grassroots lobbying than on direct lobbying. > > It is my understanding that communications directed at members but that > incidentally may reach non-members fall into the direct lobbying > category, particularly if the expenditure is minimal. I don't think > communicating with affiliated clubs is a problem, although a purist > probably would distinguish between the clubs that are required to have > 51% ARRL membership and those that are not. > > 501(c)(3) organizations have the option to elect to have the provisions > of 501(h) of the Internal Revenue Code apply to expenditures to > influence legislation. We have not elected to do so because our > expenditures have never come close to exceeding the loose > "insubstantial" test that has traditionally applied to lobbying by > 501(c)(3) organizations. Making the 501(h) election would establish > clear limits on what we could spend, which would be somewhat safer > (particularly if we anticipate that our lobbying activity might > increase). It would change how we complete Part VI of the Form 990, > which might require an accounting change. > > 73, > Dave K1ZZ > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: K8JE [mailto:K8JE@ARRL.org] > Sent: Monday, May 11, 2009 6:37 PM > To: arrl-odv > Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:17734] RE: [arrl-odv:17731] Clubs in PA14? > > Dave, > > The following questions relates to the reason that we do not make > positions > in the Legislative Action Program available to non-ARRL members. > > Affiliated clubs are loosely required to have no fewer than 51% percent > of > their members belong to ARRL. If one assumes that all clubs have no > more > than 51% of members as ARR: members, would there be a concern that > sending > requests for support of our legislative activities to all affiliated > clubs > represent a risk of the League promoting these activities to an > excessive > number of nonmembers? Would we need to be sure to send these requests > only > to clubs that have a minimal percent (to be defined) of ARRL members > rather > than to send them to all affiliated clubs? > > Jim > > Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director > ARRL Great Lakes Division > 5065 Bethany Rd. > Mason, OH 45040 > E-mail: k8je(a)arrl.org, Tel.: 513-459-1661 > ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio > -----Original Message----- > From: Bill Edgar [mailto:n3llr@earthlink.net] > Sent: Monday, May 11, 2009 6:01 PM > To: arrl-odv > Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:17734] RE: [arrl-odv:17731] Clubs in PA14? > > Dave, > > Thanks for your reply. I agree with you that some clubs will have > membership overlap with congressional districts, but I don't think all > of > them do. > > A DX club would undoubtedly have memberships in multiple congressional > districts, but we have some local affiliated clubs that membership would > be > in a single congressional district. > > I would think a representative or senator getting a letter from a club > with > their constituents as members would get more attention. What would it > hurt > for a club to send a letter advocating a position to a representative? > > Would it be easier to run the affiliated club address through the same > database that we got the congressional districts for our members and > then > add the club mailing and email addresses to the list so as to make it > easier > for our legislative action volunteers to solicit member action? > > Thanks! > > - Bill N3LLR > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] > Sent: Monday, May 11, 2009 10:49 AM > To: arrl-odv > Subject: [arrl-odv:17734] RE: [arrl-odv:17731] Clubs in PA14? > > Bill, in many if not most cases a club's membership is going to overlap > into multiple Congressional districts. A targeted approach to affiliated > clubs based on the club's mailing address is likely to generate a lot of > confusion. > > Clubs certainly can be included in a general call to contact Congress. > > That said, it only took me a couple of minutes to pull the list of > communities in PA-14 off the House Web site, compare it to the list of > affiliated clubs in WPA, and determine that the only club addresses that > are potentially in the district are those in Pittsburgh itself. > > Dave K1ZZ > > -----Original Message----- > From: n3llr(a)earthlink.net [mailto:n3llr@earthlink.net] > Sent: Monday, May 11, 2009 10:02 AM > To: arrl-odv > Subject: [arrl-odv:17731] Clubs in PA14? > > Please understand this is in no way a complaint with Dan Henderson. > Both our DLAC and I see tremendous opportunity here. > > I received the attached note from our division's DLAC. > > What would it take to add affiliated clubs to the grass roots member > listing by congressional districts so the clubs are included in > legislative action bulletins and requests? > > - Bill N3LLR > > -----Original Message----- > > From: David Prestel > Subj: Clubs in PA14? > Date: Mon May 11, 2009 8:27 am > To: n3llr(a)arrl.org > > Bill: I have sent out messages regarding House Bill HR2160 to all 100 of > the 140 members in PA14 for whom we have email addresses. I asked Mr. > Henderson if we had any way of identifying clubs in PA14 and he said > that there was no way to do that. > > Something to think about for the future: Get lists of clubs for each of > the House and Senate districts in the Atlantic Division. While our > 501(c)3 status prevents the League from lobbying folks who are not > members, nothing would prevent Joe or Jane Ham from speaking up about > legislation at their local club meeting. > > Dave > > > > > > > > > > >

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RE: [arrl-odv:17759] Re: Erratic Lyris
by JIM WEAVER, K8JE 12 May '09

12 May '09

Bob, You question is very Lyrical. Jim Weaver, K8JE Director, Great Lakes Division ARRL; 5065 Bethany Rd., Mason, OH 45040 Tel.: 513-459-1661; E-mail: k8je(a)arrl.org ARRL: The national association for Amateur Radio MEMBERS: The reason ARRL Is! -----Original Message----- From: Bob Vallio [mailto:rbvallio@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 4:55 PM To: arrl-odv Cc: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:17759] Re: Erratic Lyris Gee, didn't someone on the ODV reflector suggest dumping Lyris several years ago??? Bob -- W6RGG On Tue, May 12, 2009 at 5:37 AM, Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ <dsumner(a)arrl.org> wrote: As Kay and others have observed, our email reflectors using Lyris software are currently quite erratic in speed of delivery. A message I sent yesterday morning had not been delivered to 15 people on the ODV reflector (including me) as of close of business. My copy finally showed up 10-1/2 hours after I sent it. I know this is frustrating. IT staff is working on a short-term fix but the long-term solution is likely to require different software. Dave K1ZZ -----Original Message----- From: Kay Craigie [mailto:n3kn@verizon.net] Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 8:11 AM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:17740] Re:ARRL QSL order timeliness Sorry if this is a dupe ... I sent it an hour ago but it hasn't come through. My ARRL QSL card orders have gone through in a reasonable length of time, except for the last one several years ago. That shipment was not received the first time HQ placed an order for me and (I think) at least one other person. I talked to Dave Patton and he got it sorted out, re-sent the order to the printer, and the second try produced cards. Brian, I encourage you to contact Dave and see what's up. My cards were done by Elli Print and not UX5XO, so my experience may not be at all relevant if HQ has changed printers. 73 - Kay N3KN

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[arrl-odv:17760] Re:RE: ARRL QSL card order timeliness
by David A. Norris 12 May '09

12 May '09

Brian, Jay, et al, I'll add my order and that should be enough to get it done. I think NN1N was hinting at that the other day- (wink wink nudge nudge - say no more). CU in Dayton Thursday PM! 73 Dave K5UZ

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[arrl-odv:17759] Re: Erratic Lyris
by Bob Vallio 12 May '09

12 May '09

Gee, didn't *someone* on the ODV reflector suggest dumping Lyris several years ago??? Bob -- W6RGG On Tue, May 12, 2009 at 5:37 AM, Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ <dsumner(a)arrl.org>wrote: > As Kay and others have observed, our email reflectors using Lyris > software are currently quite erratic in speed of delivery. A message I > sent yesterday morning had not been delivered to 15 people on the ODV > reflector (including me) as of close of business. My copy finally showed > up 10-1/2 hours after I sent it. > > I know this is frustrating. IT staff is working on a short-term fix but > the long-term solution is likely to require different software. > > Dave K1ZZ > > -----Original Message----- > From: Kay Craigie [mailto:n3kn@verizon.net] > Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 8:11 AM > To: arrl-odv > Subject: [arrl-odv:17740] Re:ARRL QSL order timeliness > > Sorry if this is a dupe ... I sent it an hour ago but it hasn't come > through. > > My ARRL QSL card orders have gone through in a reasonable length of > time, > except for the last one several years ago. That shipment was not > received > the first time HQ placed an order for me and (I think) at least one > other > person. I talked to Dave Patton and he got it sorted out, re-sent the > order > to the printer, and the second try produced cards. Brian, I encourage > you to > contact Dave and see what's up. My cards were done by Elli Print and not > UX5XO, so my experience may not be at all relevant if HQ has changed > printers. 73 - Kay N3KN > > > >

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