Tnx Jim. I made precisely the same point to Harold earlier today.

We can’t expect the SOU to get into specifics but I believe the principle should be included.

Dave K1ZZ

From: K8JE [mailto:K8JE@arrl.org]
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:48 PM
To: arrl-odv
Subject: [arrl-odv:16775] Red Cross and SOU

All,

I would like to re-insert one suggestion to the discussion over the degree of purity of heart RC is demonstrating in honoring (?) requests to modify its demand for background checks.  I certainly believe it is appropriate and necessary for Chris to determine precisely what RC will continue to require in authorizations for these checks before we enter into another SOU with them.  There is one additional change that I have previously suggested we should seek as well.

I suggest that when discussions to develop a new SOU actually begin that we seriously attempt to have a clause related to RC crediting inserted in it.  By this I mean that we should attempt to have RC agree to involve its public relations people at the national and local levels to give Amateur Radio credit for the help it provides during RC operations just as EMA, etc. did during the West Coast flood disasters.

This request is far from being solely self-serving.  By adopting this proposal, RC would enter more deeply into a win:win partnership with Amateur Radio.  The weight of the RC name would bring improved PR for AR -- PR that we could not obtain by ourselves.  Enhanced PR would result in increased interest for AR which would bring more new licensees into our service.  More new licensees would equate to more volunteers to support RC.

So far, RC has done nothing but draw from the well of Amateur Radio and take all the credit for work we’ve done.  I believe it is time they began to help fill the well.

Jim

Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director

ARRL Great Lakes Division

5065 Bethany Rd.

Mason, OH 45040

E-mail: k8je@arrl.org; Tel.: 513-459-0142

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