David, You should also know that despite my many long conversations and impassioned pleas with Charlie O'Neal about him stepping up to the challenge of becoming Kentucky's Section Manager, Charlie told me that it was your words in your recent editorial that convinced him that he needed to volunteer and run for the SM position. Of course he did and Jan 1 becomes the new KY SM. We truly welcome him to the challenges he will face. Both Scott and I have assured Charlie that we will extend ourselves and whatever resources we have to make him successful. My personal thanks to you for those words that really turned out to be so effective, and exactly when we needed it. 73, Dale WA8EFK On 12/12/2022 6:19 PM, Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) wrote:
Here’s a wonderful email with a message that is very much in line with feedback I have been getting on my December and January columns. His comment on distinguishing between being a member and a supporter is precisely the language we have been using at HQ.
2023 is going to be an outstanding year for ARRL. In the coming days I will be engaging with some of you to consider putting forward motions that will show members that the board is hardwired for the Year of the Volunteers and that we are hard at work for them, and for amateur radio.
Dale and Scott will see my response to Charlie and , by copy, I am asking them to team up and reach out to Charlie. He clearly is a guy who “gets it” and we need to engage with him on helping/leading members in Kentucky. He needs to know that he’s not alone.
David
*From:* Charles O'Neal <cmoneal924@gmail.com> *Sent:* Wednesday, December 7, 2022 12:36 AM *To:* Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org> *Subject:* Confessional
Good Evening Sir,
I just wanted to email you and thank you for this month's article in QST. It was inspiring and made me stop and reflect. So many times, members of organizations suck the life out of their organizations. They take advantage of the services provided by the organization but seldom give back, except to pay their dues. Very few organizations are able to provide all of their services without the assistance of member volunteers. Your challenge to the membership was right on target and I applaud your stance.
I have been an ARRL member since getting my Technician license in 1993. I have often wished I could afford a "Life Membership" but just couldn't afford it financially so I've continued to pay my regular dues. I made a commitment to myself earlier this year that this would be the year I would step up and become a Diamond Club member at some level. After reading your article, I was reminded of that commitment so I went to the website and ponied up to the table. I am now a "Brass" Diamond Club member. It will be my goal now to set aside the funds needed to maintain that membership in future years. I wholeheartedly believe in the League and the benefit it is to the amateur radio community. I know my step is a drop in the bucket but it solidifies my desire to be more than just a "member" but to move towards being a "supporter".
Kentucky has been without a Section Manager for some time. The organizational structure is in shambles and many positions have been vacant for a long time. Other positions, when filled, don't seem to be able to retain volunteers for very long periods of time. I have completed my paperwork and obtained the number of signatures needed to submit for the Kentucky Section Manager position; but I am torn. The position needs someone that can give it a tremendous amount of time. I'm not sure I have the amount of time needed. Financially, I still have to continue my teaching and exercise evaluations for the Emergency Communications Division. Given the time, I think I could assemble a team that could carry on in my absence but time is not on my side. As soon as a new SM is elected or appointed, they will be flooded with requests for hamfests, club meetings and the like.
I just wanted you to know that your volunteerism challenge didn't fall on deaf ears but I think it better that I pass on this possible opportunity rather than step up and fail. There's been enough failure in Kentucky. I continue to be a proud supporter of your leadership and all that you have done for the League. I wish you the very best of Christmases.
73,
Charlie O'Neal, KE4AIE
Glasgow, Kentucky
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