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
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.