This is a good idea and also eliminates the mistakes that have happened a few times where I was referred to as “Mr Jairam” instead of “Ms Jairam.” At least now there is less chance of that happening.

73
Ria, N2RJ

From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Richard Norton via arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org>
Sent: Thursday, February 9, 2023 4:21:38 PM
To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@arrl.org>
Subject: [arrl-odv:34572] Comment on Use of Titles in Board Minutes and Elsewhere in ARRL Activities
 
I believe that, in the ARRL Board activities, it is inappropriate to address certain members by titles that they might use in other parts of their lives. This would include Doctor, Professor, Admiral, Major, Sargent, Scoutmaster, Mayor, Judge, or anything that differentiates them from the rest of their colleagues.

All members of the Board are equals in the Boardroom. They deserve to be addressed equally.

In the US Congress and the written Congressional Record members are addressed as Mr or Ms.

When Newt Gingrich, PhD, was in the House, he was addressed as Mr Gingrich, not Dr Gingrich.

In the Senate today, Raphael G. Warnock, PhD, the Senator from Georgia, is Mr Warnock, not Dr Warnock. Rand Paul, MD, is addressed as Mr Paul, not Dr Paul.

Ham radio has a long history of addressing all participants equally, and in fact, by first name. Barry Goldwater was Barry to hams. King Hussein was Hussein.

Those having achieved Doctor or other titles in fields unrelated to Amateur Radio can justly feel proud of those accomplishments, but in dealings with the Board and in the written minutes should not be addressed differently from the rest of their colleagues.

73,

Dick, N6AA
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