Hi, A number of Directors asked me to keep this in the loop on this program, so here is summary of Steve Ewald's latest SM Teleconference. This is part of our efforts to improve communications with SMs. Thanks to the Directors who have participated so far. 73, Harold From: Ewald, Steve, WV1X Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 5:35 PM To: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B; Patton, David NN1N Subject: SM Teleconference Summary Harold and Dave, Here's the summary of Tuesday's evening's conference calls. Summary of the May Teleconference with Section Managers On Tuesday evening, May 22, Steve Ewald, WV1X, hosted an ARRL telebridge teleconference with Section Managers of the Delta and Midwest Divisions. The overall idea of the teleconferences is to help cultivate better communication between ARRL HQ and the Section Managers. SMs participating on May 22 were Malcolm Keown, W5XX (Mississippi); Mickey Cox, K5MC (Louisiana); David Norris, K5UZ (Arkansas); Ron Cowan, KB0DTI (Kansas). Delta Division Director Henry Leggette, WD4Q, also joined the teleconference. HQ Staff: Steve Ewald, WV1X; Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG; Rose-Anne Lawrence, KB1DMW. Amateur Radio education and promoting Amateur Radio to young people were among the suggested topics for discussion. For that reason, Educational Assistant Rose-Anne, was invited this time. Rose-Anne shared several ideas and some recent resources on how to get youngsters interested and involved. Scout programs and school settings with enthusiastic instructors or teachers seem to be key components for success. Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) events are also proven popular ways to promote ham radio. The Section Managers present on the call felt that it is important for all SMs to receive a "heads up" or a summary of important ARRL-related news that could have a major impact on the Field Organization and Amateur Radio before the news is posted on the Web's News page or through other media and news sources. This, ideally, would enable the SMs to be better prepared to handle phone calls and e-mail inquires when the news breaks. Malcolm, W5XX, reported on the Dayton HamVention. Ron, KB0DTI, discussed the emergency operations surrounding Greensburg, Kansas. Greensburg was hit hard by a tornado in early May, and ARES and SATERN operators (including mutual assistance from Oklahoma) have been helping. A Tentative Schedule for Upcoming Months (subject to change): This was the third SM teleconference so far this year. To encourage active participation and discussion for each call, I have been inviting the Section Managers from one or two ARRL Divisions (depending upon how many SMs there are) at a time to participate. June: Great Lakes and Hudson Divisions July: New England Division August: Northwestern Division September: Pacific Division October: Southeastern and Roanoke Divisions November: Rocky Mountain and West Gulf Divisions December: Southwestern Division 73, Steve Ewald, WV1X Supervisor, Field Organization Team ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio 860-594-0265 sewald@arrl.org <mailto:sewald@arrl.org>