Just FYI, the current MOU (actually called an "SOU", a term lawyers like to use) with the American National Red Cross, signed by Haynie, is dated September 17, 2002. It provides, at Section IX, that it will terminate on September 16, 2007. That section also provides that six months prior to termination (i.e. on March 16, 2007) the parties "shall meet" to review the progress and success of the SOU and determine whether it shall be extended for an additional five years. Of course, it also provides in that same section that the SOU may be terminated by either party by written notification by one party to the other.... 73, Chris W3KD -----Original Message----- From: w5zn@arrl.org To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Sent: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 10:04 PM Subject: [arrl-odv:14778] Red Cross Background Checks The Red Cross matter has generated about as much, if not more, email that the Morse issue! I’ve received about 200 emails since our web story was released. In each response, I have copied the responsible Director so you will be aware of the comments from the members in your division. 95% of the emails have been supportive and complimentary of our advising our membership of exactly what the requirements are so they could make an informed decision about their future service to the Red Cross. 4% couldn’t read, and thought I was telling people to not volunteer to the Red Cross. The other 1% just wanted to fight. Since the topic has arisen here in our discussion, I will tell you I have not intention of talking to the Red Cross about this matter right now. There is no need. We have brought their requirement to the attention of our members, we educated our members as to exactly what the Red Cross’ requirements are, we have advised our members as to exactly what MBC is requiring of them, and we have followed up and posted a statement and clarification from the Red Cross. There is no need to do anything else right now. This is the Red Cross’ requirement, not ours. Now, down the road there will be a time to renew our MOU (SOU) with Red Cross. Between now and then we can think about how we should address the impact of this requirement on our members who volunteer amateur radio communications services to the Red Cross, we will have time to hear and act on the report from the NERPC and gain any other helpful insight into how we should approach future MOU’s with served agencies. 73 Joel W5ZN ________________________________________________________________________ Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.