8 JAN, 2002 - 1420 CST Tom makes interesting points about our apparent failure to recruit new hams. However, I think the emphasis may be on the wrong syllable. I believe our ultimate long range goal must be the recruitment and retention of ARRL members. If we really do this, all the other things like getting more hams, greatly increased funding for the ARRL, a larger impact within our society, a bigger voice in government (at all levels), become positive collateral results. Yes, we need to reallocate resources and supervise activities designed to achieve this goal. But we first have to agree on what is our ultimate goal and then devise a sustainable plan to get there. Jay is correct when he says the management of this objective has not been assigned to a standing committee. Perhaps it's important enough to merit it's own standing committee? I think we need to make a go, no-go, decision on this issue (decide on the goal and create the committee or assign the task) next week. Then we should use the next six months to develop a workable plan for board approval in July. 73 - Dick, W9GIG