29 AUG 2008 - 1451 CDT Fellow Members of the ARRL Board Family... I have not yet taken the time to update my viewing of the feedback messages about the updating of our strategic plan. Therefore, the email below may be there and has already been read by some of you. As you all know written "atta-boys" and "thank-you notes" are a relatively rare in our ARRL governance work. Below, is the most detailed "thank-you" I have received since I took my seat on this board on January 1, 2001. Mr. Wades message should have been addressed to all of you. You all have made this happen and I thank you for doing so. Dave Sumner, if you think it proper to do so, perhaps this message should be posted to all ARRL employees. All the ARRL policies in the world are worthless unless our staff enthusiastically executes them. 73 - Dick Isely, W9GIG ======================================================================= Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:59:15 -0500 From: "James Wades" <jameswades@gmail.com> To: w9gig@arrl.org Subject: Feedback Dear George: As a long-time ARRL member who has, on occasion, been critical of some of the ARRL actions taken in the late '90s and first few years of the 2000s, I wanted to offer a few comments about the governance of the ARRL and the course on which it has embarked upon. Generally, I am very impressed! From what I can see it appears the Board of Directors is taking some very positive steps. The content in QST and the efforts to provide a balanced blend of articles covering what has become a very diverse hobby is excellent. Some of the restructuring at headquarters, including the appointment of Dennis Durrah as manager of emergency preparedness, and the on-going success of the educational initiatives including the EMCOM courses appear to be very positive steps forward. I was also very impressed with the strategic planning initiatives being taken. When I opened the September issue of QST and came across a training package on "Digital Communications for Emergency Communications," I was even more impressed. It is obvious the League is taking steps to articulate a vision of the future through leadership and new initiatives. I was also pleased to see the Board take a firm stand on the issue of Red Cross background checks. By taking a firm stand opposing the trend toward "mode of living" checks utilizing credit scoring information, which discriminate against individuals who have suffered job loss, cancer, or struggled to support both a family and provide elder care for ill parents, or suffered other hardships not of their own making, the League has taken a true national leadership role in correcting a significant injustice and, in my opinion, an unethical trend in both business and volunteer work. My congratulations to the Board on this matter. I realize it is difficult to develop governance policies that will please everyone. However, the League seems to be doing an excellent job of navigating this process. Quite frankly, ten, or even five years ago, I never would have imagined myself sending this e-mail. Today, I can only say I am pleased to see such positive developments and proud to be an ARRL member once again. Thank you, and 73, -- James Wades, K8SIW 810 Skyline Drive Marion, IL. 62959 269-650-0215 618-751-3951 jameswades@gmail.com