To: All ARRL Officers, Directors and Vice Directors: At the July ARRL Board Meeting the Programs and Services Committee was tasked to "study the governance of the Section Field Organization" and provide an interim report at the January 2008 ARRL Board Meeting. (Minute 32) Any credible study of Field Organization governance should consider the strengths and weaknesses of the current structure and must include active input from those responsible for Field Organization governance, namely; ARRL Field Services management, ARRL Section Managers and Division Directors. For reference a summary of the current field organization structure is set forth below. The complete rules and Regulations of the ARRL Field Organization can be found on the ARRL Web Page immediately after the Articles and Bylaws. The Committee would appreciate your answers, comments and observations regarding these questions. Please be as specific and detailed as possible. The information from your answers is important and the success of this study is dependant upon your cooperation. Similar questions are being sent to Section Managers and to Field Services. 1. Does the present Field Organization governance structure works well in your division? ANSWER: 2. Does the present Field Organization governance structure works well in throughout the League? ANSWER: 3. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the present Field Organization governance structure in your division? ANSWER: 4. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the present Field Organization governance structure throughout the League? ANSWER: 5 Are the current Field Organization Regulations adequate to promote cooperation and communication between the Section Managers and their Division Director? ANSWER: 6. How could the current Field Organization Regulations be changed to foster communication and cooperation between Directors and Section Managers? ANSWER: 7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of member election of Section Managers? ANSWER: 8. What advantages and disadvantages would result from the appointment Section Managers by Directors? ANSWER: 9. If the current Field Organization Regulation don't adequately define the organizational structure and chain of command of the Field Organization how should they be changed? ANSWER: 10. What specific areas of Field Organization governance are most in need of change? ANSWER: PLEASE SEND YOUR RESPONSES TO: k0qb@arrl.org Thank you for taking the time to review and forward your answer to these questions. The quality of the committee's recommendations will be in large part dependant upon the cooperation and responses of those with the most knowledge and experience in these issues such as you. 73, Programs & Services Committee ********************************************************************* SUMMARY OF CURRENT ARRL FIELD ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE .Each section elects a Section Manager (SM). The Section Manager has "authority over the section's Field Organization" and, "in cooperation with the Division Director", shall "foster and encourage ARRL activities and programs within that section." The Section Manager is required to act in accordance with ARRL policies established by the Board of Directors. The Section Manager is responsible for recruiting, appointing, and supervising the section in administering the Field Organization's areas of responsibility. The Section Manager shall maintain liaison with the Division Director and make periodic reports to the Director regarding the status of Section activities. In return the Director is to provide the Section Manager with information and guidance pertaining to matters of mutual concern and interest. The Section Manager serves on the Division Cabinet and renders advice as requested by the Director. Field Organization appointments may be canceled by the Executive Committee whenever it appears to be in the best interest of the ARRL.