ARRL Board of Directors Should Resign at the Next Meeting. Amateur Radio's ARRL is Headed to Failure
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- Опубліковано 17 січ 2024
- This is just a portion of the planned video. Sadly I am confined to bed waiting for transfusions at the Oncology Center. The video will have to wait until I feel better.
I have confirmed that this letter that I found on a public website was sent to the ARRL Board of Directors months ago. I have been told that there was no investigation as to the complaints by the author. I do not know the name of the person complaining, job title, years of service or the gender. I have no way to verify its contents. I have no way to confirm the complaints. I am simply reading this letter deadpan with no emphasis. If in fact nothing was done to investigate, then the Board of Directors needs to resign and new elections be held.
I have also been told that there are major accusations between the Directors. Also, that planned changes to the bylaws will allow secret meetings that should be public. It appears to me that the ARRL is on a couse to failure unless things change. The CEO is not the problem. The ARRL Board of Directors is the problem. They should resign.
We need a strong, vibrant ARRL that represents all amateurs. The staff does not need controversy.
For now, some members will vote with their renewal.
To support the channel: / jimw6lg
For those who donate blood, thank you. I have had 17 units of blood so far.
To support the channel: / jimw6lg - Наука та технологія
ARRL seems to have gone the same way as the NRA.
...and then some !!
Completely useless?
Came to say this. 👍
Glad to see Wayne stepping down; frustrated to see the same lame "the sky is falling" emails trying to scare me out of my money.
@@ifpo238 and they very good at doing just that...
This letter if true, and I have herd similar accusations through the Grapevine seem to imply that the board of directors no longer has the best interest of the membership or the advancement and expansion of this hobby as their major point of focus. Somebody please tell me, why do we need secret meetings, employee persecution and a toxic work environment? This is not what we are paying our dues for. It sounds to me like we need a new board of directors and a new vision for this organization.
this will continue until the treasury of the League is nearly empty.
Which it never will be as long as older hams keep joining the ARRL ... @@WilliamLaakkonen
thats true of all boards, all they care about is money and power over others, thats about it, stop paying them, and just use your radio, the air is free, we do not need any rules, if people get out of line, there is a million other frequencies no one uses, i was almost going to get into ham and radios but all that fcc and other trash , whats the point, you pay some apes to do nothing, just so you can talk over the air which is free, it's just weird to me, i'm not even going to get into it, i'll just buy a scanner and listen in, i wouldnt agree with most of what HAM ppl do anyways, HAM guys seems to kinda be like them HOA type people, they buy into HOA and bitch about everything but the issue is HOA is rubbish. just like the fcc (to civilians on armature radios, big entities need regulated obviously)
Everything you said is so logical and perfect, that 99% of aging hams won't understand that. They still think it's 1971 and have to give money to the LIONS CLUB or some sort of obsolete nonsense like that. The ARRL has them brainwashed hard and good like a cult with millionaire club members. @@seancook4317
For people are spoiled.
The problem is Devil runs the world. He is lier and murderer. This is the reason why prostitutes have money, academic degree, power, but Christ, having no any sin, was executed as "rioter" and "blasphemer".
That's why we've got the Gospel about the God's kingdom.
Jehovah would put everything in order. The dead will be resurected and we'll meet our beloved ones again! :-)
I'm a new Ham. I will not be supporting such a toxic organization. No membership dues from me until I hear about some major changes. I'm with you Jim.
Perhaps it's time for the volunteers to step up and take charge of the operation of ARRL, to set priorities, to establish and enforce culture, and to hire management to run the organization accordingly. This kind of feedback is a symptom of a truly sick organization.
Let's hope you are not a member supporting this toxicity
Nice idea but alot of the problems are Section Managers who are elected on a "who you know" within the radio clubs versus someone who is objective, not ego-crazed about their position etc etc......won't happen unfortunately.
Why? So the employees can get paid to do nothing? Because that's exactly the environment this would create.
I left ARRL membership in 2017. after
being a member from 1962, so I have
my 25, 40, and 50 year membership pins, and attended the 50 and 100 year
conventions too. Good luck with this
matter. 😮
I too left the ARRL. At one time, I was proud to be a member. But, in the recent years the ARRL has changed into something that I really am not proud to be a part of.
@@user-kn4xg6iz9n Yes, thank 😊 you.
Also, a while ago, the Hudson Division
ARRL Director had some trouble with
the board over a book about amateur
radio, which she had published, and she
is no longer the ARRL Hudson Division
Director. Knowing her, I felt this was very
unfair, and reflects on the ARRL's attitude
there. 73 de W2CH Ray and KC2NKU,
Marylyn.
Never joined as what I have seen and heard over the years they have not had our interest at heart for a long time. They have turned into a Quazi arm of the FCC. And LOTW is an ancient logging platform that needs overhauled to be more user and computer friendly. and more up to date with the newer computers. May the AARL RIP!
I agree. My friend and I got our tickets in 1996 and he joined ARRL and I did not. I joined for one year, about 3 years ago and received tons of emails to buy hats and shirts. No update on what they are supposed to be doing - advocating for us. I did not renew membership. They have serious issues. I have seen several videos lately about them.
LOTW was a ridiculously overdesigned system the day they came out with it.
Can't argue with your points...
I just got a bill for a ARRL magazine I already paid for as part of my membership. Membership renewal doubtful.
BS. All these old men licensed around 58 that are not life time members are the worst hypocrites of all saying "I'm canceling" and then come back and say "I thought about it and it's the only organization that protects hams so I decided to renew". Such BS permeates this hobby. How much do you want to bet you will renew?
I told them to pound sand. They don't care because they are simply trying to drive the ARRL into the ground.
Appreciate you putting this out there Jim. Membership cancelled back in November.
Well done on not renewing. Now don't waffle and screw it up a few years down the line and give them money. All these old men licensed around 58 that are not life time members are the worst hypocrites of all saying "I'm cancelling" and then come back and say "I thought about it and it's the only organization that protects hams so I decided to renew". Such BS permeates this hobby.
Hi Mr Jim , I survived cancer at this moment twice , if i can so can you . Keep up the good spirit , it helps to defeat anything.And we need your good work and video"s
You are blessed.
The last ARRL Atlantic Division newsletter (Dec) outlined an upcoming motion for a Code of Conduct (good) managed by an undefined Ethics Committee (ok?) operating without any defined criteria for violations (very bad). There was also a mention of a "...directors and vice directors must sign the loyalty and obedience pledge immediately. The consequence of not doing so would be to resign or be thrown off the board. This motion would take the power to choose your director out of your hands and put it in the hands of an elite few." ... "Their effect was to increase the power of the management, to raise the level of board confidentiality, and decrease transparency to the members. The CEO was granted power to increase confidentiality as he sees fit, denying information to some directors suspected of leaking information to members. Role call votes were made harder to require, hiding who voted for what." All of the above was from a publicly distributed newsletter from an ARRL director. Jim's notes in this video in combination with the newsletter really troubles me as an ARRL Member.
That is truly upsetting and likely means that nothing will ever be done. We may be stuck behind a wall. Loyalty Pledges, you know what that sound like. What a bunch of sh#t. That is really upsetting me this morning. 73, Jim W6LG
In 2021, the ARRL CEO made $250,000 not including benefits and travel (public record)! Yet, paper copies of QST Magazine will no longer be mailed unless we pay an EXTRA $35 because of the mailing costs! All this while they sit on over $30 million is assets. My membership lapses in February and I am not renewing.
Except you will renew because you're addicted. All these old men licensed around 58 that are not life time members are the worst hypocrites of all saying "I'm cancelling" and then come back and say "I thought about it and it's the only organization that protects hams so I decided to renew". Such BS permeates this hobby. How much you want to bet you will renew?
Not printing the mag means little. If you are not in that industry paper has become a commodity. The prices just keep going up. I would rather have online access anyway. But, to stop the mag and jack the dues makes no sense other than wanting $$$$.
I believe his pay is now more than $350 not including benefits. And, I was told it was close to $500 with benefits. 73, Jim W6LG
This is correct! Good to see you here Jim. You've done more for amateur radio in the past decade than the ARRL has. For this, we thank you. @@ham-radio
Its called a "fat payrolls" compliments of the membership. They (ARRL) needs to be looked into.
lol...Im still a member but after the cancelation of the hard copy of their magazine I almost said screw it...Then I got to thinking. I only read the magazine half of the time anyway. It has turned into mostly ads with a good article every now and then. It goes into the recycle bin after I look at it for a few minutes. Mostly I like the ARRL for LOTW. That is about all they do for me. They seem to have gone the path of the NRA (which Im a endowment level member). Seems that neither organization cares about their members anymore.
Exactly like the NRA!!!!!
Losing the paper QST does not bother me. I usually read it, then toss it on the shelf anyway.
I emailed my Division Director opposing the replacement of Bylaw 46.
I suggest communicating any opinions. All we can do right now.
Ditched the NRA years ago. GOA is leaner and meaner.
You do realize that "emailing your director" won't ever do a God damned thing right? You're playing a game, like a child does, by joining this club called the ARRL. 99% of aging hams won't understand that. They still think it's 1971 and have to give money to the LIONS CLUB or some sort of obsolete nonsense like that. The ARRL has them brainwashed hard and good like a cult with millionaire club members@@LeeMcc_KI5YPR
I'm not renewing.
I would tell anyone working in such a job to find a new one, ASAP. You can't change group norms from the bottom up. It HAS to come from the top. An employee can't make this change. (Short of forming a union!)
I worked at a very large computer firm that had these issues. I lasted 5 years. I could take no more. It was such a relief to move on to a better job. In a way, it prepared me to deal with almost anything at my future jobs, because nothing was as bad. Even on my worst day at other jobs I would look back and think that I've seen worse!
As an ARRL Life Member, I would like to know if more employees feel this way. If so it's time for a regime change and only the members can make that happen.
You look healthier than ever, Jim. Please tell me you’re cancer free.
I had issues when I purchased items from the ARRL Store. Noticed that the sales taxes ARRL were charging for my order was higher than my state tax rate. When I questioned them, they said "it's just the way it is". Needless to say, those two orders were the last. It's a shame because I wanted to support an organization that was protecting the hobby - not stuffing its pockets.
Jim, thank you so much for keeping the ham community informed. I stay in my lane. I deal mostly with transceivers and antennas. I appreciate that you look at the broader picture. I wish you good health. 73, Doug, N4HNH
I found a picture of me at the rig in about 1971. I should upload that as my logo. You and I should chat sometime about antennas and transceivers. Those are lots of fun. I had a transfusion today and am recovering in bed. Thanks Doug, 73, Jim W6LG
I dropped my ARRL membership a number of years ago, and stopped VEC/ARRL duties as well (out of protest). Very sad the direction things are going. VY 73
Jim, this is sad to hear, but not unusual in today's corporate environment. Good intentions and direction is often lost when people at the top or mid level are stressed to find the best way forward; almost always when $$ are involved. As a life member of ARRL and a life member of another organization, going through similar issues I can only hope for the best. As for you OM, you look great, but if you don't feel so great understand there are many that care deeply about you. You are OUR Elmer, the best we could ever hope for. Be well and get back here and "give 'em hell!. AA7MO
From my bed, I thank you! 73, Jim W6LG
The end of the ARRL.
I hope…
It will only be the end of the ARRL if the ARRL continues to refuse to listen to its members and as long as its members do nothing about it. When it came time for me to renew my membership, I called the ARRL HQ to voice my opinion. They could have cared less, so I dropped them. If enough hams do the same and cancel their membership, I'd bet that the loss in membership (and money flow) will speak louder than anything else!
So basic membership has digital only QST?
It doesn’t have to come to that. A good first step is to fire David Minster.
The end of amateur radio.
Keep well Jim hope you get over this. We need more good old boys out there looking out for all Hams everywhere.
This is what happens when you have zero transparency or accountability. People take advantage despite being on extravagant packages. I can’t think of many organisation where the CEO earns such a high percentage of turnover/income. It’s about time the members took back control
Canceled my membership. The ARRL is too far gone.
Absolute bull crap. All these old men licensed in 58 that are not life time members are the worst hypocrites of all saying "I'm cancelling" and then come back and say "I thought about it and it's the only organization that protects hams so I decided to renew". Such BS permeates this hobby. How much you want to bet you will renew?
With the new dues rate and these issues it may be a tough choice to continue my membership.
Having just retired my money is limited now. I must way what benefit I get from every dollar. If I don't see more benefit soon, I'll keep my $$$
@@Andrew-bj1tk I am in the same boat.
As am I
As someone who has managed charitable organisations and companies of a reasonable size I can say that this sort of situation is very very common. I know one organisation spending vast amounts on compensation to employees who have left or been fired. Payments also made in order to get them to sign NDAs. Since Covid it seems that nobody is in charge of anything. Boards don't seem to be in charge of companies. You phone some companies and government organisations and nobody can actually fix anything.
Gordon, you always write good comments. Many will not know what an NDA is and when one is used. To those who do not know what we are talkiing about, try Googling Non-Disclosure Agreement. Too bad you cannot be on a Grand Jury of some kind. 73, Jim W6LG
Jim, Thank you for all your focused effort, 1212, a cancer surviver, so far. the loom always hangs over me. God bless youand you and you are in my living pesrons prayer list.
WOW! I left a job in an organization just like that!
Jobs can be replaced. Your health is another matter.
@@miket7184 well said, and I agree 💯
Thank you for sharing this. You have the appropriate platform with well informed listeners who share the same passion for this hobby as you do. God Bless you. Praying for you. 🙏🏼
I appreciate that! Thank you, Jim Heath W6LG
The remarks written here seem to resemble that of many radio clubs around the world. Some remarks might be true or partly true, who knows. I believe Amateur Radio would be finished in the United States if it wasn’t for the ARRL. My employment skills for more than 30 years can be tied back to my experiences from Amateur Radio. We need Amateur Radio for all the reasons we all already know, and in many cases other circumstances as I noted. While I was not too pleased with the paper version QST cost. Especially in the middle of my membership year. I try to look at the ARRL not with all the internal politics which surly exist on some level, but rather the ARRL is needed for future generations of the hobby not just for all the reasons our government supports us, but maybe some can use the hobby for a life long teaching tool while supporting a life long career in technology. Weather related to radio or not. As this hobby has done for me.
73, Paul N2FOB
Get on QRZ and read N2RJ Ria Jairam's postings for the last 5 years. Careful not to dismiss her as a 'disgruntled employee" when she was stating facts everyone on the inside knows and had already talked about. Put your own work in and open your eyes and learn what is going on at that toxic workplace. But your ilk will always come back and boot lick the ARRL.
Aging hams won't understand that. They still think it's 1971 and have to give money to the LIONS CLUB or some sort of obsolete nonsense like that. The ARRL has them brainwashed hard and good like a cult with millionaire club members. Getting involved and voting doesn't change a God Damned thing and you know it. Much like the often repeated "talk to your director" which we know doesn't do a damned thing either. I do believe it's an onset of dementia that has these supporters hooked.
We need the ARRL for sure. What we don’t need is David Minster running it.
Just another reason for not renewing when it comes up later this year.
BS. All these old men licensed in 58 that are not life time members are the worst hypocrites of all saying "I'm canceling" and then come back and say "I thought about it and it's the only organization that protects hams so I decided to renew". Such BS permeates this hobby
@@624radicalham Maybe so but I was licensed in 66 and I'm done with the ARRL.
@@624radicalham you really like calling people hypocrites dont you ?
Love it. You're really addicted to reading print magazines aren't you? But your comment about FT8 got you in my good graces. @@swilliams2229
Then you have my massive respect Hank, and on behalf of the majority of hams, we thank you. Now have strength of character and don't change your mind hihi @@Hank_W6IR
Well that’s one persons view but even if it is half truths , I still agree with them. I know this won’t be a popular comment, but the ARRL has turned into , in my opinion, a dinosaur unwilling to change with the times, demographics of new generation of Hams, dealing with progressing FCC to better rules/regulations, keeping up with technology and my list goes on. Thanks again for your insightfulness and speaking out. PS: stay strong my friend you are looking well:-)
I am a former ARRL board member and I agree with you. But the first step to healing the ARRL is to get rid of David Minster. He is destroying the organization from within.
Sounds like David Miscavige and Scientology
😂 yup
OR Like La Pierre and the NRA.
Is Shelly at the ARRL?
those freaks live right up the road... that cult is a blight on our county
New regime, new people. Shouldn’t be but it is sadly. Sounds like someone who has been there awhile so it pains them to see the demise of the organization.
Sounds like DEI has taken hold in the ARRL too.
Say it’s not true…please. “Woke” Hams? Maybe the Connecticut thing?
1. Jim, watch your health. Others can take the stress. 2. I know only one director, whom I will not identify. 3. I agree that staff should not suffer from management incompetence, if that's what it is. 4. I've been an ARRL member since 1958 or so, and haven't had to worry about such problems, whether they existed or not.
Why not identify him? It's like people who say "a store I will not mention" ... do you really think you'll be open to "defamation" on the INTERNET? It's 2024. The internet has been a phenomenon for 30 years, and I'm sure you've seen the filth that is being put out in comments on a daily basis with first names and last names all over the world. It's the equivalent of "I have a secret. I know something but won't share it" ...
The ARRL is not amateur radio and amateur radio will continue with or without the ARRl. Something or someone will step up to fill the gap and continue, what was once, the good work.
Well said. Finally. 99% of aging hams won't understand that. They still think it's 1971 and have to give money to the LIONS CLUB or some sort of obsolete nonsense like that. The ARRL has them brainwashed hard and good like a cult with millionaire club members
Somewhere, up in Ham Heaven, Wayne Greene is smiling down upon you! 🙂
The Mad Magazine cover was the best. I can still see it. 73, Jim W6LG
@@ham-radio I had a copy of the cover on the wall in the tech shop at work!
If even half of this is true, it will be disastrous for the organization until the CEO leaves and a new direction is charted. I am hesitant to be this blunt, but employees will not put up with this type of treatment anymore. There are jobs available anywhere you look. Good jobs, no, but jobs. If the job is a PITA, people will find other lousy places to go. This is especially true for employees under 45 years old. I suspect ARRL is taking advantage of an elderly workforce, which makes me pretty angry if true.
Why are you afraid of being blunt? This living in fear of having opinions and posting them I will never understand
I agree. Nobody should be expected to work in a toxic environment. I would welcome hearing from other employees at the ARRL.
Nobody should have to work themselves to death in a job. In fact, if people are working from 8 AM to 8 PM the problem is with the organization. It's screwed up. You SHOULD be able to leave on time if the organization is well run. People constantly staying late is a sign that the management needs to be shaken up!
After all, this isn't like the TV show "SUITS". It's the ARRL. It should be FUN to work there!
And so goes the culture of many employers.
Except many employers don't have aging hams as members that still think it's 1971 and have to give money to the LIONS CLUB or some sort of obsolete nonsense like that. The ARRL has them brainwashed hard and good like a cult with millionaire club members.
I heard a forum presentation about this over the weekend. It's concerning, for sure
Hi and thanks. I did send an email with my number if you want to chat some time. I did have the transfusion as an emergency procedure on Friday along with more tests on Sunday. I will talk with the oncologist around 4pm today. I have slept much of the last three days. Point being that if you did call I may have missed it with all that is going on here. Chemo starts again next week for 5 days. I have some videos in process that should be interesting. Thanks for all. 73, Jim W6LG
ARRL is a Good Organization, with improvement Needed.
THE DIRECTORS "MUST" RESIGN! This IS NOT the Direction Members Wish.
Too many Games with these Directors!! RESIGN!
Well...... There goes the neighborhood.😢
Recently retired Former FCC HQ Federal Agent and RF engineer here. Obviously this issue should be corrected immediately, if true.
However, with no other organization to go to for spectrum protection, I recommend maintaining your ARRL membership until that happens. Without the ARRL, or other lobbying organization, we would lose most of our spectrum. Guaranteed.
After retiring from the US Army, I spent the last 13 years of my 25 years of federal service at FCC HQ. After 2015, when Bill Cross, W3TN retired, I was the only Extra at FCC HQ fighting for the amateur radio service. I worked very hard behind the scenes to get the symbol rate ordered signed - 8 years! The amateur radio service is rarely on anyone's mind at the FCC. There are no bona fide or experienced RF engineers there, too, so I often had to educate their attorneys and EE engineersengineering
Agreed. It does start with firing David Minster though. Also rename the position to executive vice president or even general manager. The title “CEO” causes whoever is in that position to have an inflated sense of importance and then they proceed to want to take over the entire Organization.
De N2RJ
Former ARRL board member, 2019-2023
Thank you for writing the comment and for your many years of service part of which was to the benefit of the Amateur Radio Service. It is sad that there are no longer hams at the FCC in a position to help us. 73, Jim Heath licensed in 1964 at the FCC in LA.
Great comment! I too worked in the Federal Govt (FAA) as well as US Army and USAF. I bet your very hard work was exactly that, hard work. I know first hand how it is to try to do the right thing, in government, all the while when the culture of whichever agency you work in somehow seems to resist realizing that "they" actually work for the Citizens of this Great Nation and exist not as a mechanism to enforce governmental power. In fact, having a reserve or pool of technically proficient citizens (AKA "licensed" Amateur Radio members) benefits our Nations radio spectrum in so many ways. I'd bet that many hams who work in industry use their skills in the work that they do and that might just be because of their association in this rich hobby. So, it might just, in a transparent way, benefit industry as well. In short, we amateur's have the ability to transparently serve our communities, as well as Nation with no fan-fare or accolades.
About your comment the suggesting that we should maintain our ARRL membership. I am in disagreement with that. If one door closes, then another will open to fill that void. Money speaks and if that means the ARRL loosing members, then perhaps the message will be received loud and clear to the board members. Less members, means less money to support the leadership of the ARRL. It is of course unfair that that too will mean less support in the "good" things that the ARRL supports and stands for (i.e. representing the amateur radio community when spectrum and rule changes are proposed in government, as well as emergency response support matters, as well as STEM opportunities for our youth). Just the same, if the ARRL realizes a decline in its membership, then perhaps the board of directors will DEMAND corrections to ALL of the ARRLs' dysfunctions.
@@n2rj Hi. It sounds like you have insight to the workings of ARRL. I'm a fairly new ham operator, since 2019. I'm sitting here with a renewal letter deciding whether or not to 're-enlist' in the organization. like the OP said, we don't want to lose spectrum, but does the ARRL have enough clout to keep that from happening? I've also heard about how HOA folks are fighting to get congress to pass legislation giving them the right to bypass HOA rules and have antennas on their property. I don't have a dog in the fight there, since I refuse to live in an HOA, but they shouldn't be restricted from putting up antennas as long is they don't interfere with other's property or create a hazard. Thanks. Mike ND7E
@@miket7184 Hi Mike. As of today I still recommend being an ARRL member, if only for the reason that it allows you to vote in their elections. 73. N2RJ
need some checks and balance here some to have power to replace them
I am still a member, but will monitor this so I can make an informed decision come renewal time.
Thanks OM for this news. Sad situation, I really feel first for the working staff, and second for our general ham community in the U.S. I had a positive view of Sumner, since his departure, seems like the organization has declined. Personally I feel let down by the need to not only pay dues but also another $30 or so for the hard copy QST. I'm conflicted, but may decline membership next year. JohnR, W8JO
Meh. This describes nearly every office I've ever worked in.
My membership expires this month, and I dont plan to renew. Charge more for less service is a bad business plan. Im done with them.
BS. All these old men licensed in 58 that are not life time members are the worst hypocrites of all saying "I'm canceling" and then come back and say "I thought about it and it's the only organization that protects hams so I decided to renew". Such BS permeates this hobby
@@624radicalham so i am going to change my mind ? well damn, even i didnt know that. please dont predict that i will start doing ft8. hell no, dont do that.
I sure pray you won't start start doing FT8! @@swilliams2229
It’s time to form a new lobbying 501c3 group and ditch the ARRL for good.
maybe that's exactly the plan. Driving to the ground from within isn't unheard of.
AMEN !!!!!
Actually, a 501c4 if lobbying is to be beyond the mandated limits. Many 501c3 spin off a 501c4 for this purpose.
The organization seems to exist “for itself,” and not for the Amateur Radio Community. Similar to the US Govt, like.
Every organization has a Life Cycle, and needs to constantly reinvent itself.
The ARRL has not.
Great points! I left the ARRL in 2020, all because of political and social change innuendoes made by two different then CEO's back in 2019 and 2020, in QST articles. If the ARRL's leadership doesn't care of how their opinion affects it membership, then I also suppose that that same leadership can care less of how they treat their employees. Unfortunately (for me), I personally experiences a very similar professional work environment, were I left a good job as an engineer, all because of that companies political and social change shift.
I suspect the location of the office/HQ affects the situation. A relocation would probably help..closer to the bulk of Licensees. Difficult given the history, the facility, etc. but not impossible. AAA up and moved to Florida not too long ago. There I said it. Think bigger. Maybe a rebranding is warranted too.
Reinvent yourselves, ARRL. Do it!!
Let's just all get together and start the BARRL (Better ARRL) and offer a better experience for 1/4 the price of membership!
Too bad for the ARRL! Nothing of what W6LG, Jim reads is of any surprise to me. It's really bad that the employees have to deal with this leaderships' dysfunction. It's a bad situation indeed!
Stop for one moment and consider how this might also affect the ARRL's membership! At least for me, from prior to 2019 until 2022, I became very disillusioned by the direction that the ARR was going.
In fact, my association and membership with the ARRL was affected by the political views that was openly spelled out by the opinions made by the leaders of the ARRL.
I will cite two examples from QST 'Second Century' articles. These two articles illustrate, at least to me, how the ARRL didn't mind offending its members by making political or social change innuendos towards a certain sector of its members.
For example, in the ARRL’s May 2019 issue of the QST, the then Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Howard E. Michel, WB2ITX, in his Second Century article, entitled, “Mentor Maters” wrote, “...the average ARRL member is a 68-year old white male.” Really!? Why make that point!? Please read on...
After reading that article, I was left wondering what this guy’s point really was by going out of his way to call out the ARRL’s membership by age, race and gender.
If you say that I am thin-skinned, that's your privilege. How would that same opinion be received if whoever the CEO called out was of any race, age or gender, that was other than a white male, being in his late sixties? It is what it is. Or, is it?
In my next example, the February 2022 issue of the ARRL QST magazine, I came across yet another politically motivated, or flavor of the day, social change article. This time another ARRL Chief Executive Officer, Mr. David A. Minster, NA2AA, in his “Second Century” article, entitled, “Diversity and Inclusion: Driving Amateur Radio’s Growth”, we once again are "lectured" of how we are flawed. In Mr. Minster’s article, we are reminded that, “The greatest form of diversity our hobby provides, though, is that of the expansive reach of people it includes from across the spectrums of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and ability.” Ok? And the point is...?
Throughout this article Mr. Minster reminds us of international good will. OK so far...but those amateurs who engage in the 15, 17, 20, 30, and/or 80 meters bands most likely made a contact with someone from another country. If they hadn't, perhaps they need to ask for help with their antenna or TX power? Making a DX contact (voice or CW) is a very special experience that, to me, is the essence of amateur radio communications since before the days of Hiram Maxim. To make such a contact is indiscriminate by either station involved in the contact. We have absolutely no control over who we make contact with. And really, does it matter? If so, I'd say that that person, who it matters to, will not stay in amateur radio very long to enjoy such a rich hobby.
So, why is Mr. Minster suggesting (no, lecturing) that we hams have some sort of problem with other people who are different from ourselves? I really didn’t know where this guy was coming from? To me, it sounds like an arrogant attempt to lecture to others who think differently than this person and the group he feels most comfortable with and agrees with. Personally, this was a real turn-off. I now questioned why I was paying an annual ARRL due for such a political cause/agenda that had really nothing to do with our hobby.
So, what’s the problem? Well, Mr. Minster continued on, in the article, by making reference to college students, personal pronouns and how these “young people would be received by “all those hams” (in the ARRL). But what about those “youths” being inclusive towards the members who are already licensed, experienced and willing to be an Elmer!? Talk about diversity and inclusion! The article goes on and on and on. However, I had my belly full of this unprovoked political opinion.
It's my understanding that the amateur radio world is not about a political view. Instead it has everything to do with practicing the “art” of radio communications, in all its splendor (i.e. technical proficiency in everything radio communications, experimentation, DX comm, voice, CW, digital, HF/VHF/UHF, meeting new people, making friends...)? I suppose, this is not the case for the ARRL? In the ARRL, it's now all about politics and social change and how "we" are flawed as old white guys. But, what about those hams wo are not old white guys? To be truthful, I can care less if the person with whom I make any contact is white, brown, yellow or black, or a man or woman. I share this hobby with all of these people, just to enjoy the privilege and thrill of making a contact, or becoming more technically proficient in this art that we so affectionately call amateur radio.
And now I’ll get to my point of how the ARRL's leadership not only has issues with its employees, but also its membership.
After reading February 2022 issue article, I decided to not renew my ARRL membership. I can spend my money on more "necessary" things that does not support a covert political view-point or agenda. So, when it came time to renew my membership, in lieu of simply not renewing my ARRL membership, I also called the ARRL HQ to give some feedback as to why I wasn't renewing my ARRL membership after over 18 years of active membership. As expected, the call-taker could have cared less about my being offended. I cited the two abovementioned QST articles and asked why it was that the ARRL wished to be political. The response that I received was it was my privilege to not renew my membership. So, that was that.
I can absolutely see and understand why the ARRL has so much internal troubles. If the leadership within the ARRL cannot care about their employees, then how could they ever care about their members? I suppose that what the leaders of the ARRL really cares about is the incoming flow of money by its members. If the ARRL doesn't get its act together, perhaps others will take the same path as I did and simply leave the ARRL. Only when the money stops flowing will the leaders become serious or care about how its employees and members are treated.
All these old men licensed around 58 that are not life time members are the worst hypocrites of all saying "I'm cancelling" and then come back and say "I thought about it and it's the only organization that protects hams so I decided to renew". Such BS permeates this hobby. Well done on not renewing. Now don't waffle and screw it up a few years down the line and give them money like most of those hams mentioned above that have weak character.
Get on QRZ and read N2RJ Ria Jairam's postings for the last 5 years. Careful not to dismiss her as a 'disgruntled employee" when she was stating facts everyone on the inside knows and had already talked about.
99% of aging hams won't understand that. They still think it's 1971 and have to give money to the LIONS CLUB or some sort of obsolete nonsense like that. The ARRL has them brainwashed hard and good like a cult with millionaire club members. Getting involved and voting doesn't change a damned thing and you know it. Much like the often repeated "talk to your director" which we know doesn't do a damned thing either. I do believe it's an onset of dementia that has these supporters hooked.
Thanks, Jim W6LG
@@ham-radio Jim W6LG, thank you, sir! Please know that my "lengthy" rant does not mean that I do not appreciate the efforts made by the ARRL. I am just so turned off when politics is forced into this respected hobby. PS I, by chance came across your UA-cam channel and am so glad that I had! Thanks! -- 73's BT AR 🙂
Yet one more reason why I am glad I let my membership lapse a few years back.
Ive never spoke to you Jim but I was at Oncology center @ Vanderbilt-Nashville Tenn.Many hours of driving back and forth when my wife had Mantle-Cell Lymphoma.Sadly she passed in 2014.I pray for your speedy recovery.Jeff (K4QLJ).
Geez, it seems like my old workplace!😮
Hey Jim, I'm glad to know I might have helped you at some point. Vitalant doesn't seem to keep track any longer, but I've donated about 400 units (mostly platelets & plasma) over the past 45 years. Hope you are well soon!
73 DE W6JV
Wow Jim that is amazingly generous of you. Thanks to folks like you I am still alive. Without those units, I would have died last year. 73, W6LG
All companies I worked for:
1) If your late, you are fired. Just don't show up.
2) Clocking in on time is being late. Your FIRED!
3) Coming to work early is time and resource theft. You will be written up.
4) Going home on time is Quitting.
5) ABSOLUTLY NO OVERTIME PAY.
6) We cannot make a profit if we have to pay you a wage.
7) We charge $10 for a paycheck issuance processing fee.
8) You use the restroom on your own time.
Sounds like you've made some very poor choices in where you've accepted employment.
Damn! That is awful and should not be allowed. All of that sounds like violations of State and Federal laws. Employees in the past have won large judgements. 73, Jim
Thanks for everything Jim. Get better quick.
Souds just like aerospace GKN , where i used to work. May the economic down turns come to ARRL, another government enfluenced entitiy, 1212, cb dx so cal..
Sounds like the RSGB !!!
Thanks Jim
Hope your feeling better soon Jim!
Thank your for sharing and I hope you feel better.
Thank you! I had another transfusion today. I am recovering now in bed. 73, Jim W6LG
Sounds exactly like Installation Management Command Pacific, Public Works Division.
Isn't what's termed FUBAR in military language? 🤣
Hey Jim, thanks for sharing this. I hope you feel better soon ON, 73 N4BKT
Hey, thanks
My 2024 dues payment was lost through no fault of the ARRL. I re-sent and they were received. I got a nice follow up message from accounts receivable. I told them there won't be a lost payment next year because there will be no payment. The dues went up, because they can. I quit, because I can.
Here's a message that's not nice. I call bullcrap. All these old men licensed around 58 that are not life time members are the worst hypocrites of all saying "I'm cancelling" and then come back and say "I thought about it and it's the only organization that protects hams so I decided to renew". Such BS permeates this hobby. How much you want to bet you will renew?
@@624radicalham thanks, they can continue to protect hams.
Thanks. Except they don't protect hams anymore. It's not 1971 old man. See you on the next renewal, which you will do, if you're addicted and have no strength of character. @@mikedavis6033
Hello, Jim. I will try to contact you later after your transfusion.
RR, tomorrow back there at 0845. Thanks George.
There must be something wrong if I cannot receive a set of ARRL handbooks to Tasmania Australia. Ordered and paid for in June 2023 and still not received as of January 2024. Got message that US post could not deliver to my Australian Address. Resent, will I get them?
I would contact my CC company and reverse the transaction because the product was never received. 73, Jim W6LG
Last year the CEO wrote an editorial on QST that was in my opinion divisive, racist and demeaning about so called diversity. That and them raising membership rates and wanting money for QST tofor agendas that only benefit a few members prompted me not to renew my membership. Things need to change radically before I would consider going back to ARRL. 73 de Jose KB1TCD
Thanks Jose. Can you tell me which month? I need to read that editorial again. The process that was used for Life Members like me was at best insulting. That was not our contract with the ARRL when we handed over a large amount of money. The unilateral recision was a bad choice by the ARRL Board of Directors. The move to secret meetings with no notes for us to read is wrong. It looks bad. We need a new set of Directors. 73, Jim W6LG
If my calculations are correct, there has been an 11% decline in membership since 2015, based on the ARRL Annual Reports Financial Summary. Please don't hesitate to correct me if my numbers are incorrect. Clinton Andrews, WB8ORM, a new member of ARRL.
Thoughts and prayers Jim
Thanks Don. I am back on chemotherapy and spending a lot time being very weak. I mostly have stayed in bed. I look not so good and did the best I could to simply read the letter without reaction. I had planned an opening and ending. But time ran out and I had to go back to the Oncology Center for a transfusion. That was number 17. So from my bed, 73, Jim W6LG
I totally agree with @paguy67. Is it Wayne Lapierre -yes- should step down immediately.
Yes, I hear you and all the Hams in the inner circle declaring cautions. I have heard other items on concerns, and feel the ARRL has become something of an exclusive club. Resending support of HOA issues was the last straw for me.
At this point, I plan on expressing my position of disgust with the ARRL by not renewing my membership with the ARRL.
We need new representation!
Thanks Jim
Sounds like the ARRL has become the NRA ... time for a GOA or FPC (alternatives to the NRA who have been getting things done lately) to start up and do the job the ARRL should be doing.
I hope you’re feeling better, Jim.
Thank you. I have not been a member for a long time. I find a lot of these groups are self serving......We do need a Lobby as the FCC often does things that are not good for our hobby.
In 2022 I decided not to renew based on what I was hearing even then about the new regime at ARRL. I rejoined just 3 months ago on a whim but already I am regretting this. I first joined the ARRL back in 1998 and for what exists today as the ARRL is completely different.
All these old men licensed around 58 that are not life time members are the worst hypocrites of all saying "I'm canceling" and then come back and say "I thought about it and it's the only organization that protects hams so I decided to renew". Such BS permeates this hobby. At least you're aware enough to realize that we live in a different world and past norms are never coming back.
My story pretty much also
And you will renew as well. It's hilarious that old men still think it's 1971 and have to give money to the LIONS CLUB or some sort of obsolete nonsense like that. The ARRL has them brainwashed hard and good like a cult with millionaire club members. @@Hammondguy88
Don't you remember a news about "democracy" in Ukraine, Israel and other places all around the world? ARRL is just another victim of greedy to money and blood "democrats".
The problem is Devil runs the world. He is lier and murderer.
That's why we've got the Gospel about the God's kingdom.
Jehovah would put everything in order. The dead will be resurected and we'll meet our beloved ones again! :-)
Time to clean house I did not renew this year after hearing a few stories about recent ARRL drama this and the lack of support of my interests over the years well not worth it to me anymore
I'm a US ham operating with a reciprocal license in Japan. I've been a member of ARRL for only two years. It's been difficult for me to figure out entirely on my own how amateur radio works technically, administratively and culturally vis a vis the operational differences between my home country and the one in which I live and operate. I need the ARRL to stay alive and to actively look after the welfare of all of its amateur radio members, including those who happen to live abroad. It is the ONLY way I can keep up with what is happening administratively with radio in the USA. Without it I would have to rely entirely on the internet and we all know how inaccurate that can be.
I hope that they, the organization, can survive. I have between 250 and 300 videos. Some may be helpful to you. 73, Jim W6LG
Wow I had a feeling this guy was bad news!
Call them and resign en masse.
What's even more toxic Jim, besides the board of directors. is the way the CEO just laughs at this and calls people "snowflakes" ... he truly does believe he is God. And they fall hard let me tell you. By the way regarding an older video of yours about QSL and HI HI ... 73's was used by the old man himself, Hiram Percy Maxim, and I'm sure you've seen his QSL card with 73's on it. "Handle" predates CB by over a decade. It was first used in amateur radio as anyone can evidence on pre-war QST magazines :)
I chuckle when I see "sad hams" complaining about the use of the word "handle".
One of my earliest memories (around age 4) is that of my dad, W3WJK, on the air in 1959 saying, "The handle here is Jim!"
I kept looking for this mysterious handle on my dad! Was it on his head? Where could it be?
I finally asked him where it was and he roared with laughter explaining that in Ham Radio that meant his name.
So when some sad ham tries to tell me that my dad, who built his transmitters and receivers from SCRATCH, wasn't a "real ham" because he used the term HANDLE, I remind these "appliance operators" that my dad was 10 times the ham they'll ever be. (And then I say "Hi Hi").
Well said! They also go after "roger that" and "here is ..." and "back to you" and "working conditions" and even NATO phonetics. It's a mental illness my friend. It's a sad and pathetic existence and it's lonely. My heart would go out to them but usually they are racist and toxic people as well so screw them. @@terryjwood
There’s a difference between a leader, and a boss… And, from there, the micro-management can absolutely make a workplace a toxic hell. ARRL will fail as a whole unless things change for the better.
I have been paying $50 a year for a magazine that is mostly ads, and political lobbying that has been mostly ineffective. Now the magazine isn't coming to my mailbox anymore. I'm done. If enough are like me, the ARRL will be finished.
I have been told that the ARRL pays some of the UA-cam channels up to $1000 per month. That and the salary of the CEO is not where the money should be going. 73, Jim W6LG
Hope you are feeling better soon.
One of the reasons that I did not renew my membership, and most likely won't, ever.
Sociopaths have a knack of getting into the highest parts of organizations. Employees need to walk away from this nonsense. This type of work culture is the from the 70s and 80s.
Way to go ARRL!!! You’re just hurting yourself…
I have been a member of ARRL for 30 years and did not renew this year. The loss of a printed copy of QST was the reason.
I will not have anything to do with the arrl because of the incentive licensing scheme they started back in the 60s. I have not forgotten.
Wow. That is unfortunate.
Jim , the letter needs a date stamp
The same thing happens to all the organizations that start out with the membership’s best interest in mind. Sooner or later, they forget what got them there and start the “meh” attitude toward those that made them succeed. Best thing for all to do is drop their memberships. When they’re left with none of what made them successful… then maybe…. Just maybe they’ll understand.
Those 1969 headphones look modern
This is why ive ignored the arrl since i was licensed in 89
The boss sounds like any other ham.
We won't know for sure until there is an investigation by a neutral group. There are plenty of professionals who would donate their time to see if any of what was written is true. 73 Jim
THE ARRL IS A CLUB , BUT IT’S ALSO THE BUFFER BETWEEN THE FCC AND THE PUBLIC, THE ARRL HAS A FREE HAND JUST LIKE ANY OTHER CLUB BUT WHEN YOUR INVOLVED WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH POLITICS COME IN ., AND WE ALL KNOW HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY WITH POLITICS 😂 long story short the FCC is backing the club so don’t hold your breath for any big change, life goes on 😊
Sounds like SEPTA
I had 8 months left on my magazine subscription when they decided to change the price method. I asked for a rebate on my unset copies.... just a flat no, you can look it up online and read it there. THAT was not what I had paid for & to change it mid-stream is a rip off of a portion of my membership. All I get when I call is SORRY, we have made a marketing decision and no refunds will be offered. Thank You ARRL!
I guess you where cut off that not your norm brother take care Jim 73
In my experience this type of sophomoric, hostile work environment has been common for at least the last 20 years.
It was common during the Apollo moon landing years. In the 80's the Space Shuttle exploded because of this type of crap. Why narrow it down to 20 years? That's ridiculous
Get well soon Jimmy...your needed here
Yes he is. He's done more for amateur radio in the past decade than the ARRL.
Thanks, Jim W6LG