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About a month ago, I wrote about the ARRL Board’s draconian “Code of Conduct” and the censure of Southwest Division Director. I’ve also written about some new bylaws amendments that, if adopted at the upcoming January board meeting, will make the ARRL even less democratic.

But, wait, there’s more. CQ is reporting on a number of other proposals, that, among other things, will

Give the board of directors the power to revoke individual memberships “for cause … after affording the member an opportunity to respond in writing” by a simple majority vote.

Remove a specific dues rate from the By-Laws, instead stating that the dues shall be an amount set by the board of directors (effectively making it possible for the board to raise dues by a majority vote rather than the two-thirds to three-fourths vote required for changing the By-Laws).

Remove the right of vice directors to attend board meetings, except by invitation of the directors.

Prohibit members recalling directors during the first 6 months of a three-year term of office or after June 1 of the term’s final year.

Incorporate the board’s conflict of interest policy and code of conduct into the By-Laws.

Give the board the power to remove from office – by 2/3 vote – any officer, director or vice director “for cause” by revoking that person’s ARRL membership; after providing the subject of such action with an opportunity for a hearing prior to the board vote.

Give the board the power to reprimand or censure a member in lieu of removal; but in this case, “No advance notice or opportunity to be heard shall be applicable to the censure vote.”

Prohibiting current, future and past board members from taking the League or any of its officers or directors to court as a result of disputes among board members or between a board member and the League as a whole; rather, any disputes would be required to be submitted to binding arbitration; and “As a condition of service or continued service as an Officer, Director or Vice Director, all Officers, Directors, Vice Directors and candidates for such office will expressly waive any right to sue anyone acting on behalf of the Corporation in court either during their term of office or thereafter.”

I really would like an answer from someone at the League why they think these proposals are good for the ARRL and good for amateur radio. I don’t know about you, but they don’t really make any sense to me, and they’re just going to drive members away. Instead of “making the tent bigger,” these measures are only going to alienate people.

Already I have heard from a number of ARRL members who say they’re not going to renew their memberships. The one that hit me the most was one of my Elmerees. A couple of years ago, we had a long talk about why it would be a good idea for him to join the ARRL, and he did so. Yesterday, he emailed me, “I’m pretty irked by this. I’m 100% sure I will not be renewing my ARRL membership.”

I’m not so sure that I disagree with him. Money talks, and while not being a member may give me less of a voice within the League, I’m not sure they’re listening anyway.

Having said that, I am going to contact my director with the hope that he will oppose these changes to the by-laws and articles of association. I would encourage you to do so as well.