As an engaged member of the amateur radio community and a long-time observer of ARRL governance, I feel compelled to address an issue of significant concern. At its upcoming Board meeting, the ARRL will vote on proposed amendments to its By-Laws, yet the process leading to this vote raises serious questions about compliance with its own governing documents.
The Importance of Article 10
Article 10 of the ARRL Articles of Association establishes critical procedural safeguards for amendments to its By-Laws. It requires that Directors receive at least 30 days' advance notice of proposed amendments, ensuring they have sufficient time to understand, evaluate, and deliberate on the implications of any changes. This provision is not a formality; it is a cornerstone of transparent and accountable governance.
A Milestone in Transparency
The notice published on the ARRL website about the proposed by-laws changes represents a watershed moment for the League. For the first time, the League has provided this level of transparency in advance of a motion like this. This proactive step has been widely acknowledged, even by those who oppose the substance of the motion. Members across the spectrum of opinion see it as a significant gesture of respect and recognition of their role in the organization. However, this progress is fragile. Adhering fully to the notice requirements of Article 10 is essential to building on this newfound transparency. Failing to do so risks squandering this trust and tarnishing what could be a turning point in the League’s relationship with its members.
A Procedural Oversight
On December 18, 2024, the ARRL Board received notification of proposed By-Laws amendments. However, this notification omitted a key element: the draft motion(s) that Directors will vote on. Without the draft motion(s) in hand for review, Directors are left to speculate on critical details:
- Will the amendments be introduced under a single motion or multiple motions?
- What specific language will the motion(s) include, and how might it affect the Board’s understanding of the amendments?
This lack of clarity undermines the intent of Article 10. Directors cannot fulfill their fiduciary duties effectively if they lack the full context of what they are being asked to approve.
What’s at Stake?
Even if the initial notice were deemed sufficient, any subsequent changes to the final wording of the motion(s) would reset the 30-day notice requirement. Proceeding without this notice would require a higher threshold for approval: a three-fourths majority of all Directors, as stipulated by Article 10. Ignoring these safeguards sets a dangerous precedent, eroding trust in the ARRL’s governance.
Additionally, failing to adhere to Article 10 undermines the organization’s credibility, both internally and externally. Members expect transparency and accountability from their leadership. When these standards are not met, it feeds into existing concerns about governance and damages the ARRL’s ability to effectively advocate for its members on key issues. This erosion of trust can have long-term consequences, from declining membership to reduced influence in legislative and regulatory matters.
A Call for Accountability
To ensure the integrity of this process, I urge the ARRL Board to:
- Postpone the Vote: Delay consideration of the amendments until all Directors have been provided with the draft motion(s) and sufficient time for review.
- Honor the 30-Day Requirement: If any changes to the proposed amendments arise, restart the notice period to ensure compliance with Article 10.
Why This Matters
The ARRL’s governance impacts every member of the amateur radio community. Upholding procedural standards is not just about following rules; it’s about building trust, fostering transparency, and ensuring that the decisions made reflect the collective wisdom of its leadership. As members, we deserve nothing less.
Your Voice Matters
If you share these concerns, consider reaching out to your Division Director. Remind them of their duty to represent your interests and to uphold the highest standards of governance. Together, we can ensure the ARRL remains an organization we can all be proud of.
