The buzz is the future direction and priorities of ham radio; ARRL Board of Directors Plans for League's Future at Second 2008 Meeting.
Please keep in mind, that I use 'our' in the sense of organizational ownership, as a result of my membership fee thus, I am a stakeholder in the success of our League.
Our Board of Directors advised David Sumner, K1ZZ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to implement conversation with stakeholders. This is a pivotal moment in the history of ham radio given the magnitude of social and technological change. The question is how our conversation between leadership and stakeholders will take place?
Additionally, another ham radio operator and blogger, has taken that step into the future. Dan, KB6NU is running for Great Lakes Division Vice Director chair and his points are well made. He illuminated the need for greater spectrum activity, developing electronic skill sets through clubs, and re-packaging ham radio as fun. This election might well test the willingness to maintain status quo or accept innovative, creative, and stimulating change.
Qualitative Data.
Likewise, ham radio operator and long standing blogger Jeff, KE9V posted Number 16 wherein he discussed potential future issues confronting ham radio. For example, is it a matter of time when corporations like Yaesu, Icom, and Kenwood begin looking at the sustainability of ham radio 5, 10, or 20-years hence? What is going to be the financial impact on businesses deriving revenue from the ham radio marketplace in the forthcoming decades?
One must read Top 25 things vanishing from America: #16 -- Ham Radio written by Tom, N8NLO. Moreso, read the conversation below Tom's article, and one senses an overwhelming belief that the body ham radio is healthy. In contrast, at the gut level, is that collective belief correct?
Ham radio operator Steve, K9ZW of With Varying Frequency - Amateur Radio Ponderings posted the cancellation of Hiberling's PT-8000 flagship HF/VHF transceiver as well. Perhaps a market existed for high-end transceivers like the PT-8000 and it really was supply chain issues leading to cancellation. If so, one can categorize that as social change influencing decisions within the marketplace. I'm also looking at currency as a variable.
Lastly, take a look at the thousands of photographs posted across a range of ham radio activities. A meta-analysis might suggest a disproportionate number of operators in mid-life in relationship to Millennials. The evidence is looking right back at me.
Whereas the top national organization is beginning to recognize the future. That in and of itself is a trend indicator.
Direction and Priorities.
- ARRL Strategic Plan.
- 2009 ARRL National Convention.
- ARRLWeb Redesign.
- Resource Improvements.
- Operating Issues.
- Regulatory Matters.
Certainly, our strategic plan will chart the future direction of ham radio, and perhaps will begin addressing priority issues such as recruitment, retention, and activity. The underlying problem at hand, for me, is pumping up the spectrum of ham radio activity. I, for one, believe that recruitment and retention will follow, when an otherwise inactive operator senses something cool is happening. Everyone wants to be part of something.
I'm not sure if allying the 2009 ARRL National Convention in Dayton is a good fit. Read Scott, W4PA and his posting
We'll we're moving on up...to the east side...to a deluxe arena as a trend indicator. Perhaps it is time to consider venues in mega-suburban centers like Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, or San Jose to mention a few. A venue in harmony with ham radio's Fifth Pillar moreover, where is the greatest concentration of Millennials?
Furthermore, our League is looking at upgrading the website and moving itself into the 21st Century away from the dot com era.
Fathom presented a new design and I like their tag line, "
Helping build success for our clients through insights and solutions that differentiate and propel."
The proof will be in the pudding. Or in this modern world of visualizations; the website will be worth a million words.
My Future As A Stakeholder.I want the League to succeed and reorganization is a monumental endeavor with far reaching implications. The success of our strategic plan will be a two way communications effort along with lots of hardwork. Will this endeavor be easy? No. However I sense a new mission at the League's headquarters and perhaps Mister Hiram Percy Maxim said, "Let's suppose."
73 from the shackadelic.
oxon and they are--
