About The ARRL

The ARRL is the national membership association for Amateur Radio operators. With approximately 154,000 members, it is the largest organization of radio amateurs in the United States. The ARRL is a not-for-profit organization that:

• promotes interest in Amateur Radio communications and experimentation
• represents US radio amateurs in legislative matters, and
• maintains fraternalism and a high standard of conduct among Amateur Radio operators.

At ARRL headquarters in the Hartford suburb of Newington, a full time staff of 120 helps serve the needs of members. ARRL is also International Secretariat for the International Amateur Radio Union, which is made up of similar societies in 150 countries around the world.

ARRL publishes the monthly journal QST, as well as newsletters and many publications covering all aspects of Amateur Radio. Its headquarters station, W1AW, transmits bulletins of interest to radio amateurs and Morse code practice sessions. The ARRL also coordinates an extensive field organization, which includes volunteers who provide technical information for radio amateurs and public-service activities. In addition, ARRL represents US amateurs with the Federal Communications Commission and other government agencies in the US and abroad.

W1MPN Declares Candidacy for Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager

Submitted by k9hi on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 13:34

HUDSON, MA – Mike Neilsen, W1MPN, who recently announced his candidacy for the position of ARRL Section Manager (SM) in the Eastern Massachusetts (EMA) section, has released a campaign update stressing the differences between the practices of the current administration and what he will offer if elected. He plans to further strengthen the hobby for EMA members. “We will pick up where we left off two years ago in promoting all facets of the hobby with a strong slate of pertinent positions and outstanding individuals to fill them”, W1MPN stated.

Once a person is elected--or appointed--to the position of ARRL Section Manager, it's important that he/she understand the purpose and responsibilities the job entails. First and foremost, an SM is charged with organizing and coordinating the activities of the local ARRL field organization within the section. "The strength of hobby remains with the clubs and the local ARRL field organization must provide all the support we can give them." W1MPN noted. “As I have pointed out previously, the incumbent has left many areas within the local field organization to languish; the lack of a Technical Coordinator, the removal of quality people from the ACC and OOC positions on a whim, as well as the folly of filling several key positions with people who reside outside of the section”, W1MPN said. He also observed that there still is no club presentation list or public speaking list, to name a few.

The SM should possess superior writing skills so that he/she can effectively communicate with thousands of section members. This is definitely not one of the incumbent’s strengths. “The attempt on the part of the current section manager to shut down the EMA section website was particularly short-sighted, especially since he offers no acceptable alternative for communicating with our members”, said W1MPN. “K9HI, as webmaster, has provided a superior product appropriate to timely article retrieval with the ubiquity of today’s electronic communication devices. Retribution to satisfy personality conflicts has no place in the vital job of communicating with our membership”, Neilsen emphasized.

Perhaps even more crucial: the Section Manager should NOT--under ANY circumstances--attempt to interfere with national policy or establish their own national initiatives since this falls under the realm of Headquarters employees, Division Directors and ultimately, the ARRL Executive Committee. While the current Section Manager has announced several proposed national initiatives (none of which have come to fruition), a well-organized section organization performs best when it works in concert with other ARRL entities. “The knowledgeable SM understands that club activities; public relations and publicity, local and state governmental liaison and monitoring; official observer/ amateur auxiliary; technical support; NTS, youth activities and emergency communications are best performed at the section level”, W1MPN emphasized. “Then we should look to the ARRL Headquarters to augment well-established programs at the section level.”

Neilsen concluded by stating that,

“If I am elected, I will:

•    Appoint a Technical Coordinator who would work closely with the Official Observer Coordinator on interference issues; who would, in turn, identify technically savvy individuals in the various affiliated clubs;
•    Appoint a qualified Official Observer Coordinator with the best technical credentials, and who has absolutely unassailable personal integrity;
•    Ensure that all section staff appointees reside in Eastern Massachusetts;
•    Ensure that all section staff appointees have a sense of service and personal integrity;
•    Appoint an Affiliated Club Coordinator who is knowledgeable of the local club scene--but more importantly, has earned the respect and trust of all club leaders, as it was in my last administration;
•    Re-establish the robust website in existence during my last administration;
•    Re-establish the club presenter's list;
•    Establish a public speakers list of qualified amateurs who can promote Amateur Radio to external organizations (e.g., Rotary, Lions Club, and other community groups);
•    Appoint an Assistant SM for Operating Activities; someone active with DXing, contesting, and other on-air activities with the skill to promote local and section operating activities;
•    Appoint an Assistant SM for Youth Activities who will encourage young people to find the same joy in the hobby as we do, and to inspire young amateurs as well as their mentors;
•    Coordinate proper staff meetings held 3-4 times each year reviewing the progress of all facets of the hobby--not just as a pulpit for items which are of personal interest to the SM"

Neilsen added that, "We simply cannot ignore that emergency communications continues to be in great demand by our government and non-government served agencies. We will expand our efforts to better anticipate their needs. Those efforts will be managed by the best talent possible. Emphasis on readiness and training excellence will resume in my administration."

W1MPN concluded by stating “Leading the League's field organization at a section level requires excellent written and verbal communications and interpersonal skills." "I intend to reestablish the level of trust and understanding that used to exist between the local leadership and other entities.”

W1MPN Presentation at PART of Westford

Submitted by k9hi on Thu, 08/21/2008 - 15:26

Mike Neilsen, W1MPN presented on emergency communications at the August meeting of the Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford.

"Please accept my compliments for a very fine presentation at PART's August monthly meeting," wrote PART president "Bo" Budinger, WA1QYM. "It was very timely as I have been trying to bring PART's focus back again to emergency communications. We will continue to be a full service club but we do have a strong emergency communications heritage."

Additional photos from the meeting can be found on the club's web site at <http://www.wb1gof.org/files/part0808_w/Page.html>.

PART Board Endorses W1MPN For SM Position

Submitted by k9hi on Wed, 08/20/2008 - 20:51

The Board-of-Directors of PART, The Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford, MA, endorses Mike Neilsen (W1MPN) for the position of Section Manager (SM) for the Eastern Massachusetts Section of the ARRL. We find Mike to be eminently qualified for this position. Mike will bring experience and maturity to the job of Section Manager. In addition, Mike possesses excellent interpersonal and managerial skills that are desperately needed at this level in ARRL’s organization.

Bo Budinger (WA1QYM) President

Richard Crisafulli (AB1HD) Vice President

Steve Rimsa (WA1KBE) Treasurer

Alan Martin (W1AHM) Treasurer

Ron Quattrochi (Director at Large)

North Shore Radio Association Leaders Endorse W1MPN For Section Manager

Submitted by k9hi on Tue, 08/19/2008 - 23:00

"We are writing to endorse Mike Neilsen - W1MPN as the only proven candidate to be elected as Section Manager of the Eastern Massachusetts Section in the upcoming election. We are speaking both as leaders in the North Shore ARES program as well as key representatives within the North Shore Radio Association (NS1RA).

"Mike's working knowledge of all aspects regarding amateur radio is a proven benefit to the ham radio community within Eastern Massachusetts and beyond. There has never been a moment where Mike's leadership, advice, and friendship within the section has ever been in doubt. Mike has worked tirelessly with both of us in addition to the North Shore ham radio community at large to help rebuild our ARES program into one of the most efficient and well run groups within the section.

"We are completely resolved to vote for Mike Neilsen as Section Manager in the upcoming election, and strongly urge all our ham radio friends to do the same. By working towards this goal together, we can ensure the success of Amateur Radio for a long time to come."

Thanks,

Eric Horwitz - KA1NCF
North Shore ARES District Emergency Coordinator
Member of North Shore Radio Association Board of Directors

Jim Palmer - KB1KQW
NorthShore ARES Emergency Coordinator
North Shore Assistant SKYWARN Coordinator
Member & Volunteer - North Shore Radio Association

Gordon Gravelese - KX1KTY
North Shore Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Operations
Member & Volunteer - North Shore Radio Association

Mike Griffin - KB1OHZ
North Shore Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Administration
Member & Volunteer - North Shore Radio Association

W1MPN Participates in Hurricane Drill, SKYWARN Activations

Submitted by k9hi on Thu, 08/14/2008 - 15:34

Mike Neilsen participated in the August 4, 2008 "Hurricane Matt" statewide hurricane drill that involved participants of RACES, ARES and SKYWARN. The drill "exercised communication networks during the response phase of a severe storm scenario in the face of significant infrastructure damage to landline and cellular telephone, and loss of commercial power."

Neilsen also spent many hours serving as Net Control Station at WX1BOX at the National Weather Service in Taunton during numerous SKYWARN activations that occurred last week.

Barnstable Amateur Radio Club Endorses W1MPN!

Submitted by k9hi on Sun, 08/10/2008 - 22:35

At its August 10, 2008 Board of Directors meeting, the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club voted unanimously to endorse Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN for the job of ARRL Eastern MA Section Manager.

"Mike will bring leadership and professionalism to the section and ensure the top level of service needed by its members," stated BARC President Jim Bradbury, WA1KCC.

The Barnstable Amateur Radio Club is an ARRL affiliated club. It meets at the American Red Cross Chapter House on 286 South Street in Hyannis. BARC also schedules events through the year including luncheon get-togethers, technical workshops and other such events.

KB9YOZ: "Wholehearted Support"

Submitted by k9hi on Thu, 08/07/2008 - 09:35

"I support your candidacy wholeheartedly."

David Delakas, KB9YOZ

Board member, Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association

K1WCC Endorses Mike Neilsen For SM

Submitted by k9hi on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 14:14

Please add my name to the list of many other hams who have endorsed Mike Neilson for the Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager position.

Regards,

Henry Brown, K1WCC
ARES EC, Falmouth, MA

K1HRV: "[W1MPN] Has The Leadership Qualities"

I am excited to hear of Mike's candidacy and pleased to endorse him for ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager. Mike has the credentials and would be our best choice to lead us in meeting the challenges of keeping our hobby in the forefront, whether it be public service or in those areas that promote amateur radio exposure and growth. I know that Mike Neilsen has the leadership qualities, experience, and proven record to be our next Section Manager.

Dave Doe
K1HRV
ARES, RACES, SKYWARN
Walpole, MA

N2RDF: "I Endorse Mike In His Bid For SM"

Submitted by k9hi on Sun, 07/20/2008 - 19:20

"...I have reviewed the information available about Mike and the other candidate of which I am aware.

"I have read all the posts on Mike's web site and the Google articles. There is an impressive consistency of the comments, focusing on Mike's strengths of bringing people together and solving problems. I agree with one of the other posts regarding the importance of supporting our communities with Emergency Communications. The Amateur Radio bands are not an entitlement, they are a privilege which we must continue to earn year after year.

"For these reasons I endorse Mike in his bid for the Section Managers position in Eastern Massachusetts. I believe that it will be a big step forward for EMA and for Ham Radio."

Regards,
Doug Troughton,
N2RDF

Have Your Say!

Would you like to comment on Mike Neilsen's candidacy for ARRL Section Manager? Send your short message (and optional photo) to input@w1mpn.org.

What People Are Saying...

We find Mike to be eminently qualified for this position. Mike will bring experience and maturity to the job of Section Manager." --Board of Directors, Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford

Mike's working knowledge of all aspects regarding amateur radio is a proven benefit to the ham radio community within Eastern Massachusetts and beyond. There has never been a moment where Mike's leadership, advice, and friendship within the section has ever been in doubt." --North Shore Radio Association leadership

Mike will bring leadership and professionalism to the section and ensure the top level of service needed by its members." --Jim Bradbury, WA1KCC, President, Barnstable Amateur Radio Club

I support your candidacy wholeheartedly." --David Delakas, KB9YOZ, member, Board of Directors, Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association

Mike Neilsen has the leadership qualities, experience, and proven record to be our next Section Manager." --Dave Doe, K1HRV

...I endorse Mike in his bid for the Section Managers position in Eastern Massachusetts. I believe that it will be a big step forward for EMA and for Ham Radio." --Doug Troughton, N2RDF

Mike has a great reputation for pulling people together toward a common goal..." --Mark Titterington, W1EOF, Section Traffic Manager, Rhode Island

...In order for any organization to evolve, it needs strong and steady guidance at the helm. I have every confidence that Mike will lead in E MA in that positive direction." --Al Shuman, K1AKS (formerly N1FIK), ARRL Section Manager, New Hampshire

Mike has a proven track record of dedicating himself effectively to amateur radio and public service in general, and of bring out the best in volunteers... Mike has been endorsed here on these pages, and elsewhere, by some of the most respected names in our amateur radio community; these hams stand ready to follow him once again!" --Larry Caruso, K1LGC, President, Pentucket Radio Association

The Section needs someone knowledgeable, committed, and respected by hams, ARRL leadership, and state public safety personnel. It also needs a good listener and natural leader. Mike has demonstrated all those attributes." --Steve Telsey, N1BDA, Concord MA

From local government to the newest club, Mike's proven ability will unite everyone involved in EmComm in the section..." --John L. Mahon, N1PYN, RACES Radio Officer, City of Brockton Emergency Management Agency

His demonstrated organizational skills and management capabilities are what we need to represent us in the section." --Tim Smith, N1TI, Secretary, Southeastern Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association

Mike has provided very good service in the past, knows what we need in amateur radio and he has been a strong proponent in emergency communications as well as other subjects in our radio service." --Dan Brown, W1DAN, President, Wellesley Amateur Radio Society

Providing emergency communications ... should be our number one focus." --"Whitey Doherty, K1VV

We have full faith that Mike will lead the section with honesty, integrity, and professionalism, as he has done in the past." --Board of Directors, Bristol Co. Repeater Association, a.k.a. Fall River ARC

[W1MPN] helped us develop an ARES program here in Rhode Island, which is now robust and thriving." --Bob Beaudet, W1YRC

Simply put, 'Mike knows his stuff.' He's been there before and did a stellar job." --Hank Buccigross, K1QK

Mike is a proven leader and someone who is interested in all aspects of amateur radio." --Blake Haskell, K1BTH

I’ve learned a tremendous amount about leadership... I have become a better leader both in volunteer and professional work environments through working with Mike." --Rob Macedo, KD1CY

Mike is highly respected though-out New England, the ARRL and Professional Public Safety Officials!" --Mark Duff, KB1EKN

Mike will bring back leadership and direction ... He has demonstrated his knowledge and commitment to the section." --Ed Parish, K1EP

Mike supported a strong working relationship between NTS and ARES that still exists today... His leadership is a must for the coming years." --Jim Ward, N1LKJ

It was largely due to Mike's leadership... that we were able to develop one of the finest and most effective sections within the ARRL." --Carl Aveni, N1FY

[Mike's] knowledge and ability to view problems as items to be repaired and having the natural ability as a repair man will make him the best we as members of ARRL EMA section could ask for." --Mike Goldberg, K1LJN

Mike's ability to see the big picture has played out many times ... he brings his wealth of personal skills to bear on each challenge." --Tom Kinahan, N1CPE

Mike understands the ARRL, the ham radio community and its served agencies and is well respected in these arenas." --Terry Stader, KA8SCP

His direct involvement with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has enabled him to interact with state officials in a manner beneficial to amateur radio." --Frank O'Laughlin, WQ1O

An astute individual who is well aware of the needs of the section members." --Gordy Bello, K1GB

Mike has a thorough understanding of the 'big picture' ... He knows what sorts of services and activities are sponsored by Headquarters, and which services and activities should be provided (or supplemented) by the local field organization." --Phil Temples, K9HI