W1MPN Declares Candidacy for Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager
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.”
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.
Mike, W1MPN has a reputation for being able to unite people, share responsibilities and achievements generously with others, and listening. This shows in his well thought out plan which is posted on