The ARRL July 2018 Board of Directors meeting minutes have been published on the league’s website.  I wanted to share with you some of the highlights of the meeting.
The Volunteer Monitoring (VM) program was announced to replace the official observer program.  The VM program was developed in response to the now smaller FCC enforcement department in an effort to identify situations that need addressing, gather suitable evidence and present the findings in a way that will potentially result in swifter responses from the FCC.  More information can be found at http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-board-adopts-volunteer-monitoring-program-official-observer-program-to-be-retired
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES) is getting an overhaul.  New membership levels, training materials, and ARES Connect, an online membership database are a few of the changes.  Our three Section Emergency Coordinators have been given a copy of ARES Strategic Plan and asked to submit comments to ARRL HQ.  More information can be found at http://www.arrl.org/news/ares-continues-move-toward-enhanced-training-paperless-reporting
The ARRL Articles of Incorporation were updated to include volunteer indemnification, add “the national association for Amateur Radio” to the front page and update the Board of Directors election schedule.  The details are contained in the meeting minutes and the arrl.org website will happen soon.
The meeting agenda and minutes are on-line at http://www.arrl.org/board-meetings
The various committee reports are on-line at http://www.arrl.org/committee-reports
The Dakota Division is looking for a new Contest Advisory Committee member.  The Contest Advisory Committee was tasked with studying aspects of digital mode contests and the November ARRL Sweepstakes.  If you have an interest, please contact me directly.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer.  I look forward to visiting South Dakota members in Sioux Falls and Rapid City later this month.  The fall hamfest season is near and the Dakota Division calendar has been updated at www.arrldakota.org. Vice Director Nelson is planning to attend the RRRA hamfest and ARRL North Dakota State Convention, September 29th, in West Fargo.