A lot of the problems we are experiencing with the AMA simply boils down to a lack of involvment on the local level.....those people that choose to actually talk to the EC members do succeed in influencing decisions....(imagine that)....we might look at the American Radio Relay League and their Field Organization as a pattern to get more folks involved.....part of the reason some folks don't get involved, is that there is not a way to be involved locally except thru their local club. The ARRL has section managers that coordinate the section field organization. The field organization consists of positions like, Public Information Officer (my position), district Emergency Coordinator, Local Government Liason, Affiliated Club Coordinator, State Government Liason, etc. These types of positions would be very helpful to any district, especially if you break each district up into sections...we already have Associate VP's, just get one from each section in the district and build the field organiztion. Wouldn't it be wonderful if each section(state) could have a person that could interface with the state government, or like in Oklahoma, if there were 5 or 6 local government liasons that would have at least a symbolance of credibility with local governments, because they represent the AMA and would be a local voice to help aquire and maintain flying sites??? Just another idea.

Kevin O'Dell