Club Commitments & Board Decisions

1. Acknowledgment of Prior Board Commitments
   The current HiDARG Board makes every effort to honor the commitments and obligations of previous boards. However, many variables—including changing circumstances, documentation gaps, expertise or member availability, financial constraints, and equipment—can affect our capacity to fulfill past commitments exactly as they were initially established.
2. Evolving Nature of Decisions
   While we respect the groundwork laid by previous boards, we also recognize that we must adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Like any leadership group, the current board cannot bind future boards to every decision made in the past. Similarly, the decisions we make now may be subject to re-evaluation by boards in 2040 or beyond.
3. Flexibility in Re-evaluation
   A board or committee decision is not an irrevocable license; it can and should be revisited if circumstances change significantly. This flexibility ensures our club remains dynamic, progressive, and responsive to the needs of our members.

Mailing List Etiquette

1. Relevance & Clarity
   • The main mailing list is designed for current members to discuss topics directly related to HiDARG and Amateur Radio.
   • Please keep your posts pertinent to club interests and present your ideas clearly and concisely.
2. Staying on Topic
   • Once a topic is introduced, replies should remain relevant to that discussion.
   • If a discussion spirals away from the original topic, it may be locked from further comment and archived in order to keep our mailing list organized and valuable to members.
   • If you need to introduce a new subject, please start a separate thread or reach out privately to the appropriate person or group.
3. Preserving Email Threading
   • Do not alter email headers (especially the subject line) when replying. This helps maintain proper threading and avoids confusion and inbox chaos.
4. Notification Settings
   • You can manage how many emails you receive by adjusting your notification settings (Main -> Subscription -> Settings). Digest or summary formats are available if you prefer fewer individual messages.
5. Proofreading & Tone
   • Before hitting “Send,” review your message for clarity, spelling, and overall tone. Reading it aloud to a friend, family member, or even yourself can help ensure it conveys your intended message.
   • Avoid “stream-of-consciousness” emails; keep your main point front and center.
6. Public vs. Private Communication
   • If the topic is relevant to a public group or sub-group, keep your replies on-list so everyone remains informed.
   • Minimize off-list conversations unless the matter is truly personal or confidential.
7. Respectful Communication
   • Please avoid bringing private disagreements or topics into public discussions.
   • Refrain from using fallacies, sweeping generalizations, or ad hominem attacks.
   • Aim to be inclusive, respectful, and kind—our shared hobby is meant to bring people together, not push them apart.

Utilizing Appropriate Communication Channels

1. Committees & Sub-Groups
   HiDARG maintains various committees and sub-groups, each led by a dedicated chairperson. If your issue pertains specifically to one of these areas, please direct your question or concern to the relevant committee first. This ensures the right people see your message and can respond appropriately.
2. Club Officer Emails
   For topics that do not clearly fall under a specific committee or sub-group—or if you’re unsure which channel to use—consider contacting the Board or a Club Officer directly before broadcasting your concern to the entire club. You can find officer emails on our website.
3. Member-At-Large
   If you’d like to raise a general concern or discuss an issue in confidence, you can also reach out to our Member-At-Large. This role is designed to serve as an accessible point of contact for all members.
4. When to Take It to the Whole Club
   We value transparency and group discussion, but ask that you use the main list responsibly. If a matter remains unresolved after consulting the relevant committee or officer, then it may be appropriate to bring it forward to the larger group for further input.

In Closing

We value every member’s perspective and hope that by following these guidelines, we’ll all enjoy a more positive, organized, and constructive environment. The HiDARG Board of Directors is here to serve our membership and to foster a culture of growth, learning, and collaboration.

Thank you for your ongoing contributions to our club. We look forward to working together as we uphold the high standards of HiDARG, grow our membership, and support the broader Amateur Radio community.

Sincerely,

The HiDARG Board of Directors
Dave Green N5LR President
Jeannie Fraly KK7BTJ Vice-President
John Googins KF7JLG Secretary
Nolan Reisbeck W7GXJ Treasurer
Chris Shaker KJ7BLE Member-At-Large