Bruce,
All your statements about AMSAT leadership are a false narrative that you and your crew are constantly perpetuating to discredit the organization, for the sake of securing like-minded individuals on the BOD. I can only assume, with the intention of growing ORI? I mean, you did say they got three amateur radio in space grants, right? Why weren't those pursued through AMSAT? What you're doing to AMSAT on the bb publicly is quite sad, though no doubt, coordinated and with intent. There are many of us members (some vocal, many not) that really wish you would just stop, go away and maybe work harder at growing ORI. This action would directly help preserve AMSATs integrity and give you a path to direct your effort and energy more productively. Think of the problems you could solve if you were just not being held back..? I know engineers personally that helped developed that power supply for ARISS and they are really sharp, *involved AMSAT members* that from my own observation have invested countless years of their lives building kit for AMSAT. I saw it and it's some amazing, amazing, amazing hardware. I speak per my observations of these individuals, not for them. Every volunteer organization gains and looses members, all the time, depending on what's going on in their life, state of the economy, etc...that's not surprising nor necessarily a reflection of the work taking place within the organization, or its leadership.
Joseph Armbruster
KJ4JIO
On Wed, Aug 5, 2020 at 3:07 PM Bruce Perens via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
It is entirely not in ARISS-USA's and AREx's interest to involve themselves publicly in AMSAT politics, or indeed that of almost any other organization. While I was curious about the "why now" and "was it an AMSAT issue", it is potentially damaging to ARISS-USA and AREx to pursue that, and I respect Frank's request that we stop, which he first made several weeks ago.
In contrast, my perception is that AMSAT leadership is pursuing a course that has so damaged its relationship with many previously-active volunteers, at least one major donor, and a good portion of the membership and non-member hams; that public intervention is necessary - and appropriate within the context of an election.
Thanks BruceOn Wed, Aug 5, 2020 at 11:42 AM Fernando Ramirez via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb@amsat.org> wrote:
I understand Frank's concerns and agree that these matters must be
handled
very carefully.
For that same reason I think two separate legally established entities
must
discuss their current partnership beyond of a press release. Probably both AMSAT and ARISS USA need to draft and approve a Memorandum of Understanding establishing, in writing, how are things going to work from now on.
Like we say in good ol' Castilian "well defined business safeguard friendships)
73
Fernando KF7R
On Wed, Aug 5, 2020, 11:13 AM Michelle Thompson < mountain.michelle@gmail.com> wrote:
Frank sums up the problems very well.
An organization with unaddressed unauthorized spending could lose opportunities in space. Refusing to even meet to talk about this and
other
problems has put the organization at risk. That is what has happened.
We can't collaborate when we are denied meetings.
We can't have teamwork without collaboration.
I am optimistic things can and will improve.
-Michelle W5NYV
On Wed, Aug 5, 2020 at 3:36 AM Frank Bauer via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb@amsat.org> wrote:
- I had e-mailed Clayton Coleman and the Board on 13 June, calling
for
a meeting to discuss the announcement of the formation of the new
ARISS-USA
organization, and the effect that would have on AMSAT.
I would like to respectfully request for folks to stop trying to drag ARISS and the new AREx initiative into this political battle.
In previous posts, Dave Taylor, W8AAS, the AMSAT delegate to ARISS,
and
I
have stated that ARISS-USA became an entity to allow ARISS to sign agreements (with NASA and others) and seek grants in the ARISS name.
In
the past, AMSAT has done that in the US on behalf of ARISS. The
functional
change is that ARISS is assuming for itself some of the tasks that
AMSAT
has donated support to accomplish. (and we thank AMSAT for this
donated
support!) The good working relationship that ARISS has had with AMSAT
over
the years is NOT changing. For more information, read the press
release on
the new ARISS-USA entity on the ARISS web site www.ariss.org (6th article down).
One item I will remind all of you: Getting into space is HARD. Collaboration and teamwork are essential elements of space mission success. Infighting and back biting are a recipe for disaster in organizations and especially in space. If you all continue these behaviors, you will lose your opportunities to fly your space missions
of
the future. Space agencies and space corporations only want to work
with
folks that are dedicated to mission success. I ask all to get over
your
grievances and start working as a team as I would hate to see AMSAT
lose
space opportunities and space relationships that have taken decades to build.
73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO ARISS-USA Executive Director AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs
-----Original Message----- From: Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) amsat-bb@wd9ewk.net Sent: Wednesday, August 5, 2020 1:30 AM To: Fernando Ramirez framirezferrer@gmail.com; AMSAT < amsat-bb@amsat.org> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Who Let THIS Info Out?
Fernando,
Thanks for asking. Yes, I have made calls for meetings, and there
should
have been meetings since the last special meeting at the end of March.
- Discuss the thousands of dollars in unauthorized spending on legal
expenses since 2018 - a point that is not disputed in the letter AMSAT President Clayton Coleman sent to members last month.
- After Robert Bankston's financial report was released in
mid-March, I
asked for a meeting to discuss the "cost-saving and budgetary control measures" he started to implement. After many months, Robert has not discussed these measures. Given the unauthorized spending, it appears
AMSAT
is in dire need of budgetary control measures.
- I had e-mailed Clayton Coleman and the Board on 13 June, calling
for
a
meeting to discuss the announcement of the formation of the new
ARISS-USA
organization, and the effect that would have on AMSAT. Clayton informed the Board on 16 June that he would gather his notes regarding a discussion with Frank Bauer and ARISS-USA, and review them
with
the Board. As of tonight, nothing from Clayton.
Michelle has also made calls for meetings. Yet none of the other 5 directors - including the two running for reelection this summer -
have
joined our calls for meetings. Clayton could call meetings, but has
chosen
not to. I would be more than happy to discuss these, and other issues, during an on-the-record Board meeting where minutes are made available
to
AMSAT members.
Thank you.
Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK
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-- Bruce Perens - CEO at stealth startup. I'll tell you what it is eventually :-) _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb