The ARRL is currently in the process of establishing several new Groups similar to ARRL-LoTW but for communications on topics other than LoTW. These Groups will all be sharing a new, common, recognizable domain name: Groups.arrl.org As a part of the transition, messages that you are receiving for ARRL-LoTW from Groups.io will shortly begin to arrive from Groups.arrl.org rather than from Groups.io. This change will mean that any whitelists, fiters, etc. you have defined in your email program (e.g. Gmail, Outlook, etc.) for ARRL-LoTW which are based on the values of email message headers will need to updated for the coming change form Groups.io to Groups.arrl.org once this change is implemented by Groups.io Currently, we expect that this switchover will be taking place this week. We'll share further details once Groups.io informs us of a more precise time for when we can expect this change to happen. 73, Mike K1MK Michael Keane, K1MK IT Manager ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio™ 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1494 USA Telephone: (860) 594-0285 email: k1mk@...

ARRL-LoTW is now part of a rollout of topical groups by ARRL. ARRL-LoTW has been the proof that this can be a successful communication medium for members and non-members alike. Please see today's press release announcing the new groups. ARRL-LoTW continues to be accessible as usual. 73, Greg, K0GW ARRL Creates New Online Groups for Members to Communicate with Leadership 10/22/2019 ARRL’s Committee on Communication with ARRL Members has opened new online forums where all radio amateurs — ARRL members and non-members alike — can discuss issues and topics in two-way conversation with ARRL leadership. The new groups are aimed at enhancing communication among ARRL leadership, staff, members, and prospective members, in a manner that enables timely updates and collegial discussion. This project was based on the success over the past several years of the ARRL-LoTW (Logbook of The World) Group in responding to Amateur Radio operators’ questions and generating discussion on ways to improve that program. “The LoTW initiative has clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of online Groups as a means of achieving the desired interaction,” ARRL said in announcing the new groups. ARRL has added three online groups: ARRL-Contesting — moderated by ARRL Contest Advisory Committee Chairman Dennis Egan, W1UE. ARRL-Awards — moderated by ARRL Radiosport and Field Services Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ. ARRL-IARU — moderated by IARU Secretary Dave Sumner, K1ZZ. The existing ARRL-LOTW group, which has about 4,750 members, remains hosted by Groups.io but has moved. Everyone who subscribes to an ARRL Group is also automatically subscribed to the “ARRL Groups” group. This administrative feature will allow ARRL to convey routine announcements relevant to subscribers of all ARRL groups. ARRL IT Manager Michael Keane, K1MK, worked with Groups.io to set up the new groups. In the months ahead, the Committee envisions creating more online groups to support two-way communication focusing on areas of additional interest to radio amateurs, including ARRL activities, services, initiatives, and policies. ARRL currently hosts members-only online forums that include Awards and Contesting. While these forums will continue to operate, participants will be encouraged to post new threads in the appropriate new groups. Participants will be expected to adhere to some basic ground rules: All questions are welcome, no matter how many times they have already been asked and answered, or how obvious the answers might be in the documentation. Neither personal attacks nor foul language will be tolerated. Violators will immediately be placed on “moderated” status, meaning their subsequent posts will require Moderator approval until the Moderator's trust has been regained. Individuals posting are reminded that these forums are open to everyone, including prospective hams and operators who are not ARRL members but may be thinking about joining. Civility and courtesy are expected, even when you may take issue with a post or thread topic. The Committee on Communication with Members believes that providing more opportunities for two-way discussion between ARRL leadership and the broader Amateur Radio community will assist the organization in truly serving the needs of this community.