My name is Jack DePalma.
I am a listener candidate for the WBAI Fundraising and Membership Coordinator position and would serve, if elected, for a three-year term on the 2027 WBAI Local Station Board (LSB). This year’s Pacifica Foundation elections are designed to elect listener-members and staff to newly created positions while eliminating others positions on a refashioned Pacifica National and Local governing boards. Listener-members from WBAI will vote for both National Board officers and for listeners who will represent WBAI on the Listener Sponsored Board (LSB). Staff members can vote for staff candidates and listener members can vote only for listener candidates. Now KPFA, KPFK, KPFT, WBAI and WPFW listener-members will together all vote for a National Governance Board of officers; and their Local Station Board officers and listener-representatives as well. Sudden changes can be confusing. I am dedicated to helping WBAI thrive by working to get more listener-members. I am determined to help keep the Pacifica Foundation radio network moving forward on its mission.
I am a 50-year long-time listener, a member of past Local Station Boards, and a long time Community Advisory Board member as well as a member of the WBAI Finance Committee for ten years. I know the radio station well. I also spent past years as a volunteer. When Hurricane Sandy flooded the basement at 120 Wall St., WBAI needed to vacate and move to its current location in downtown Brooklyn. I worked together with other volunteers and WBAI staff to pack boxes and equipment to help move WBAI off Wall Street. My support for WBAI over many years has allowed me to see most of the radio station from the inside. Most days I listen from 7 AM until 8 PM and am gratified to see the many important, positive and recent changes at WBAI and with the many affiliated radio outlets which now are a part of a vibrant Pacifica family. We together represent a nation-wide news, entertainment and educational organization. WBAI (wbai.org) is a 24-hour international resource with online streaming and archives.
I know and value the Pacifica Mission as illustrated by my support through the years for WBAI. As a listener, I have learned from the diversity of ideas presented as well as enjoying different music genres that were introduced by radio WBAI. My longtime listening, volunteer experiences, participation in the LSB, CAB and Finance Committee make me uniquely qualified to represent listeners on WBAI Local Station Board as the Fund Raising and Membership Coordinator.
I know and respect the Pacifica mission and highly value the new spirit at WBAI. Member supporters expect transparency and honesty from both Pacifica and WBAI; so I will work to promote it and to maintain improved communications between listeners and the station.
With honest respect for listeners, staff and management; I will be a progressive and positive voice for a better and stronger WBAI and Pacifica.
Thank you.
Jack DePalma