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Contact George Funmaker
Listener Candidate for the KPFK Local Station Board
Statement
Greetings, my name is George Funmaker. I am a longtime KPFK listener and running for the Local Station Board for the first time. I am an enrolled tribal member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and Spirit Lake Dakota. I was born and raised in Los Angeles (Gabrielino Tongva/Kizh territories). I am a father of four children, and live in the South Bay; I am honored to work and be of service in the Native community. My motivation to run for the LSB is rooted in my own experience of being greatly influenced by progressive programming on KPFK. Growing up, I was introduced to Divine Forces Radio with Fidel Rodriguez on KPFK. This show had a tremendous impact on me - it helped shape my political and spiritual awareness, as well as my critical thinking skills. Also listening to American Indian Airwaves on KPFK helped educate me on various Indigenous issues throughout Native Country. KPFK has had a significant impact on my course and involvement in activism, and advocating for communities and families. My vision for my participation in the LSB is to uplift Black, Indigenous, and POC voices and viewpoints in programming. Alongside my fellow Grassroots LSB Candidates, I am committed to antiracism, decolonization, anti imperialism, and ecosocialism; additionally, #LANDBACK.
Answers to Candidate Questionnaire
1. What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station's mission?
  I am involved in the Native community and have skills in organizing, communicating, and facilitating. I feel my experience as a community member and community worker gives me insight and awareness on how to link and align the station's mission with community needs.
2. What do you appreciate and value in the station's current operations?
  I appreciate and value the representation of Black, Indigenous and POC voices - that influence and impact social climate and politics, not only for our LA region, but nationally and internationally.
3. What would you like to see improved or changed in the station's current operations?
  KPFK would benefit from increasing involvement and centering of younger generations, as well as BIPOC communities.
4. Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
  1. Uplifting BIPOC voices and representation
2. Uplifting LGBTQ2S voices and representation
3. Uplifting the voices of our youth
5. Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station's financial footing?
  Promoting and recruiting more diverse listeners via diverse and strategic programming, to contribute to the funding base.
6. Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know?
  I will do my best to represent all listeners, to be inclusive, to be fair and honest in my decisions, and to be transparent.
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