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Contact Teresa J. Allen
Listener Candidate for the KPFT Local Station Board
Statement
Teresa J. Allen
I have supported KPFT Radio for over 30 years, serving (off and on) the KPFT Local Station Board since 2002. I have served on the PNB as well as local committees such as KPFT Outreach and Development, and am proudest of my service to the Pacifica Affiliate and Archives Programs. Founder Lew Hill’s words, "As long as I can communicate, I can create and as long as I can create I am free," are an inspiration. I seek out and have recruited people who respect the Pacifica Mission, problem-solvers, team players and those with the professional expertise as well as a broad range of talents to accomplish goals.
News and public affairs beyond sound-bytes and untainted by corporate influence is our challenge and our joy. I have striven to accomplish the board responsibilities which include determining mission & purpose; ascertainment; selecting, supporting and evaluating the General Manager and Program Director; planning and implementing goals; monitoring and strengthening programs and services; ensuring adequate financial resources; providing proper financial oversight and fundraising; strengthening the board; ensuring legal and ethical integrity; and enhancing the organization’s public standing.
Pacifica has 5 stations, an associate station and more than 200 affiliate stations (see www.pacificanetwork.org ). I have visited many community radio stations-- where I have seen how other communities have utilized this resource. We can always improve upon KPFT’s programs and services—ever striving for relevance. I look at and listen to the programs of other stations, and bring those ideas to KPFT. I have attended Grassroots Radio Conferences, have been influential in the licensing of two radio stations, and have encouraged others to apply for licenses and participate in community radio-- so from the ground up I know how important community radio is and encourage that "can-do" attitude.
The Pacifica Mission includes educating, training, entertaining, encouraging dialogue and certainly empowering people in community. While not serving on the LSB, I have concentrated on fundraising for KPFT and would continue this work. I hope that you will give me your vote.
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 inclined to constant personal networking and promotion of the station; a positive, hopeful attitude with a touch of skepticism; extensive civic engagement with progressive and nonprofit organizations; fundraising
2. What do you appreciate and value in the station's current operations?
  Our former GM was a professional who worked very hard to bring us technologically up to speed and keep us on the air. We have many volunteer programmers who strive for relevant and innovative programming, and despite the pandemic, they strive to raise the money to pay our bills.
3. What would you like to see improved or changed in the station's current operations?
  **improved fundraising, increased listenership and membership (& staff to supervise this).
**more relevant Mission-driven public affairs and news programming
**diversity among staff, programmers and volunteers, board, CAB and diversity of ideas in programming
**a program director to lead, communicate with, evaluate, train and assist programmers
**a membership dept. with skills and attitude to serve & communicate with listeners, prevent attrition, & coordinate outreach
**to own a building and equipment that is maintained.
**more programming sent to Pacifica Archives, catalogued and accessible.
**staff and programmers driven to train, cross-train, cross promote and produce shows remotely if necessary, and utilize social media to promote the programming .
4. Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
  fundraising & fiscal responsibility
cutting-edge, relevant programming with programmers willing to fundraise
fair governance, with an emphasis upon common ground and cooperative projects
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?
  Elect only board members who are willing to fundraise as much as they are willing to micro-manage the GM and staff
.
6. Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know?
  The interaction on the LSB, especially for the last 2 years, has been caustic and disrespectful, but I must admit that we have always had challenges. The slander, name-calling, innuendo and orchestrated attacks have driven volunteers away. About 15 years ago we had someone monitor our meetings.to maintain nonviolent communication, but lately bullying tactics are an embarrassment. Voters should ask candidates what they have done and would do to work across the aisle.
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