Valley Free Radio | WXOJ-LP | 103.3 FM | Northampton, Massachusetts

Present: Ed Russell, Tony Udell, Fidel Hildalgo, Dana Prescott, Rikk DesGres, Tony Shannon, Bob Gardner, Charles Marchand, Derek Goodwin, Emily Miller, Arjuna Greist, Alexander Russo, Samuel Bass, Andy Sewell

Moderated by Fidel, notes by Bobg

Announcements:  Andy announced that the moderated Northampton mayoral debate hosted by VFR is moving forward, with Dave Pakman to moderate, and possible venues being Forbes Library or Northampton High School.  We will need to obtain $1 million insurance policy on event [to cost us $100.00]; will be carried live by Community Access TV and run on delay on VFR. 

Charles M announced an upcoming fundraiser at the Elevens on Aug. 8^th; we will be charging $5.00 at door; Charles will write a proposal to board. 

Tech Committee:  Andy – we now have a server sled installed, which, when fully operational, will record the stream in one hour segments.  Some discussion of replacing Marrantz, but payment for this will fall to programmers, if they want to raise the money.

The Website is now transferred, and Tony and Andy are currently operating. 

Fundraising: Tony Udell raised the option of doing another on-air pledge drive.  Maybe in September? 

Re-application proposal:  the new and revised proposal is read and discussed.  After a spirited discussion, the proposal passes as written.   Some discussion of uses of transition week to the new schedule.  [perhaps this could be a pledge drive week?]  Full text of approved policy:

Here at VFR we have been searching for a way to make our organization healthier, and to ensure that the responsibilities of running an all-volunteer station are equitably shared by all of us, the volunteers. There have been many attempts over the years to combat two of our most serious challenges: lack of commitment, follow-through, and communication from some on one end of the spectrum, and burn-out from the most involved members on the other. To address these challenges in a fresh way, encouraging both collective and individual accountability, it is now proposed:

1] The reporting of hours worked should be the responsibility of each programmer.  An online fill-in sheet will be added to vfr website where each programmer can report hours worked monthly.
 
2] Annually each programmer will be responsible for filling out a form, available online and at the station, detailing their personal fulfillment of the station’s membership requirements, including volunteer hours, meeting attendance, membership fees, and the provisos of programming. For the vast majority of us, this will be an opportunity to share what we have been doing for the station and how our shows fit in with the mission of VFR. It will be an exercise in community-building, as we learn more about the exciting, varied, worthwhile, and unique programs that are available on our station, and about our neighbors who present them. We can inspire and be inspired by the hard work and innovative ideas of our peers. For some, it will be an occasion to reflect on whether or not they are truly honoring their commitment to VFR, and a chance to step up and become a fully participating member in time for the review. A few will realize, on their own or with feedback from the committees, that they have not been complying with requirements, and they will need to relinquish their programming privileges.

 3] Each programmer will solicit support and feedback from their collective prior to submission of a reapplication to the programming committee as a whole. Once obtaining approval at the programming committee level, the process will continue on to the Board of Directors, which will further explore the situation and make final decision on how to proceed. Each group will discuss different aspects of our adherence to policy and mission, and will have the discretionary power to waive some requirements due to dire circumstances. 
 
4] There shall be a week break in programming between scheduling blocks.  During this time, automation, syndication and other pre-recorded material will play on air.   This will allow the programming committee to reconfigure and place both new shows and established shows in a revised schedule format.
 
5] The first annual scheduling period shall begin four months from passage of this proposal.  During this four month period, programmers will need to fill out and submit their forms, and participate in the reevaluation process before moving forward into the next block. Out of respect for the time of our fellow workers, forms should be submitted two months in advance of the break.  All of us lead busy lives with many obligations, but two months should be enough to write up a self-evaluation and summary of one’s show, as well as catch up on any volunteer hours or membership dues which may be lacking.

6] In order to facilitate ongoing volunteer work, the Board and other members will begin staffing the station one weekend day per month. Tasks will include: cleaning, filing, repair and maintenance, training, and assorted administrative tasks. All members are encouraged to suggest and take the lead on various volunteer activities.

7] Notwithstanding the requirements above, ALL shows are expected to fully participate in on-air pledge drives and other major fund-raising efforts of the station.
 
8] It is the conclusion of the general membership that following through with this system of self- and group evaluation will result in a happier, more functional organization. Addressing issues of participation and commitment will naturally lead to improvement in other challenging areas, such as finances, promotions, and staying true to our mission and vision.

Submitted by:

Bob Gardner

Arjuna Griest

Kathryn Kendall

Andy Sewell

Keely Malone