who is left?

[Kali]

Nick resigned, Tony quit the Strategic Plan but I'm not sure about the CAB, I haven't heard from John in a long time and there haven't been responses from anybody else on this list in over a year. 

I feel we are misrepresenting ourselves to the membership and listeners by having this on the kxci website.  I suggest we remove the entire portion copied below.

If anybody has an objection please respond ASAP.  It is time to reorganize or get moving.  We are lending our names to a potentially fraudulent misrepresentation of an advisory board that essentially no longer exists.

--------------

Who's on the CAB?

The current members are Nick Van Kleek (chair), Jill Bullock, John Crouch, Brian Flagg, Kali Holtschlag, Peggy Hutchinson, Barbara Kuelbs, Ruben Moreno, Tony Novelli, and Todd Sadow

[Kali]

Hello again,

I guess I am kicking this one more time in hopes of some response. If
not, I have asked to have a spot on the next BoD meeting agenda (next
Thursday - August 21). I intend to recommend the CAB be officially
disbanded, and the list of names on the webpage be removed. At this
point I am not sure of my future involvement in a potential new group
of advisers, but I feel strongly that our continued "presence" on the
website is misleading at best and perhaps fraudulent at worst.

If anyone receiving this has another opinion or some thoughts in
general PLEASE get them to me or this list ASAP - by tomorrow night,
actually, because I need to let Hank know what this is about.

Thanks,
Kali

[Anthony Novelli]

I sent a response last time that I thought got through.

I'm willing to continue into the next iteration and another dynamic
can be created with the BOD. I too, would appreciate hearing from the
rest here, yay or nay. A lack of response is disrespectful.

Please respond.

Thanks,
tony

[Nick Van Kleeck]

I'm forwarding this to the group, as I believe emailing
KXCI-CA...@googlegroups.com goes only to me.


-----Original Message-----
From: johnh...@comcast.net [mailto:johnh...@comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 12:49 PM
To: KXCI-CA...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: who is left?


Monday, Aug. 18th
I have not renewed my KXCI membership. The disrespect of the Board
shown the members of the CAB has turned me off. The outstanding folks
that have tried to join the CAB have all quit. The members of the CAB
have no way to have a voice. Randy says it is a station that will focus
on music and not become a voice for community issues; and Randy seems to
run the station.
If anyone has another view, let me know.
- John Crouch

[Kali]

All:

 

Thanks for getting back to me John,

 

I know we all feel this way and for good reason so I am not going to argue too much.  BUT...I do have to say in defense of the situation:  last year I was under the impression that we were going to participate in the strategic planning and see what kind of defining and/or clarification of role for the CAB would come out of that process.  I asked for input several times through out the work that was going on and suggested getting together as well.  Nobody seemed to want to do that and nobody showed up for the townhall either, much less ongoing BoD meetings.

 

Now I certainly understand the discouragement and feelings of time being wasted, believe me!  But part of getting the BoD to listen is to actually show up and speak to them.  Repeatedly.  And it is way more effective if more than one person is there.  True they have been bad about listening and in the past it was actually blocking and ignoring, but I have to give Hank and his leadership a lot of credit for turning much of that kind of behavior around.  I do wish people would reconsider and participate but as I have said (too many times) over the past 5 or 6 years, I don't blame you at all.  Thanks for trying and it was really good to meet all of you.

 

Kali

Cc: Hank Childers

[Anthony Novelli]

Kali,

The SP process put what may have been an insurmountable barrier in front of the CAB due to the lack of meetings. That represents a significant challenge and opportunity to restarting the CAB fresh and in more clear relation to the Board. I have started and never finished reading the SP report a number of times, and never have gotten to the CAB-related conclusions. I will be doing that this weekend. 

In any event, I think we need to do two things...

1) Summarize the recommendations of the strategic planning process related to the CAB to this list (I know I can do this for myself, though making it easy for folks is in everyone's interest)

2) I would appreciate a formal letter from the BOD that updates those that even READ this list and those few of us still hanging on about where the BOD sees the CAB involvement. We started talks with Hank and Mary a long while back, intended to address the BOD/CAB disconnect. As things are now, it would seem to be in the BODs best interest to catalyze the CAB re-establishment process in order to keep CPB compliance. In other words, I think it would be prudent for them to take a leadership role in supporting the people left, and making clear how important the CAB is so we may recruit new folks.

Without these two things, I see doing anything with the CAB as pretty useless. Perhaps we can even create joint meetings with the BOD... say, 30-60 minutes for the CAB, leading the BOD mtg, with a call to the audience in each mtg? The CAB could certainly meet outside that, but integrating them has some benefit in trying to reestablish identity, collaboration and momentum.

Further, I would formally request the SP committee to make a commitment to participating in the CAB and whatever outreach is necessary to get this vital and core component of the station up and running and functional. I recognize it as a time commitment, and the Strategic Planning process was - in large part - representing some of the core functions of what the CAB is/was/might/can be. The CAB may even consider being the oversight for implementing the SP... which might already be outlined in the document. it is certainly could be within the charge put forth by the CPB.

Just some ideas.

Tony

[Nick Van Kleeck]

Hi folks - been working on this on and off, and some of the history has
been already covered by Kali, Tony and now Hank. Anyway, here goes:

My two cents: I would be cautious in ascribing motive or disrespect to
the interactions between the CAB and the board.

-- I would like everyone to remember that those of us in attendance made
a deliberate decision to suspend the CAB meetings so that its role could
be better defined during the strategic planning process. I still think
that this was the appropriate decision, but I agree with Tony that it
was too long to expect most people to hang on. Kali, I don't know if you
feel like the role definition has been done to your satisfaction. The
point is, don't blame the board or anyone else for the hiatus.

-- While I don't know what came out of the strategic planning process, I
tend to think the problems we encountered were at least partly
structural -- CABs were designed for stations more like KUAT, that don't
already have a process (elections) to represent the community. I
personally think the CAB is a bit of an unnecessary structure for
stations like KXCI. The best way to value people like Peggy, John and
Kali is to appoint them to the real board, the BOD.

-- I do think the Board should stop looking for and promoting
"compatible" candidates for elections and just allow the process to
proceed naturally. If that happened Kali would be on the board by now,
and eventually the fear of "outsiders" would evaporate. And why so much
fear of conflict, anyway?

-- I think Hank C. has shown a willingness to work with anyone willing
to put in the time. Kali and Tony provided a lot of valuable input into
the strategic planning process, and Kali made repeated pleas for wider
input from the group.

-- Randy has always said if you want to gain currency with the
staff/volunteers at the station, the most obvious route put in some face
time volunteering at the station. Almost everything I have heard John
propose consists of a lot of work for somebody else to do. That's not
wrong, but it's a tough place from which to build a relationship.

--- I would rather see the board lead, rather than be led by, the staff,
as it often seemed to be in the past. Peggy, as the director of a
nonprofit maybe you can speak to this. It seems it is at least somewhat
inevitable with a volunteer board.

-- I am still in the dark about Ryan's departure and therefore still
disturbed by it. From what little I heard he was booted for
insufficient performance in the very areas we knew he was inexperienced
(and had promised to help him with). I put a lot of work into the
hiring process and I would like to have some idea what went wrong. Is
this possible?

OK, now I am stepping into dangerous territory. I offer what's below
not in the belief that is gospel truth, but rather because I think it
useful to an honest dialogue to describe the feelings, positions and
even prejudices from which you are trying to relate. What's below are a
few of the demons that I have been trying to see my way past at KXCI:

-- Try as I may, I cannot yet let go of the voice that says that the
station is largely in the hands of a small group of people who benefit
from it financially (whether it be direct salary or career enhancement)
or emotionally. This does NOT mean they do not love the station or
endeavor to serve the community, just that they inevitably have a dual
allegiance. Whether consciously or not, it seems they defend their own
interests under the pretext of defending "the silent majority", for whom
they presume to speak.

-- I'm continually surprised by how those with a great deal of energy
and enthusiasm remain fenced out by the raw exercise of power - it often
just doesn't seem like a community organization. But I say this having
chosen not to participate in the strategic planning process, so perhaps
my perception is dated. I have been impressed with Hank's work and I
wish he and everyone else well in defining a valuable role for the CAB
and bringing that role into reality.

[Kali]

Tony,

 

We on the CAB agreed to suspend meeting for the duration of the strategic planning, although I felt is would be a good idea several times to meet or at least touch base as a group in some way.  There was very little response although individuals did give some input and were at least willing to try to meet.  For various reasons that never seemed to happen.

 

As to your point # 1, The strategic Plan that was submitted to the BoD did not have specific action steps.  In order to meet the June 19th deadline that everybody was so insistent on, we could only manage the overall vision/goal sorts of issues.  The actions steps and implementation will have to be determined by the BoD.  They were supposed to have had a series of workshop/retreat type meetings over the past month or so and I am looking forward to hearing what they have come up with at tonight's BoD meeting.  The document is only 4 pages and specific references to the CAB are:

 

KXCI’s Strategic Goals & Priorities

Goal #1. Strengthen the management and organizational capabilities of the station by:

1c

. Clarifying and educating staff, volunteers, members of the Board of Directors and the Community Advisory Board on their respective roles in achieving KXCI’s goals and objectives.

1d

. Developing standards of performance for staff, volunteers, members of the Board of Directors and the Community Advisory Board consistent with KXCI’s Core Values.

Goal #4

. Create and sustain more opportunities for engaging with the community by:

4c

. Clarifying the role of the Community Advisory Board and identifying ways that it can help KXCI better serve the community.

 

*****************************

As you can see there is still plenty of work yet to do in defining things.  On your point # 2 I agree, but recognize there is still work to do.

 

I'm not clear what you are asking from the "SP" committee?  Are you talking about the whole Strategic Planning Committee?  Because it was stated at the June BoD meeting that we were finished with our part and a new phase was beginning.  I am sure Carol would be willing to come give a repeat presentation of what she gave at that June meeting, but all did have an opportunity then if they would have attended.  I don't think summoning the whole SP committee to "participate" in/with the CAB when most of the CAB barely participated in the planning makes any sense.

 

I think the CPB regulations are pretty clear on what  the main role of the CAB is and frankly I have never understood why that is so hard to grasp for so many people.  Sure there is some issue with structure and implementation, but the basic role is oversight on policy, programming, and service.

 

 "The board shall be permitted to review the programming goals established by the station, the service provided by the station, and the significant policy decisions rendered by the station. The board may also be delegated any other responsibilities, as determined by the governing body of the station. The board shall advise the governing body of the station with respect to whether the programming and other policies of such station are meeting the specialized educational and cultural needs of the communities served by the station, and may make such recommendations as it considers appropriate to meet such needs."

 

Hope to see you tonight,

Kali

 

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Anthony Novelli

To: KXCI-CA...@googlegroups.com ; Kali Holtschlag

Cc: KXCI CAB ; Hank Childers

Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 2:58 PM

Subject: Re: who is left?

[Anthony Novelli]

Nick,

Excellent input, as always. I agree with virtually everything you
wrote. Toward the end, the discussion of who controls the station I
would offer this context: whoever is willing to take responsibility
and can demonstrate competence should be rewarded with authority.
From that perspective, I have no issue with those who put enormous
time and energy into the station - Randy, Duncan, etc. I do not
support that part of that creates a barrier for others, equally
passionate to participate. This is hostile to the concept of a
community station, and if it is actually occurring, certainly would
be something to address.

The firing of Ryan did have something to do with performance, though
I think was proof positive of the critique the CAB offered from the
start: the GM job description was far too broad, and basically set
anyone who got the job up for failure. I would say this is a failure
of the BOD, plain and simple, and could have been avoided. And, when
it was clear Ryan was overwhelmed, the scope of his position should
have been revisited first, before firing him, IMO.

I've been drafting a letter to the BOD on this issue, and will share
just the main points here:

1) The GM job description should be broken into two (or three)
different jobs.
a) The primary functions of station management and FCC/CPB
compliance require a very specific skillset.
b) The fundraising and development issue are a full-time job in
themselves, need to be closely tied with the Board treasurer, and
require an intimate knowledge and RELATIONSHIP with the local
philanthropic and business community. Development people are abundant
locally with these skills and relationships, though NONE of them
could run a radio station at the same time.
c) The management of staff and volunteers is an art, and could
possibly be covered by either of the above positions, though should
not be downplayed in service to them. There is arguably, no more
important position than this for a community station. This is a HUGE
job, represents much of the public face of the station, create the
CULTURE of the office and studios, takes responsibility for these
issues with the BOD, and is effectively, the glue that holds the
whole thing together.

I think it is obvious the way the responsibilities are currently
divvied up represent a strategy for failure, and what I've outlined
can actually create the space for people to expand these functions in
ways that KXCI NEEDS to go to remain - as we've said before - RELEVANT.

I am heartened with this renewed conversation, even if it is between
members of the old guard. I am doubly grateful for what I know is an
open and thoughtful ear in Hank, and feel there is much possibility
to rebuild from a better and stronger foundation.

Tony

[Anthony Novelli]

Thanks for that Kali.

I was thinking that the implementation of the SPlan would benefit from some continuity from the members of the committee, as it is very hard to contain the millions of ideas and hours of input in a single document. I would NOT support paying Carol for any of this, as we need to show we've done something with this investment before spending another dime on it, IMO.

I know the committee was probably good and done with things, but perhaps it is still worth considering whether to invite them all to participate either as CAB members or supporting attendees of future meetings.

In any event, we can talk more this evening. I'm planning on attending.

Tony

On Aug 21, 2008, at 9:43 AM, Kali wrote:

Tony,

 

We on the CAB agreed to suspend meeting for the duration of the strategic planning, although I felt is would be a good idea several times to meet or at least touch base as a group in some way.  There was very little response although individuals did give some input and were at least willing to try to meet.  For various reasons that never seemed to happen.

 

As to your point # 1, The strategic Plan that was submitted to the BoD did not have specific action steps.  In order to meet the June 19th deadline that everybody was so insistent on, we could only manage the overall vision/goal sorts of issues.  The actions steps and implementation will have to be determined by the BoD.  They were supposed to have had a series of workshop/retreat type meetings over the past month or so and I am looking forward to hearing what they have come up with at tonight's BoD meeting.  The document is only 4 pages and specific references to the CAB are:

 

KXCI’s Strategic Goals & Priorities

Goal #1. Strengthen the management and organizational capabilities of the station by:

1c. Clarifying and educating staff, volunteers, members of the Board of Directors and the Community Advisory Board on their respective roles in achieving KXCI’s goals and objectives.

1d. Developing standards of performance for staff, volunteers, members of the Board of Directors and the Community Advisory Board consistent with KXCI’s Core Values.

Goal #4. Create and sustain more opportunities for engaging with the community by:

4c. Clarifying the role of the Community Advisory Board and identifying ways that it can help KXCI better serve the community.