WFHB FireHouse Broadcasting

Third workshop today and by far the most interesting. A thorny subject: how to fairly address complaints and ensure equitable treatment for all while respecting the needs of the organization. Experienced managers talked about their policies and procedures and there were LOTS of questions from the audience. The most important point made was that stations need to have clear policies and follow them. Here's my raw notes:

KVMR policies and procedures available online at NFCB website.

Sally Kane, KVNF
Healthy work environment is important
Protecting the reputation of the organization
Liability – most suits against non-profits come from volunteers
Removal of a volunteer must protect license, facility, and staff
Understanding station culture is critical to understanding problems and solutions
Degree of exclusivity, organizational structure
Cultivate capacity for direct non-violent
Practice what you preach
Don’t always say whatever you’re thinking
Try not to personalize
Timeliness in response instead of stored-up energy
Accurate and thorough notes from meetings with volunteers
Clear expectations stated up front
Admit when you’re wrong and apologize; the healing power of a genuine apology

Brian Terhorst
Get policies in place BEFORE something really bad comes along
Expect volunteers to follow same policies as staff

Brenda Starr, KMUD
Learn from your mistakes
Mediation and Grievance Committee – but Sally says she’s against these because they don’t really work like they should, easily hijacked, only meet when there’s a problem, members don’t want to be on it

Questions and Discussion
Helpful to form job descriptions for all roles, approved by GM
Volunteer agreement should include grievance policy with clear avenues to resolution
Flip side of the coin – recognition and rewards is important too
Always best to deal directly with the individual
Community radio is democratic but is not a democracy
Ombudsman idea went over well
Establish core values statement - KBOO