Cerene Roberts Candidate Statement

As staff, we are responsible for helping to maintain a space for the thoughtful sharing of ideas and information. We should endeavor to do this in ways that are provocative but not destructive or selfdestructive, challenging but not hostile, strong but not strident.

Within the station, we need people who will teach and mentor rather than look down upon and criticize young people. They are the activists and broadcasters who will advance our common fight, now and in the coming years. We also need people who are willing to make room for cultures in which they may not feel fully comfortable. On our board, we need people who have a history of fairness, participation, and fulfilling their responsibilities.

Over the years, my work has included clerical assistance to a number of departments, including fiscal, operations – including service as receptionist – membership, and management. I’m involved in production, and work as Tally Coordinator and staff representative on the Program Council, Local Station Board, and Unpaid Staff Organizing Committee.

I have a broad understanding of the station’s and network’s functioning, and will continue to lend my experience and knowledge to resolving the issues that will arise over the next several years, in any capacity in which my service is desired.

I have fought for the rights of paid and unpaid staff whether challenged locally, in attempts by the board’s former majority / current minority to drastically reduce or even eliminate our right to genuine participation on station hiring committees, or nationally by those arguing for de-recognition of organized units of unpaid staff, risking the loss of all protections with regard to progressive discipline and program preemptions or cancellations.

I am clear about the line between management and governance. They are related but difference processes.

I have been active on local committees and on national committees focused on governance – bylaws and their interpretation / implementation, programming, affiliate station relations, and board elections – and have convened working groups locally and nationally with the intent of making our new processes reasonable in their application, cost-effective, and consistent.

I attend quarterly in-person meetings of the national board when possible and have raised concerns there. I’ve authored local motions about funded pensions for our staff, most of whom are over the age of 45. I continue to advocate for regular communication among people within the foundation who do similar work, so that we may learn from and support each other.

I endorse the following candidacies: Vajra Kilgour – a steady chair in the face of incredible disrespect and disruption who helps the body focus on the task at hand – and Louis Reyes Rivera, whose ability to clarify issues is gracefully effective.

I remain, as always, available to engage in mutually respectful dialogue.