• Nomination Statement
• Candidate Questionnaire

My name is Erik "Witakae" Oberg and I'm running for the Local Station Board because I am deeply concerned about the future of KPFA. With support for our country dwindling on a global scale, the need to build bridges between people and cultures, and the dismantling of propaganda has become critical.

For the last seven years I have been working in non-profit environmental education. I foster conversations between teachers, principals, parents, and thousands of young people every year about social justice, the interdependence of all living things, conservation and human impact on the environment. Through community living, a diverse client base, and a round table style administration I've learned many lessons about working with people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Conflict resolution and positive communication are only a few of the skills I want to bring to the board.

I vow to represent the working class, Bay Area youth, and local educators through my work at KPFA. I am proud to be a living testament of someone who has overcome the limitations of mainstream society. In my youth, I rebelled against the constraints of our public education system, finally resulting in expulsion from high school. I graduated late with a GED and found my calling in holistic education. Through years of dedication, I've been promoted to a Director position at an environmental education program with a mission to raise the consciousness of today's youth, and empower students to make a positive difference in their communities.

I will strive to increase the influence of KPFA in the North Bay and in our Bay Area schools by building partnerships between KPFA and educators with the vision of having its programming used in the classroom. There is still hope for today's youth to learn the difference between truth and propaganda. There is still time to instill an appreciation for the diversity of all humankind in the upcoming generation. KPFA could make the difference.

I've worked hard for everything I have, and I promise to give KPFA the same amount of passion and effort that I put into all other aspects of my life. So much of my worldview and political understanding have come from this station and it is my responsibility to do everything in my power to help it through these troubled times and maximize its impact on society. It is time to return to the vision of Pacifica and work together to heal the divides of this globe through the light of free speech.

I'm proud to be a member of Concerned Listeners for KPFA. My candidacy is endorsed by Bob Meyer, Program Director of the Ruth Group, Jon Fromer of the Freedom Song Network, Zhenya Spake of the Marin Peace and Justice Coalition, Mike Smith of Sonoma Valley Health Care for all, and Mary Fromer, Organizing Director of SEIU Local 707. You can read more about our slate of candidates and see a complete list of endorsers at www.kpfalisteners.org.

1. Why do you want to be on the Local Station Board?

KPFA has significantly shaped my worldview. It helped me manifest what I want to do with my life. KPFA convinced me that I could make a difference in the world. I feel obligated to give back what I have received. By creating connections between all types of people, KPFA is a source of truth and understanding between cultures all over the world. I want to bring a fresh vision and passionate creativity to the station through community outreach, in-person representation at local events, listener feedback, and fundraising. I believe the interpersonal skills I have developed throughout my work in education will help to reduce the friction I have witnessed on the current LSB. I want to make sure KPFA lives forever.

2. How do you envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation, KPFA and the community?

I envision the LSB should hold KPFA true to the mission of Pacifica Radio. The LSB should energize and inspire volunteers and staff, make sure the public has a voice, constantly work on creative new ways of fundraising and outreach, and responsibly manage station finances.

3. How can the station better serve its listeners?

As I talk to KPFA listeners, many have shared concerns that there is a lack of balance between the world news, which can be very discouraging and even depressing, and tools citizens can use everyday to make a difference. KPFA should do as much as it can to empower the listening public with ways they can foster change locally and globally.

4. Describe some actions you would take to increase the influence of the station in underrepresented communities and to increase the diversity of the listener audience.

My current profession offers me a tremendous amount of connections throughout the Bay Area, primarily in the field of education. I spend at least half of every month commuting into every type of neighborhood imaginable. I will bring KPFA to new audiences through handouts, conversations, and a steady collection of community events calendars from around the bay to open as many opportunities for KPFA to be represented as possible. With programs like Hard Knock Radio, we are given a powerful opportunity to engage many inner-city youth with political messages delivered on a level they can relate to and follow throughout the year.

5. What source of funding, other than listener donations, do you feel KPFA should solicit?

None. I was outraged to learn that NPR took on corporate sponsorship. We shouldn't accept any money outside of listener donations because it would undermine the credibility of the entire Pacifica network.

6. Please state briefly the skills, experience, educational background, work history, organizational affiliations, areas of community service, and areas of interest and expertise that you would bring to the Pacifica network as a member of the Local Station Board.

I am currently a Site Director for a non-profit environmental education program in Sonoma County. My experience includes moderating meetings, creating program calendars, mentoring to staff, extensive conflict mediation, experience with people from all backgrounds, and classroom teaching. I've been with the program for the last seven years and I help people create connections between self, others, and nature everyday. I do work with a grassroots non-profit in Richmond to bring inner-city kids and their families into the forest for weekends at a time. I run spiritual retreats for certain San Francisco schools. I live and work in an intentional community, which alone has taught me valuable lessons about compromise, loyalty, and teamwork. All this being said, I believe the greatest strength I have in joining the board is a fresh, creative energy that is untainted by the current internal politics.

7. Do you anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings due to family or job related problems?

No. I have been given the professional space to fulfill all duties required of Board membership.

8. On which Local Station Board Committees are you interested in actively serving?

I would be interested in serving on the Outreach Committee and the Programming Committee.