WUWM Subcommittee Suggests Resolution to Diversify Advisory Board

WUWM’s  Advisory Board subcommittee concluded a series of meetings today. An area of primary interest was the expanding and diversifying of the advisory board.

WUWM’s 2020-21 Diversity Statement reads, “Central to WUWM’s mission, vision, and values is maintaining an environment that recognizes and celebrates the power of diversity. We strive to grow a culture that embraces this as fundamental to the core of who we are and stand committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe we are strengthened when all voices are heard, valued, and respected. Our pledge is to grow and infuse these values throughout our culture, systems, and practices. We will forge ahead by learning from the past and creating a future where all can thrive. This is integral to what we do and vital to our success.”

Currently, the 17 board members consist of one member the LGBTQ community, an almost even mixture of men & women aged 50 or above, and three members of underrepresented racial/ethnic groups.

The committee will suggest expanding memberships on the advisory board to a more diverse group of people in the WUWM’s listening area. Previously, a board member needed to make a $2,000 yearly donation. This donation contribution could possibly be hindering those who could be an asset, but also can’t afford the $2,000 donation.

“We don’t want to make it seem like you need to write big checks to be on the board,” said board member Beth Weckmueller.

This change could lead to a larger racial/ethnic representation on the board, but they also made it clear that there are of course people of color who can contribute the qualifying donation amount. They would like to open the door for members of all ages, career levels, and to current WUWM listeners, etc.

To ease the financial burden of the annual donation, committee members suggested that the advisory board member raise the money from a number of sources such as grants, corporate donations, and friends/peers, in addition to their personal contribution. An alternative option being board members making WUWM one of their top three charitable annual contributions, with no specific dollar amount mandatory.

“I think the substance that we have here is really, really good,” said board member Mike Arrow.

Members also discussed possible subcommittee structure options, roles for and term limits for advisory board members, and how board members can provide more service or value to the station.

The subcommittee is recommending that advisory board members be appointed to three-year term instead of one, with one possible renewal if both parties agree. The committee believes that one-year terms are not long enough to fully understand the role and what it entails in the advisory board. They also agree that one year is not long enough to leave an impactful contribution. Since the one-year term has not been enforced, there is a need to be stricter with the three-year term limits. This will allow members to rotate out the old and enter the new members more regularly. The board also discussed changes that needed to be made regarding officer term limits and suggested creating a “Board Development Committee” to help establish new candidates for the advisory board.

While editing the advisory board policy suggestions, the committee made sure to include the appropriate use of pronouns for inclusiveness.

“I think we’re always better when we have accountability,” said board member Vivian Moller.

The subcommittee discussed their recommendations and will present it to the station General Manager, John Hess and full advisory board to make the final decisions on March 26, 2021.

Advisory board members include:

-Eileen Dubner – Chairperson, Community Volunteer

-Beth Weckmueller – Vice Chairperson, Community Volunteer

-Helen Ambuel, Community Volunteer

-F. Michael Arnow, Sattell, Johnson, Appel Financial Advisory, LLC

-Bruce Campbell, Medical College of Wisconsin

-Faithe Colas, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office

-Tom Gauthier, Adonai Employment, Inc.

-Lawrence Goodman, Medical College of Wisconsin

-Laura Gough, Robert W. Baird

-Margaret Hickey, Becker, Hickey & Poster, S.C.

-Letha Joseph, Brook Capital

-Bill Koenig, Community Volunteer

-Eric Korbitz, Korbitz Financial Planning

-Vivian Moller, Hoffman York, Inc.

-Kathy Potos, Community Volunteer

-Karen Rhyan, Community Volunteer

-Amy Shapiro, Hawks Quindel, S.C.

-Margaret Noodin, Associate Dean, UWM Letters and Science (ex-officer)

WUWM began in 1964 and broadcasts locally produced news and music, as well as national and international programming from NPR, APM, and BBC. It is operated by University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee Letters & Science and licensed by the Wisconsin Board of Regents. The station is not required to have an advisory board; however, station management has seen the benefits of taking advice from their listeners/board members.

Advisory board members are responsible for insight on programming, community outreach, and other miscellaneous tasks assigned by station management. Members must also help secure financial support from its listeners in southeastern Wisconsin. It is important that members are knowledgeable of the practices and policies of the station in order to be thorough in representing the station accurately.

WUWM produce Lake Effect, UWM Today, & It’s Alright, Ma, It’s Only Music.http://wuwm-advisory-board-subcommitee-meeting-diversify