Radio Free?

Radio Free? Well, not exactly. I am broadcasting now on radio23.org
I love this radio station. It exists entirely on the internet. Jeff Simmons is a creative and fearless leader. I like him and I love radio23.org.

There's a back story to that title "Radio Free Cherie" and I think I'll get around to telling it eventually.
For now let me say that after 27 years as a volunteer in excellent standing at KBOO Community Radio, I have finally had enough of petty politics getting in the way of making radio. There are and will always be volunteers who produce great work there - but sooner or later, you have to choose to do it IN SPITE of the nonsense. I think it is entirely fair and vital to critique that community institution. I plan to get around to that soon. I have advocated for and committed to community media for my entire adult life because it is a necessary component of any democratic society. I remain a cheerleader for community media -- which is precisely why I intend to hold those who are acting as gatekeepers accountable for the environments they are controlling.

And just for the record...this will NOT be a space for the negative and narcissistic  ramblings that usually take the place of thoughtful critique.  It has taken me a year to "recover" from the toxic environment. I want to contribute to a sincere effort to preserve community media for generations to come. But first ....an honest assessment of the dynamics that keep things spiraling around in the same dysfunction need to be examined.

I realize that my years of experience inside are best served at this time -- from the outside. Thus Radio Free Cherie.
I'll be getting to this as I'm inspired to do so and as time permits.
I am a busy woman -- that is my first complaint / critique.  The hidden disregard for other people's time. There is an insular myopia that prevents staff, board and regular volunteers from valuing and respecting the time that volunteers donate to the organization. There are so many unspoken and unexamined assumptions operating all of the time resulting in exploitation and frankly contempt rather than appreciation. This statement, this problem requires a sincere examination. I'll be getting around to that.

Blessings Of The New Moon On Their Way

You gotta make the technology work FOR you not against you.
I am not so enamored with techno gadgetry -- unless it actually simplifies my ability to coordinate and communicate. I prefer to spend my time making good radio or content to messing around on social media sites. I have stuff I want to say. I have subject matter I want to address. I want to create a venue that has substance. Sometimes I want to explore a thought and see where it takes me. I like to collaborate with others. I am looking forward to the New Moon on March 15th - because apparently - this damn rock I've been under is supposed to lift.

Good! I look forward to breakthroughs in all areas, in all endeavors. I've been working toward a vision of a media venue titled Heart Of The Matter Media for awhile now and I'm ready to see something tangible take shape.

Financial support welcome!
Blessings,
Cherie