Greetings, my name is Omar Burdet and I've been a KPFK radio listener-supporter since 1996 before deciding to dedicate my freetime to help the station reach it's goals and objectives for community outreach.

I became a volunteer in the fall of 2002 answering phones for fund-drives,local news journalist for KPFK during the anti-war demonstration period of 2003 and live program listener call-in through the board operation. I'm currently assisting and co-producing for "Rise" with Mark Maxwell, an excellent live Sunday-night modern jazz program from 11pm-2am.

I have worked with different community groups since 2002 with LACC Students for Community Action (a college union group), Anti-Capitalist Libertarian Federation LA Chapter ( a organisational platform group), NewGround:Muslim/Jewish Dialogue Project (Interfaith group)and the prominent Save The South Central Farm Coalition back in 2006.

I grew up and I live in Los Angeles for 30 years and what was not so great from then is the forever crumbling LA School System. We're now in a period of crisis in the state of California and not only the working class are receiving the huge blow from the fiscal destruction,the student youth are suffering the deep closures of school programs and education as well. While this is happening to the students there isn't a outlet that can fully reconcile the youth's intellectual emancipation and development with alternative activities to inspire youth from boredom and frustrations. So my approach for this strategy is to give back to the community of youth some of what they need, and that is to encourage and provide outlets for the energies and creativeness of the youth; in order to better integrate KPFK and to increase opportunities for local youth and students.

As a Staff Station Board Representative, I will fully advocate for a comprehensive training program to be developed that will recruit students to learn the mission and philosophy of Pacifica radio while learning basic broadcasting skills and then using those skills to provide service to KPFK. This training program can be integrated with high schools,colleges and universities to provide school credit and internship opportunities for students while meeting the needs of the station.I want this to integrate students from all economic levels. I feel that a new volunteer training program will promote the integration of youth from all communities into the station and reconnect KPFK within the communities and the educational framework of Los Angeles.

What I learn from being part of Pacifica radio is to be the best to serve our communities through the radio air -waves and on the ground to the people.

Vote for me, Omar Burdet, as number one or two for Staff Station Board Representative,on the KPFK Local Station Board Ballot!

Tel:310-560-3263,email foxhole2010@yahoo.com

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

Since I've been with KPFK for eight years, it is more about taking care of business to reach a higher level of constructive planning to make KPFK a true community radio.

2. How do you envision the Local station Board working the Pacifica Foundation, KPFK, and the community?

Envisioning the role and responsibilities of engaged board members while fulfilling our mission and purpose and articulation to impact the organization within the community.

3. How could the station better serve its listeners?

Nonstop integration to the youth and students with high quality, progressive programs from public affairs to poetry and hip-hop.

4. Describe some actions you would take to increase the influence of the station in under-represented communities and to increase the diversity of the listening audience?

One of the true reasons for me running for the LSB is to widen our listener [base] from the vast talents and energies from the LA youth of volunteers. All it takes is to connect the youth through community outreach.

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

My only answer for that is to continue the righteous path of non-commercial and non-corporate funding for Pacifica Radio.

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

What I have learned by being [an] advocate for social/educational justice is a right among believers of the Natural Law, always stay true of who you are while being a challenger for growth and change.

7. On which Local Station Board Committees are you interested in actively serving? If you are a current Local Station Board member, on which committees do you currently serve?

Outreach committees and programming.