WRFI Board Meeting Minutes 5-12-26

WRFI BOARD MEETING MINUTES (05.12.2026)

Attending: Amie, Joe, John, Peter, Niki, Marc, Talaya, Niki, Ben, Stephen (notes)

 

SUMMARY

The meeting discussed the need for a new vice president and financial updates from the recent fund drive. The drive met its goal, with a focus on large donors and matching funds. The threshold for receiving swag was lowered, and fewer new monthly members were gained. Strategies for improving outreach and engagement were debated, including better use of social media, videography, and old-school outreach. The volunteer engagement committee is active, and new volunteers are being trained. Upcoming events include tabling at Pride events and a Seed Bomb event. The Hungerford Hill project progressed with a lease signed and a wireless data link established.

 

VICE PRESIDENT VACANCY + FINANCIAL UPDATES

• Peter discusses the need for a new vice president.
• Ben provides financial updates from the recent fund drive, noting that the goal was met due to the presence of matching funds and a focus on large donors.
• The donation necessary to get a T-shirt was decreased, leading to more smaller donations and fewer $100 donations.
• Ben highlights the importance of reaching new people and mentions the focus on encouraging new monthly members for the Fall drive.

SOCIAL MEDIA + OUTREACH STRATEGIES

• Marc questions the effectiveness of social media posts during the fund drive, noting low traffic and visibility.
• Amie suggests focusing on meaningful outreach beyond social media, including old-school methods and personalized outreach to long-term donors.
• Niki proposes using videography and live streams to drive engagement, especially for special events and live performances.
• Joe R shares tips from an influencer on increasing social media engagement, emphasizing the importance of the first 12 seconds of a reel.

 

VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT + STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE

• Ben updates on the volunteer engagement committee, mentioning a survey of current volunteers and a creative solution for a generator grant.
• Amie discusses the need for a calendar and planning for the next drive, emphasizing the importance of a consistent theme across DJ shows.
• Niki suggests involving young DJs in creating engaging social media content and forming a committee to focus on fun components.
• Joe R shares the success of his band's social media strategy, noting a significant increase in followers and engagement.

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORTS + UPCOMING EVENTS

• Ben reports on the development committee's activities, including grant applications and new underwriters.
• Marc shares insights from the Finger Lakes Music EXPO.
• Ben mentions upcoming events, including marching in the Ithaca parade, tabling at Pride events, and a Seed Bomb event with a new screen printer on the commons.
• Amie highlights the importance of community engagement and the potential for new listeners through outreach and events.

PERSONNEL + FINANCE UPDATES

• Joe R provides a brief update on personnel, noting the training and qualification of new volunteers.
• John provides a finance update, noting that the station is still paying bills and making rent, with no significant changes in financial status.
• Ben discusses the establishment of a wireless data link between Hungerford Hill and West Haven.