Nord Ouest FM in Falher is seeking new board members and asking interested individuals to attend the Assemblée Générale Extraordinaire to show their interest.
“Nord Ouest FM is hosting another meeting because we did not receive enough nominations for board positions at our annual general meeting,” explains interim president Esther Picard.
“Only two people, Éric Maisonneuve and I, put our names forward, so we do not meet quorum.”
The meeting will be held on Jan. 29 starting at 7 p.m. at the Nord Ouest FM studio in the Smoky River Community Hall in Falher on Main Street, also affectionately known as Pink Elephant or formerly known as Centre Chevalier.
“We are asking anyone who is interested in the radio and its content to attend the meeting, whether they speak French or English,” says Picard.
“At the moment, we require five people to reach quorum, but during this special meeting we’ll be proposing a bylaw change to reduce that number to three. With three board members, we can at least continue to operate, though having five would be ideal.”
Picard also encourages anyone who isn’t familiar with the station’s work to attend and learn what a non-profit community radio station does and share ideas.
“The responsibilities are similar to those of any board, however; because a non-profit radio station does not receive stable annual funding, we rely on creating and securing project-based funding,” she says.
“This means we need strong project ideas and thoughtful decision-making about what the station requires to operate effectively. It’s also essential that we listen to our employees, since they know what is needed and why,” she adds.
Picard says Nord Ouest FM receives support from ARCOT (Association des radios communautaires de l’Ouest et des Territoires), an association that represents French-language community radios in Western Canada and the Territories.
“They guide us in our decision-making, answer questions about running a non-profit station, and keep us informed about available grants,” she says.
“We are looking for a minimum of one new board member and up to three. Our most urgent need is for someone to take on the role of secretary. Even if their sole responsibility is to record the minutes, prepare them, and distribute them to the board, this work is essential for maintaining continuity. Filling this position is our top priority at the moment.”
Picard says they are hopeful many individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds choose to attend the meeting and participate on the board.
“Creative individuals can contribute to project development, those comfortable with numbers can assist with budgeting, and individuals with technical interests such as radios, satellites, or electronics, can support equipment-related decisions,” explains Picard.
“Music enthusiasts may also bring forward ideas for programming. Our station is recognized for promoting local talent, both French and English speaking, and we would be pleased to welcome local artists to the board.”
Picard says although the station is a French community radio station, they proudly feature artists in both French and English.
“Our license permits up to 30 per cent English content, allowing anyone interested in producing an English-language program to do so, with our full support and training,” Picard says.
“Our radio station plays a vital role in the community. We collaborate with organizations across the Peace Country, including partners in Grande Prairie and Peace River. We mentor individuals interested in radio technology and provide training for those wanting to learn the technical side of events and productions.”
Picard urges anyone with interest in community radio to attend the meeting and if not available to attend in person, they can attend by Zoom.
“You don’t have to live in the Smoky River to attend or to be part of the committee, you can even live in Edmonton or Grande Prairie or whatever town in Alberta,” Picard says.
“It is such an enriching experience to be part of a non-profit organization,” she adds. “You learn so much and it is so fulfilling. This is a great opportunity for anyone 16 years old and over.”
For the zoom meeting link, contact Marianne at (780) 837-2346 or by email at info@nordouestfm.ca.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter