Volunteering

It takes a community (to answer all those phones.)

T HE BEHIND-THE SCENES story of WBUR fundraisers is one of great determination, precise planning, and a dash of good fortune. During fundraisers, the station suddenly becomes home to a group of eager volunteers who rally around a noble cause—the preservation and advancement of public radio.

In the Beginning

It wasn’t always this way. Staff members previously had to fill full-day shifts, often from 6:00 AM till the late evening hours. They would do so in order to be able to take donations and have time to do their jobs as well. Volunteers were scarce. Nerves were frayed. It was time to take action.

“We used to have to ask staff members to work morning and night shifts, essentially putting in 80-hour weeks,” explains Marketing Director Mike Steffon. “We were short-staffed and exhausted, but we did what we had to do for the good of the station. We were all concerned, and although we knew this wouldn’t be an overnight fix, we started to put a plan in place to reach out to our listeners for some much-needed help.”

A Call For Action

Things began to change when the WBUR marketing department began an initiative to court new volunteers. The team created a web page for volunteers to sign up, sent out emails to station supporters, and even offered incentives for local businesses to lend a helping hand. These initiatives, coupled with the positive response from listeners, helped to put things on track.

“The response was amazing,” explains volunteer coordinator Jonathan Peck. “We were inundated with listeners who wanted to volunteer. For the first time, we even had to suggest alternative time slots because shifts filled up so quickly.”

On the Other End of the Line

Listeners from all walks of life take time out from their busy schedules to volunteer at WBUR—the local small business owner who comes in for an early morning shift before the work day begins. The graduate student who volunteers her support to public radio when she is financially unable to do so. The group of co-workers who stop by after work to volunteer and have their business affiliation announced on-air. They’re all here, and the end result is a true testament to the values of teamwork and community.

Each volunteer arrives at the station for a morning or afternoon shift. During shifts, volunteers have a chance to network with fellow listeners, share their appreciation for the station with callers, and enjoy the chance to see the station behind-the-scenes. WBUR also provides the locally catered food from fine restaurants like Redbones, Mississippi’s and Lala Rokh. The station even covers parking for all volunteers.

“As a graduate student, I haven’t been able to donate money in recent years,” says Ezra from Brighton. “But I feel strongly that NPR and WBUR are important institutions for our country. I am glad to have the opportunity to volunteer.”

“We’re very excited about our positive volunteer turnout this year,” explains Peck. “Our focus has shifted to creating an ideal, welcoming environment for our volunteers and staff to enjoy together. We’re very thankful to have that opportunity.”

Join us

Volunteering at WBUR fundraisers has become an increasingly popular way for listeners to contribute to public radio and support the news. You can learn more about WBUR’s volunteer opportunities here.