Erin Van Ness writesWhat CHIRP Radio Means to Me: Why I Volunteer

We often say that CHIRP is built upon the backbone of our supporters and run on the blood, sweat, and tears of our passionate volunteers. But who are these amazing people, these givers and believers? Over the next two weeks, we’ll be sharing some of the stories of real volunteers and donors who explain why they give their time and/or money to make sure that local, independent, community radio is possible.

I first heard about CHIRP by meeting Shawn Campbell at the Pitchfork Music Festival in the summer of 2008. At this point, CHIRP was just an organization aiming to procure an independently run, all volunteer internet radio station. I went to Columbia College Chicago for a degree in Radio. This is what I want to do with my life. So when I saw the CHIRP table at Pitchfork, I ran up to her and asked “Just how involved can I be?”

I signed up for the mailing list and attended my first CHIRP meeting in September of 2008, just as I had left my position as Music Director & Public Affairs Director at Columbia’s radio station WCRX. I had not landed a job in the radio field yet, so I wanted to get involved with CHIRP to keep my skills sharp, and of course to bring life to this amazing idea of a community station.

CHIRP represents something I do not find with my corporate radio job, something that is rapidly being lost in commercial radio: the creativity. With CHIRP, I can have my own on air shift, I can do production work, I can help with promotions and marketing, I can interview bands and artists, I can write for the website, I can be part of the music department, and I can connect with Chicago in a way most people aren’t able to. I have also met some amazing people who are just as into music and other similar interests, so it’s great for friendship and networking as well. The positive feedback I have gotten from friends, family, local bands, and strangers is overwhelming.

If CHIRP did not exist, I would probably have moved out of Chicago by now, in search of everything that I find here. I am proud to be a CHIRP volunteer.

—Alli Klein
CHIRP DJ and Volunteer since 2008

Agree that CHIRP is a vital service worth supporting? You can always:

• Learn about volunteering CHIRP Radio is always accepting new volunteers. No experience in radio required—just an enthusiastic attitude and a willingness to pitch in!
• Become a member CHIRP needs more than just birdseed to run the station. Show your support by becoming a member today!
• Share your story What does CHIRP Radio mean to you? Let us know and we may feature your story in future materials!