Volunteering at The Summit by Julie DiVitto with Margaret Slesnick as The Major Contributor

I have just a little summit volunteering experience, but I'm working on increasing that in 2009. What I have found so far is that it's fun, rewarding knowing you are helping out, and it's nice to meet fellow volunteers who love The Summit as much as you do. According to Margaret Slesnick, The Summit's Volunteer & Event Coordinator, "Our volunteers are the backbone of the station, for without them, we wouldn't be able to do all that we do. Our staff is small and we can't be at every event, particularly since some events are happening on the same day at the same time."

Here is a rundown of how volunteers can offer their time and talents, as stated by Margaret Slesnick:

There are many volunteer opportunities throughout the year. The station has more events from springtime through summer, but volunteers are also needed to help with the fall and spring membership campaigns. Duties for volunteers include going on-site to various events in the community such as concerts, art shows, and non-profit events and working at our booth to help promote the station and give out promotional items. Volunteers also help with event set up and other event management needs. Campaign volunteers take pledges over the phone and help with the mailing of premiums. We also have people who "station sit" on different evenings and help with writing and editing Public Service Announcements (PSA's) or finding potential advertisers in publications, while they are on hand to assist with making phone calls if there are equipment problems during recording sessions.

Children are welcome to accompany their parents to assist with volunteering if the event is age appropriate. Typical shifts are 2-3 hours. We also have a volunteer reward program where perks are earned for volunteer time. We keep track of volunteer hours and you never know when you might receive something in the mail as our way of saying thanks.

I (Julie) have spent some time at the station with the lovely Marilyn Stroud. She is the Music Alive Coordinator. Marilyn was very friendly, and helpful in directing me in the task at hand for that day. Time flies when you're having fun, and I had a wonderful time. Marilyn told me that she enjoys helping with the membership drives, getting the premiums prepared and sent out to members after the membership drive is over, and helping out at various events in the community. Marilyn's enthusiasm is contagious!

If you have some spare time, go to The Summit website and click on the support button on the header, and then the volunteer button to find the Summit volunteer information form. It's time well spent. You'll be so glad you tried it.