Volunteer FAQ
Q. I've never volunteered for anything before. Is that a problem?
A. No.
Q. What qualifications are required?
A. Some volunteer activities, such as helping our engineers, require specific background and/or experience.
But, most of our volunteer activities, such as assembling our mailings, or assisting with our pledge drives, require no special qualifications at all.
Q. Where is WCPE located?
A. Our studio complex is located in Northeast Wake County, between Wake Forest and Rolesville. We'll be glad to send you a map or give you directions.
Here's a map.
Q. Would I have to come out to the station to volunteer?
A. Yes, all of the work our Volunteers do takes place at our studio building.
Q. Will I have to come out to the station before my assignment for training or orientation?
A. With the exception of announcing (Volunteers who are interested in announcing will go through a series of auditions and training classes), we'll give you all the instructions you need on the day of your assignment.
Q. I work during the day. When do you need volunteers?
A. For pledge drives we need volunteers during the day, during evenings, and on weekends. When we're assembling our mailings, we generally have sessions during the week and on weekends.
Q. Will I be required to make a long term commitment to the station?
A. While we hope that you enjoy your time with us and want to come back, most of our volunteer activities, such as assisting with pledge drives or helping to assemble a mailing, will only require 2-4 hours.
Q. I'm not a Member of WCPE. Will that be a problem?
A. No. Many of our Volunteers choose to make their contribution to the station in the form of time instead of money.
Q. Sometimes my schedule changes at the last minute. What happens if I can't make it when I'm scheduled to be there?
A. These things happen. All we ask is that you contact our Volunteer Director and let him know so that he can make arrangements for a substitute.
Q. I don't like driving during bad weather. What will happen if I'm scheduled to be at the station and it gets stormy?
A. These things happen, too. Once again, all we ask is that you contact our Volunteer Director so that arrangements can be made for a substitute. If severe weather is forecast for the entire area, it's quite possible that volunteer activities will be cancelled and rescheduled.
Q. Can I bring my young children with me?
A. No. For safety and liability reasons, we don't allow young children at the station.
Q. What about my dog?
A. With the exception of guide dogs, it's best that pets be left at home.
Q. Is handicapped parking available?
A. Yes, right at our front door.
Q. Are there assignments that don't involve computers?
A. Sure. In fact, most of our volunteer activities do not involve anything "technical".
Q. I don't know much about classical music. Are there assignments for me? Will I fit in with the other Volunteers?
A. Sure! Our Volunteers come from all walks of life and many are relatively new to classical music. You'll quickly find out that half the fun of being here is chatting with the Staff and the other volunteers about our favorite composers, our favorite performers, the concerts we've attended, É it's a great learning experience!
Q: Will there always be other Volunteers there when I come in?
A: Most of our Volunteer activities, such as assembling our mailings or the pledge drives, are group activities. However, there may be times when you would be working by yourself or with someone from the Staff.
Q. I'm a big fan of classical music. I listen to WCPE all the time and want to do something to support the station. But I'm only 16 years old. Can I volunteer?
A. Sure. However, for anyone under 18, we'll need to have a parent or guardian sign the application form.
Q. Will I get to work with the Staff and the Announcers?
A. Sometimes, depending on your background and experience, and which departments are looking for help. You'll certainly get a chance to meet the Staff and any Announcers who are present the day you are volunteering.
Q. What's in it for me?
A. The satisfaction that you are part of the team that shares Great Classical Music with the world 24 hours a day! The opportunity to spend time, and make friends with, others who love classical music and want to support WCPE and help us achieve our mission. And (although subject to change), we currently provide meals for volunteers during pledge drives and mailings.
Q. I have a special diet. Will WCPE provide special meals for me?
A. Several of our volunteers and staff are vegetarians. So, we frequently have those kinds of meals available. Let us know your requirements and we'll try our best to meet your needs.
Q. Are there any special rules and/or regulations that I ought to know about before I sign up?
A. WCPE's mission is to share Great Classical Music with the world 24 hours a day, and everything we do at the station goes towards achieving that goal. Volunteers are expected to conduct themselves with dignity, courtesy, and consideration of others. (Of course, that's also expected of the Management and Staff of the station.) Sexual harassment of any sort is strictly prohibited. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on Station property. Many areas of the WCPE Office Building and the Transmitter Building contain sophisticated technical equipment and are restricted to Station Staff. In the interest of personal safety, we ask that volunteers not "wander off".
Q. I want to volunteer but I don't like sending personal information out over the internet. Is there another way I can apply?
A. Sure. You can call the station 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 556-5178 or 1-800-556-5178. If you are calling outside of normal business hours, just leave a message for our Volunteer Director.
Q. I still have some questions. How can I get more information?
A. You can call the station 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 556-5178 or 1-800-556-5178. If you are calling outside normal business hours, just leave a message for our Volunteer Director. Or, you can send an e-mail to volunteer@wcpe.org.
Q. I've submitted my application. Now what?
A. Our Volunteer Director will call you or e-mail you to acknowledge receipt of your application and let you know of any upcoming activities in line with your interests and skills.
Q. What will WCPE do with my personal information?
A. We maintain our Volunteer database for internal use only. WCPE will not share or sell your personal information.
Fill out an application.
|
