Volunteering with WFYI
I became passionate about volunteering out of necessity. At age 25, I relocated to Minneapolis, and with few friends or professional contacts, I needed a way to build a social network and become plugged in to the community. Before long, I was volunteering at an animal rescue, an improv theater, and Minnesota Public Radio, and making lots of great friends in the process. I took this newfound passion for volunteer work with me when I moved back to Indianapolis a couple years ago, and I quickly signed up to volunteer at WFYI, both because I love public media and because WFYI and PBS programming were so influential and impactful for me when I was a child.
Getting involved with WFYI as a volunteer is easy, and you get to meet fellow public media fans. Whether you want to volunteer once or on regular basis, they have an opportunity for you! WFYI volunteers help keep the station running by serving as brand ambassadors at events, helping out with office and membership tasks, sharing specialized skills, and even transforming into a PBS Kids character.
When I signed up to volunteer with WFYI, I selected the brand ambassador opportunity. I love doing this because it gives me a chance to interact with other public media lovers at various events around the city. Some events I’ve volunteered at in the past include the Broad Ripple Art Fair, an Indianapolis Indians game, and IUPUI’s annual Regatta. Usually the work involves sitting at a table and passing out WFYI swag to people while answering any questions they may have about the organization. I love asking people about their favorite WFYI shows, and most folks who approach our table are eager to answer!
At WFYI you can volunteer as you are available. If you have time on a weekly basis, you can sign up to work shifts at the front desk. If your schedule is fairly heavy or unpredictable, it might make more sense to sign up for specific events as you have availability. Regardless of how much time you have to offer, WFYI will have an opportunity that is the perfect fit for your schedule.
I also highly recommend checking out WFYI Nerds. WFYI Nerds is an in-person and virtual event series designed for college and post-college adults, early and mid-career professionals, and new parents between the ages of 20-40ish who have an interest and passion for public media programming. Our purpose is to gather regularly for fun, meaningful conversation and networking opportunities to connect with others in our community.
WFYI Nerds is currently doing a Nerds Go Back to School Virtual event, in which they’re hosting virtual classes about a wide range of subjects, from beer tasting to yoga. I recently signed up for their class on buying and selling a house, and I’m looking forward to gaining some helpful insights as a first-time homebuyer. You can learn more about these events here.
I think the number one benefit of volunteering with WFYI and joining a group like WFYI Nerds, is the sense of investment you feel in your local community. The time you put in makes you feel like you have a stake in what happens in Indianapolis, which makes living here feel so much more enriching. So, find a volunteer opportunity that’s the perfect fit for you; have fun, make friends, and continue to fall in love with your city!
Click here to learn more about volunteering with WFYI and to create your volunteer profile.
Meet John Silva
John Silva is a project manager living and working in downtown Indianapolis. He is also a contributing writer at New Noise Magazine, and has possibly interviewed some of your favorite bands. In his free time, he enjoys magnet fishing, martial arts, and playing with his pets, which include a dog, cat, and two turtles.
