This month, we had a chance to interview Adrienne Carmichael, volunteer board-op and membership department assistant, about her experience with KBOO and her love for community radio!
1. Please introduce yourself to the KBOO Community — who are you, and what are you passionate about?
I moved to Portland about 4 years ago upon a friend’s encouragement and have met a lot of really nice people. Supporting nonprofits has been a passion of mine for many years. I love to find an organization doing important work and then bring my skills to the group.
2. What's your favorite thing to do on a day with no commitments?
When there’s nothing else going on I like to take a bike ride with a friend along one of the city’s well maintained bike trails. I also tend a community garden and pull invasive weeds in nearby forests. I also love to see live music, especially jazz.
3. What brought you to KBOO?
One of my friends volunteered with KBOO and told me about the orientation, which I did in January of 2012. For many years I've wanted to be a part of a community supported radio station; KBOO’s orientation was fun and enlightening. There were about 40 people there, and I was amazed at the energy and diversity of the volunteers. Every time I am at the station I get to meet and work with awesome individuals.
4. What have you done at KBOO?
I am an accountant: I've founded nonprofits, and have been a treasurer for three nonprofits, so my first project was helping the finance person. I’ve also done different kinds of data entry.
I also make the calls to ask Portland restaurants for meal donations for our volunteers during Membership drives. The station promotes the restaurants in exchange for their donations, so it’s an easy phone call.
I have tabled at several events, meeting more incredible people, and assisted the remote engineer on several events, including Portland’s Waterfront Bluesfest. I have also brought in a few bands that I met at open mics to play live on The Monday Sampler. Regularly, I board-op Democracy Now! on Tuesdays at 4pm.
I also make the calls to ask Portland restaurants for meal donations for our volunteers during Membership drives. The station promotes the restaurants in exchange for their donations, so it’s an easy phone call.
I have tabled at several events, meeting more incredible people, and assisted the remote engineer on several events, including Portland’s Waterfront Bluesfest. I have also brought in a few bands that I met at open mics to play live on The Monday Sampler. Regularly, I board-op Democracy Now! on Tuesdays at 4pm.
5. What have you learned?
Not only have I learned a lot from the KBOO classes, and by being behind the scenes at a radio station, I've also learned how to engineer a show: both in station and remotely. I never imagined I would be working on the radio! The annual Homelessness Marathon was a revelation to me. I listened to it all night long and learned so much about their struggles, and how I could help! I also learn a lot everyday from shows like Democracy Now! and the volunteer-supported KBOO Evening News!
6. Are there other things you'd like to do at KBOO in the future?
Hosting a show with music and commentary on the issues of our day would be great! I also like to go to KBOO community events throughout the year.
7. What's your favorite moment at KBOO? Any highlights?
It was really exciting when my friend and her band came to play on the radio before one of her events! She and the band had never played live on air before and I was excited to introduce them to KBOO.
8. How does KBOO help your family/community/etc/?
KBOO informs its listeners of more alternative news, and brings people together with its community events! I turn it on at all day and night for extraordinary music and news; I especially love the Wednesday afternoon Jazz show.
9. Why is KBOO important?
KBOO brings together all kinds of individuals and their expressions. It’s a wonderful place to contribute to and to get informed by.
10. What else do you want people to know about you?
Just that I love KBOO and the new friends I’ve made, and that there is an orientation every month with all kinds of people — young and old. Everyone is welcome to get involved!