Volunteering at the Maine Public Broadcasting Network
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Guest post by Denis Howard
Volunteers perform vital tasks at many nonprofit organizations and Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) is no exception. Volunteers assist at many levels of MPBN and are responsible for many of the duties associated with fundraising. Volunteers assist from all over Maine as well as New Hampshire. These volunteers are helping during odd hours (early mornings, late nights) and oftentimes appear for multiple shifts during an event (sometimes for ten hours at a stretch). Volunteers visit MPBN in Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland and drive all over the state to aid MPBN in its goals.
As an institution with several decades of history, MPBN has learned how to create a positive environment for volunteers and retain a devoted base that returns each quarter (or year) based on individual availability. Each MPBN facility and fundraising event (radio and television membership drives, the Great TV Auction) has its own core group of volunteers although there is cross-pollination among some of those as well. Volunteers come to MPBN for many different reasons (fulfilling service hours for a school, community service for traffic violations, or as part of a larger group from work) but the primary one is a genuine love and respect for nonprofit public broadcasting.
The most important fact to remember is that volunteers are donating their time to help and need to be appreciated. MPBN attempts to greet each volunteer as they enter our facilities and requests they “sign in” so a first-name basis can be attained. Food has always been a perennial feature of MPBN events and a wide variety of offerings from area restaurants keeps the volunteers refreshed, alert, and content. MPBN also believes in thanking volunteers repeatedly for their service. Though all staff people are busy and hardworking, a simple show of gratitude for what volunteers are doing goes a long way to ensuring a positive experience for all. Engaging volunteers is yet another way to cement the bond between MPBN and its volunteer base.
MPBN also has one distinct advantage over other nonprofit organizations as we can “advertise” our need for volunteers on radio and television with little effort. There is also a very small percentage of volunteers who are drawn to the glamour and excitement of helping out behind-the-scenes at a radio or television station. Microphones, cameras, and on-air talent are all appealing to people devoting several hours of their time to MPBN.
With several regular membership drives planned for each year (and with the annual Great TV Auction happening each spring), volunteers are necessary to maintain MPBN. Whether you live in Fort Kent, Eliot, Bethel, or Lubec there is a way for you to help your statewide local broadcast network. We accept all ages and are incredibly flexible with scheduling. If you are interested in volunteering at MPBN in any capacity, please visit our website for more information.
Denis Howard is the Volunteer Coordinator at Maine Public Broadcasting Network.