Scott Raley began volunteering for TPR in 2010. At the time, his budget wouldn't allow for a paid membership, but he wanted to give back to the radio station he valued. Now a full-fledged member, Scott continues to volunteer because he enjoys it so much.
"I'm a part of an organization that is making a difference in the arts, education and culture of my community," he said. "I feel at home hanging out with people that enjoy the same kind of programming that I do, that enjoy learning, that enjoy contributing. The people that I volunteer with are like me...they want to see their community enlightened."
You can find Scott volunteering at a wide variety of TPR events, including AccessAbility Fest, Cinema Tuesdays and Views & Brews, and he may have taken your pledge during one of our recent membership drives.
Scott's exposure to public broadcasting began in grade school with public television.
" 'Python' and 'Fawlty Towers' are to blame," he said. "That lead to my love for public radio in my late teens. I'm not sure if I looked up TPR before I moved to SA or if I just went down the dial once I arrived, but I know that I was tuned into 89.1 within moments of being in range."
As a father, Scott has shared his love of TPR with his family.
"I have two grown daughters, Meagan and Lauren. Meagan was brainwashed into loving public radio and is a big fan. I used Sunday afternoon road-trips with 'Prairie Home Companion' and 'Car Talk' on the radio to mold her into the amazing woman that she is today. Lauren, however is profoundly deaf. While she knows nothing of the glories of Powdermilk Biscuits, I have taught her everything about car repair that I gleaned from 26 years of listening to Tom and Ray Magliozzi," he said.
Scott stresses that public radio is for everyone.
"I'm a blue-collar guy. I've been an avionics technician since 1986; nine of those years for the Navy," he seaid. "I've also worked on horse ranches, taught as a public school substitute teacher, worked in a psychiatric hospital and as a bartender."
Scott encourages anyone who has ever considered it to go ahead and volunteer.
"Just do it. If it has ever crossed your mind, just do it. You will enjoy it more than you ever imagined," he said. "Plus, if you enjoy hanging out with friendly, informed, brainy folks...this place is Nerd-vana."
If you would like to volunteer with TPR, click here to submit your information, or contact TPR's Event and Volunteer Coordinator Elisa Gonzales directly at 800-622-8977 or Elisa@tpr.org.