DJ Lady D, Volunteer of the Quarter (Summer 2019), in her own words:
I learned about the radio station a couple of years ago when I was driving around Asheville going record shopping. I scanned through the radio dial and came across a station that was playing actual music. That station happened to be Asheville FM.
Even though I was living in South Carolina at the time, I decided to volunteer with AFM because I thought the station was AWESOME! In the past, I had considered volunteering at the community radio station in my hometown of Tampa, Florida, but never did. Finding out that AFM functions with the help of volunteers, I thought that this would be a great opportunity to become involved and help bring awesome diverse radio to people.
Initially when I joined the station I wanted to be involved in production, but I loved the station so much it truly didn’t matter what I did, I just wanted to help. I started tabling at events to help spread the word about how great AFM is, then after shadowing radio shows, I started writing music album reviews.
I was hesitant to apply for my own radio program, as I felt comfortable behind the scenes, but after encouragement from other volunteers and DJs, I got the confidence to apply for a show as well.
Later, the opportunity arose to help with the Production Department, when the former Production Coordinator held a meeting requesting for volunteers to get involved with the department. I inquired about the Production Coordinator position (as the former head was moving out of state) and ended up falling into the roll when they left.
So currently at the radio station, I am the Production Coordinator and I also host a Sunday afternoon radio show called Electro Retro.
The best advice I can give new volunteers is to do your best. Don’t be afraid to ask questions for a better understanding of things or what you would like to be involved in. Give the amount of time that you are able to give as well, because every contribution of time you make to the station helps it thrive.
There are too many folks to shout out to because there are so many people here that have helped me, and that are so devoted to the station as a whole. I love all of the people here that I’ve met and truly would not have the opportunity to do what I do here without their support. To all of you reading this, you’re amazing! Thank you for all that you do!
My favorite things about the station are the awesome volunteers that are here, the great music that the DJs play, and the awesome talk shows that we have. I love everything about it honestly. AFM has been so influential in my life. Again, I thank you all!
DJ Lady D, Asheville FM
October 2019