STArTInG A LOCAL RADiO stAtiOn - Nai

Section 3: The value of staff and volunteersRIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF VOLUNTEERSTo attract a variety of volunteers, a radio station must create volunteer opportunities that match the interestsand motivations of community members. Volunteers, like paid staff members at the station, havespecific rights and responsibilities. Volunteers should not be valued less or treated differently becausethey are not paid or don’t work full-time hours. To prevent confusion about roles and responsibilities,it’s a good idea to establish guidelines for volunteers and the staff members who mentor and supervisethem.Volunteers are entitled to clearly stated rights, including:n Fair opportunity to become a volunteer without gender or ethnic discriminationn Proper introduction (orientation) to the station and a clear explanation of their job responsibilitiesn Training (by a supervising staff member) in the skills they need to do their jobn Acknowledgment of the value of their time and contribution to the stationIn order to excel at their jobs, volunteers must be:nnnnClear about the amount of time they can contribute regularlyClear about their skills and interests to enable good job placementSerious about their job and willing to participate in training and other learning opportunitiesAccept suggestions and discuss their job performance with their supervisorHow are volunteers a vital link between the radio station and its community?Volunteers can:n Bring the radio station into the community by producing special programs relevant to the work ofan organization they know about, people in their age group or people with similar interests or challengesnnCreate links between the radio station, local civic organizations and community leadersBring the community into the radio station by expanding the station’s audience through diverseprogrammingFor example, here is a story about how volunteers with disabilities in Kabul created an educational radioprogram for Salam Watandar to raise awareness of the rights of Afghan people with disabilities.36 STARTING A LOCAL RADIO STATION: A MANUAL FOR AFGHANISTAN