WGDR — Community Radio for Central Vermont at Goddard College — strives to inform, educate, entertain, involve, motivate, and connect its diverse communities through independent non-commercial radio programming.

As a hybrid college–community radio station, WGDR is committed to education and training in the art and science of community radio and to in-depth involvement in many forms by its geographic community and its communities of interest.

WGDR accomplishes its mission by:
Engaging robust support from the stations communities
Integrating WGDR programming and Goddard's low-residency academic programs
Experimenting with opportunities and technology to expand beyond Central Vermont

Programming Committee
is open to any person interested in WGDR programming issues. This group consults with station management on programming matters. They generally meet the first Thursday of the month at 10 am.
June 26, 2008 Minutes
September 18, 2008 minutes DRAFT
November 6, 2008 DRAFT


All WGDR meetings are held are held at the Eliot Pratt Center on the campus of Goddard College in Plainfield, VT. For more information call 454-7367 ext 1, or email Greg Hooker, WGDR General Manager greg.hooker@goddard.edu.



Many thanks to Rachael Rice, creatrix of the renowned WGDR Chicken Logo.

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Free format means freedom of expression at WGDR, “…to better inform and interact with the listening community of the station’s service area” (from Mission Statement). Our volunteer broadcasters determine the content of their programs, whether focused on music, public affairs, or a unique mix of elements. Participants are offered the chance to work with professional industry tools and develop their media-related awareness and skills cooperatively, thereby furthering our mission of public service as a grassroots educational resource for our community.

As a public access media facility with nearly 100 active volunteers, we customize our participation options to suit each individual. Our training programs are simple, accessible and adaptable for all ages, backgrounds and interests. This year, we are growing our student-centered efforts and expanding our outreach to schools and youth organizations in Central VT more actively.

Here are some of the ways that interested participants can get involved:

· Activity / Guest Host Program:
This type of participation is the common starting point for most WGDR volunteers. For those who seek to experience the craft of live radio production first hand, but who don’t necessarily seek to become self reliant as an officially licensed studio operator, this introductory level of involvement offers instant benefits without requiring a commitment to more formal training sessions. Participants begin activity sessions as guests and are encouraged to gain a general understanding of how radio works in a completely flexible and individualized manner. Depending on individual needs and interests, regular activity sessions can gradually evolve into a more applied mode of study and lead to greater proficiency as an operator.

· Basic Operator Training:
WGDR’s core operator training program is the means by which participants can become officially recognized as licensed radio broadcasters at our facility.* During regular weekly sessions of 60-90 minutes per week, participants are incrementally exposed to the rules that govern broadcasting while practicing the hands-on craft in an individualized manner. Trainees occupy a regular timeslot with supervision from WGDR staff and learn to operate our Air Studio – which utilizes various media formats, electronic devices and computer-aided implements. Basic Operator Training is usually completed within 6-10 weeks, depending on the individual and their unique circumstances. Once licensed and approved by WGDR staff, participants can negotiate their own timeslot or serve as a substitute when openings occur. In addition to earning privileges, the commitments of a WGDR volunteer broadcaster also include participation in our collective governance and adherence to policies and procedures.

· Advanced Operator Training:
WGDR now offers more advanced options for participants who wish to delve deeper into their media-related knowledge and skill building, beyond the scope of what is covered in Basic Operator Training sessions. Advanced Operator Training sessions occur primarily in our new off-air production facility, which offers two workstations – one that is nearly identical to the Air Studio, and another designed for more complicated recording applications. Options available to advanced trainees include attending ongoing group workshops covering a range of advanced techniques and special applications – including live and studio sound engineering, collaborative news and public affairs audio production, field recording, documentary work, remote broadcasts, and much more. In addition, individual arrangements for advanced training sessions can be negotiated with WGDR staff and scheduled by appointment to suit unique needs and interests.

· Special Project-Focused Intensives:
Participants seeking to train for a specific project, special event, or academic program can negotiate individual sessions with WGDR staff with advanced notice. Some limitations and/or conditions may apply, depending on the nature and scope of specialized arrangements.

· Internships:
Customized internship opportunities are available and negotiated on an individual basis. Preference is offered to students seeking academically focused arrangements and to those who are interested in actively participating in WGDR operations as auxiliary support staff.

· Volunteer Support Teams, Mentoring, and More:

Our more ambitious volunteer participants are encouraged to gain responsibility in any operational areas that interest them. WGDR volunteers can find a number of ways to exercise their collaborative talents – for example, as a member of a zone-specific Support Team, by serving as an individual Peer Mentor, or by assisting with community events and projects.

For more information about WGDR Community Outreach, please contact Greg Hooker, WGDR General Manager, at (802) 454-7367, ext. 1 or email: greg.hooker@goddard.edu