Message to Volunteers from VP of People & Culture

Dear Volunteers,  

In 1922, students conducting a physics experiment created a small radio station at Oregon Agricultural College (now Oregon State University). 100 years later, thanks to the tremendous support of thousands of community members who have contributed both their time and resources, that humble radio station has grown into the robust regional news organization you know as OPB, connecting Oregon and its neighbors with in-depth journalism and storytelling that both inform and nurture the community.  

I began my career at OPB in 1999 as the volunteer program manager. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with and witnessed thousands of volunteers generously sharing their time and talents to further our mission. The volunteer program has evolved significantly over the years, but the dedication and commitment of community members like you remains constant. During the last two years in which we pivoted from primarily in-person volunteer opportunities to an entirely remote/virtual volunteer program, you have helped us develop important and successful programs that will allow us to better serve the community for years to come.  

We know that your time is extremely valuable, and we are honored that you chose to contribute your time and effort in support of independent journalism that keeps people informed and connected. If you are one of the 225 volunteers who have participated in virtual volunteering since the start of the pandemic, we are sincerely grateful for your commitment, especially during a time of extraordinary challenge and change. One of the silver linings of the past two years has been discovering new ways to engage volunteers that allow us to serve the community in vitally important ways. We are excited that people who have been unable to volunteer in person will have new and valuable ways to participate going forward, and we look forward to continuing and expanding those programs 

If you have participated in the past and are waiting for new in-person opportunities to resume, we appreciate all your contributions and look forward to seeing you again, hopefully soon. Gradually, we are bringing more staff back to OPB headquarters in a way that supports OPB and our people. A next step will be re-engaging volunteers in person. Please stay tuned! 

As we move into our centennial year, we honor all of your extraordinary achievements, commemorating our past and celebrating the exciting possibilities the next 100 years will bring thanks to people like you. On behalf of all of us at OPB, thank you.  

Sincerely, 

Holly Bullock-Denniston  

Vice President, People & Culture