The Grassroots Radio Conference is an annual gathering of community radio activists in support of this mission:
More than audio outlets, volunteer-based community radio stations are cultural institutions in their communities, reflecting the unique concerns and passions of the people who live there. With a system of governance based on openness and collaboration, and diverse programming produced by volunteers and funded by listeners, these stations are cornerstones of participatory democracy, offering ordinary citizens the chance to exercise First Amendment rights in a mass medium and audiences the opportunity to directly support the programming that is of importance to them.
Each year, the conference provides skill building workshops, space for important discussions and information exchange, and panel presentations on a variety of relevant topics. We are currently soliciting panel participants and workshop leaders in the following topic areas:
» Live remote broadcasts » Diversity issues – taking out barriers to inclusion » Addressing “isms” – creating social change within our stations » Role of community radio in disaster response » Writing for radio » FCC issues – current topics and concerns » Multi-media challenges and opportunities » Internet streaming » Hands on production track
» Interviewing skills » Storytelling » News reporting basics » Field recording » Fundraising—beyond the membership drive » Youth radio » Crisis management – when things go awry » Art of broadcast—how to make compelling radio that works for listeners » Music & mission » Radio theater » Collaborations between stations » Functional collectives » Volunteer recruitment » Non-violent communication within stations / conflict resolution » DIY – equipment / studios and ???
