At a time when corporate-owned radio grows ever more bland, repetitious, and commercialized, community radio is more important than ever. Chirp volunteers like me are true believers in radio that is diverse, exciting, live, and locally-based. Community radio is non-commercial, and is committed to playing music the big stations won’t touch, and to building and focusing on the vibrant culture of its community.

CHIRP started broadcasting online in 2010, but this October marks the one year anniversary of CHIRP’s successful launch of its broadcast at 107.1FM! This is a huge achievement, but it also adds as much as $15,000 in new annual costs for the station. That means your support is more important than ever! CHIRP Radio is listener supported, with more than two-thirds of the station's budget coming from listener contributions and attendance at events. This Fall, I am committed to exceeding my goal of raising $1000 for the station, and as a station, we have a goal of raising $25,000 and adding 50 new sustaining members.

I am thrilled to be a DJ at CHIRP Radio. Not only do I get to share my favorite music with the City of Chicago (and the world at chirpradio.org), but I get to both literally and figuritively amplify the voices of new artists, and artists from under-represented communities. Each week when I plan my show, I take special care to include music from up-and-coming talent, indigenous artists, and music from across different cultures. Without independent stations like CHIRP Radio, these are voices that would rarely (if ever) be heard, which is why I'm so proud to be involved with CHIRP.

There are a ton of great benefits up for grabs with our Fall drive. My personal favorite is the CHIRP MemberCard, which for $120 or $10/month gets you 2-for-1 discounts at a ton of restaurants and venues across town (including one of my favorite spots -the UP Comedy Club at Second City). You'll also score discounts at a number of retailers, and 2-for-1 night stays at a number of B&Bs in Illinois and out-of-state -perfect for a weekend getaway. Listen people: you could actually save money with the MemberCard. Plus, every relationship needs more date nights. Let CHIRP help you and your sweetie become ROCK SOLID. For more details on the benefits of the CHIRP MemberCard, check out this site: http://membercard.com/chirpradio

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! Check out these amazing gifts (http://chirpradio.org/blog/chirp-has-great-thank-you-gifts-for-our-fall-fundraising-drive):

• For $60 or $5/month, you can be the proud owner of a CHIRP scarf
• For $120 or $10/month, get the aforementioned MemberCard AND an exlusive, limited-edition CHIRP t-shirt
• For $240 or $20/month, the MemberCard is yours along with a coveted CHIRP hoodie
• For $500, get ALL of the gifts listed above plus a special tour of the CHIRP station.

Thank you for your support!

MAKE A GIFT TO CHIRP TODAY!

CHIRP is a listener-supported, community-powered radio station—your gift makes everything we do possible!

Please make a gift supporting our fall fund drive so we can continue to bring you great music and events!

If you would like to become a sustaining member by making a recurring donation (monthy or quarterly), or select a fall campaign thank you gift, please visit CHIRP’s main donation page to make your contribution (and don’t forget to enter the name of the CHIRP Volunteer or DJ in the “How did you hear about CHIRP” section so they can receive credit for your gift!)