** All interest of potential volunteers with CKCU is appreciated and welcomed. At this time, our volunteer opportunities are limited as our station staff are working remotely. We’re working towards a gradual reopening of the station and adding those interested in volunteering to a waitlist. When the station is ready to onboard new volunteers, we will reach out to those on the waitlist. **
To be added to this list of interested volunteers please contact our Volunteer Manager, Lindsay, at volunteer@ckcufm.com.
CKCU is almost entirely volunteer-driven. The voices on the airwaves, the behind-the-scenes production, the huge and constantly growing music library, the folks DJing community events, or standing behind that table with the big CKCU banner you see around—none of it would happen without the help of well over 200 volunteers.
CKCU strives to create programming that reflects the diversity of our community and audience. We care about making the voices and music you don’t find on mainstream radio clearly heard. We want to help empower our community to learn new skills and make interesting radio happen. If you’re curious about any part of radio, CKCU is where you want to be.
What if I don’t have any experience?
That’s totally okay! We’re here to give you the training and experience you need to get started.
Do I need to be a student?
We like having students active at CKCU as we’re located on a campus, but NO, you don’t have to be a student to get involved. CKCU is campus-based but is run by many different community representatives and enthusiasts in the Ottawa-Gatineau region just like you! All that to say is, while we are located at Carleton University, anyone interested in CKCU is welcome to become a volunteer.
Steps to getting involved
- Attend a volunteer orientation session! From September to April, there are regularly scheduled sessions weekly that you can check the times of online. Orientation sessions start shortly after the new semester begins.
- Done orientation? Fill out the volunteer registration form before you go! Get that form over to our volunteer coordinator and they’ll make sure you’re all set up to get info on ways to volunteer.
- Make sure you’re opening those CKCU emails and come visit the station to find out about volunteer and training opportunities and radio station happenings.
- Sign up for training sessions! Everyone needs to attend basic training that consists of two one-hour training sessions over two weeks (one per week). Once basic training is completed, you’re able to take part in more specific production, programming and podcast training opportunities. These groups consists of three one-hour sessions over three weeks. Because we do training in small groups, we ask that you don’t take a spot in orientation until you’re able to commit to all sessions.
Upcoming orientations
All orientations and training groups are postponed until further notice. The health and safety of our community is important.
Orientations last about 40 minutes and give you lots of time to ask questions, check out the office, and chat with the staff.
It takes place in the CKCU office located in room 517 on the 5th floor of the University Center building. The 5th floor can be accessed by the elevator at the back of the first floor of the building, past Oliver’s Pub and the Tim Hortons.