WUMB

Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering

Q: What does a Member Drive volunteer do?
A: The on-air member drives require volunteers to help answer pledge lines and mail out pledge reminder forms to donors. There is more about the process of taking phone pledges below.

Q: Must I answer phones if I volunteer during the Member Drive?
A: No, you don't have to answer phones if you prefer some other volunteer job. Among other things, volunteers will help tally shift totals, prepare pledge fulfillment forms, and assist with other clerical related jobs. We can always use a person to pick up food from the kind vendors who donated it. Conversely, if you'd rather answer phones only, you won't be required to do anything else.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Parking is available at the UMass parking garage. After you arrive, ask the person organizing the pledge room to give you a pass for free parking.

Q: Is the station accessible to people with disabilities?
A: The UMass campus and the radio station are fully accessible.

Q: What should I do if I can't make my shift or I have to leave earlier than anticipated?
A: Please call the station with any schedule changes as soon as you can (617-287-6900). Let your Pledge Producer know if anything comes up while you're here.

Q: Is there a volunteer dress code?
A: No. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in.

Q: Will there be food and beverages?
A: Food (sandwiches, pizza, snacks and fruit) and beverages (water, soda, coffee & tea) will be available. Ask the Pledge Producer if something is not readily accessible. However, if you have special dietary restrictions, you may want to bring something for yourself.

Q: Where are the restrooms?
A: They're conveniently located in the hall outside the station.

Q: May I bring my children with me during my volunteer shift?
A: While we love children, it's impossible for us to handle them during hectic fundraising hours.

Q: Is smoking allowed in the building?
A: UMass is a non-smoking facility, but there are places you can go outside for a quick smoke.

Q: Are the phones difficult to use? How will I know what to say?
A: The phones are quite easy to use. If a phone is ringing, you'll pick up the receiver and press '4.' After you've answered, you can use the detailed script on the pledge form to get all the information that we need from contributors.

Q: What do I do if someone asks me a question I can't answer?
A: At the beginning of each shift you should be introduced to your "Pledge Producer." The Pledge Producer is "in charge" of the pledge room and can help answer any questions that come up. He or she is a radio station staff member or a volunteer who has been to a training session and has worked at the member drives before. If a question comes up that the Pledge Producer can't answer, he or she will find someone who can answer the question.

Q: Does everyone who pledges become a member?
A: Not every pledge qualifies for membership. Individual membership begins at $50.00. A member is entitled to a monthly Program Guide, attendance with one guest at regular members' concerts, a membership card good for discounts and benefits at some local businesses, and other benefits. Specially-discounted memberships are also available for students and seniors. Donors who pledge under $50 can receive the Program Guide, but will not receive the other benefits of membership.

Q: Is there a minimum pledge amount?
A: No. Any donation amount entitles the donor to a monthly Program Guide subscription.

Q: What if someone wants to pledge but doesn't want mailings?
A: No problem. Just write "NO MAILINGS" prominently on the pledge form next to the donor's address. Also, if anyone asks, you should know that WUMB never sells its mailing lists.

Q: What methods of payments are accepted?
A: Payments can be by check, credit card, or even by installments. The only credit cards we accept are Discover, MasterCard, or Visa. We do not accept American Express at this time.

Q: Can a contributor pledge with a credit card if they prefer not to give their credit card information over the phone?
A: Yes, the pledge will be taken and handled the same way as a check pledge. We will send them a form, which they will fill out and return to us, listing their credit card number.

Q: Are donations to WUMB tax-deductible?
A: Yes. But tax laws stipulate the Fair Market Value of any premium must be subtracted from the donation amount claimed as a deduction.

Q: What is a premium?
A: A "premium" is the thank you gift we send to donors according to the level of their gift.

Q: Are contributors allowed to substitute one premium for another?
A: Maybe. It depends on the Pledge amount and the premium in question. Ask your Pledge Producer.

Q: Must contributors take a premium?
A: No. Some donors prefer to simply make a contribution without receiving a premium.

Q: Can we take pledges from businesses and other organizations?
A: Yes. Use the same procedure as for an individual pledge, and list the business name along with the name of an individual.

Q: What is a challenge?
A: A challenge is a donation made with stipulations. These stipulations are announced on-air. They may take the form, for example, of an offer to donate $10 for every new member who joins one evening. Or an offer to match dollar-for-dollar all donations made in an hour. Challenges such as these give tremendous impetus for donors to call in and pledge.

Q: What should I do if someone calls the Pledge line with a Challenge?
A: Refer them immediately to the Pledge Producer or to a radio station staff member.

Q: How will I know when a challenge has been issued?
A: Your Pledge Producer will tell you, and there should be a sign on the tally board. The challenges will also be announced on-air. It's important for volunteers to listen to the station in the pledge room to hear any special offers being made.

Q: May volunteers make a pledge or issue a challenge?
A: Of course. Just talk to your Pledge Producer.

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