WESU Spring Pledge Drive ’23
Here in southern New England, the tree blossoms have begun to bloom and the daffodils that pushed their way through the dirt have almost run their course. The river is swollen from the seasonal freshet that replenishes wildlife in the lower CT river valley this time of year and, of course, WESU is easing into its biannual Spring Pledge Drive!
Run by volunteers, WESU operates as a community service of Wesleyan University, bringing discerning listeners together through alternative public affairs by day and community programming weeknights and weekends. Well into its 8th decade of broadcasting, this unique community station is funded through a three-way partnership between the Wesleyan administration, Student Assembly, and community support. Donations from folks like you, who value this multifaceted organization that accomplishes so much for so many, are a testament to the service WESU provides.
Listener support has enabled WESU to increase the quality of service the station provides through transmitter, antenna, and studio upgrades. Not without challenges, the station has managed to navigate many restrictions related to Covid-19 that affected the station’s ability to train new DJs, host events, and fulfill pledge premiums. Most notably, WESU has not been able to host its cherished biennial Community Record Fair, or produce other happenings that are open to the public. While these events have been important fundraising tools, they also offered noteworthy opportunities for communities on and off air to interact and bond on common ground. All of these challenges have taken their toll on this volunteer run organization but solid support from WESU listeners, volunteers, friends, alumni, and family have helped WESU stay strong and moving forward.
This spring, WESU has launched a new online merchandise shop where patrons can choose from a variety of WESU branded items from shirts, and hoodies to tote bags and more! With merchandise shipped directly from the supplier to the patron, this new system will greatly expedite a process that sometimes took the under resourced station months to manage. The new store also offers patrons the opportunity to amplify their purchase with an extra donation. Eventually, DJs will be able to design their own products to help raise money to support their radio shows at WESU!
Whether you would like to make a donation with no thank you gift, pick up some new WESU merchandise, or download a pledge form to send your donation by mail, you’ll find links for all three of these options at www.wesufm.org/pledge
