AmeriCorps VISTA members help create or expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty. One of the ways CHILDREN AT RISK serves these communities is through creating dialogues about issues surrounding children.
One of the duties I knew I would be taking over when I started working at CHILDREN AT RISK was the “Growing Up in America” Radio Show. “Growing Up in America” is an hour-long show, every Monday from 3 to 4pm, that covers programs, public policy, and current events that affect kids. There are many great shows on the radio, but this show is one of a kind. Each show features a CHILDREN AT RISK staff member, who gives an interesting statistic about kids, and three guests, who share their expertise on different children’s issues. Lastly we also have a social conscience scale where we ask our listeners to call in to share what they think about a certain controversial topic.
My first day at the radio show was pretty exciting because I had never been behind the scenes at a radio station before. As I watched the producer effortlessly run the show, I wondered if I would ever be at that place. Since I have been working on the show there have been a variety of local and national guests speaking about human trafficking, children’s health, education, and other issues. “Growing up in America” gives the community a place to talk about the world that their children are growing up in. The show is for worried mothers, involved citizens, and concerned lawmakers.
Tune in every Monday, 3-4pm on 90.1 KPFT to hear more.
Ashley Lai is an Outreach Coordinator and AmeriCorps VISTA at CHILDREN AT RISK. AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Authorized in 1964 and founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993. VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for 45 years.