Well here we are again. Back at a Spring Fund Drive, at a crucial turning point for the station, although this time it's not pandemic-panic-induced. It would be pretty impossible to me writing this on the eve of the drive to raise more than we did in that drive (125k+) but then again we were just as worried that our community of small-dollar donors who chip in what they can would be decimated by mass layoffs and economic uncertainty. I don't think this drive will be quite like that one, but it feels even more important.

If you've known me for a while, you know I care a whole lot about knowing the truth, fighting for justice, and increasing access to information for everyone. XRAY has been the source of that in ways I couldn't have imagined when I started here in September 2019. This place has been one of "YES" for me, where others have seen any deviation from the status quo as a threat. The people at XRAY aren't afraid of things being different, in fact in a lot of ways the folks I'm surrounded with could not be more pumped when a new idea or way of doing things comes up.

But you don't work here, and maybe you don't even volunteer here, so why does that matter? It matters because our media and art are meant to represent the people they serve, not just those in power with ideas that are palatable to the patriarchy and white supremacy. When media comes from the people it serves, it affects how we talk to each other, what information we know about our communities, the art we seek out, really everything. XRAY amplifies those voices and doesn't care if it's the most popular show on the planet or just a couple of people are affected by it because it all matters. XRAY makes it possible to both play a new indie song by an unknown artist AND have a deep conversation about the overly gendered world we live in. It makes it possible to discuss how artists are being left behind by Top 40 algorithms and what local businesses and nonprofits could really use our help. It makes it possible to, in the same breath be empowering folks to take action against oppressive structures while also making time for joy, human connection, and distraction.

I plan and execute these fund drives, but it's not just a job. It's about making a place where the impossible becomes possible and access to media isn't limited to the few.

So join me in giving back to the organization that makes this possible, and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly to make it happen, mostly as volunteers. Our community has counted on us for connection, information, and joy this past year. Now, can I count on you to help me build the next chapter of purpose-driven media? 

You've counted on the people behind XRAY for so much this past year. Whether it was for entertainment, distraction, information, or just some live human connection when social distancing hit the hardest: we've been here for you.

As we enter the next chapter of our story, build up our community of leaders and changemakers, and forge a path towards a big future for purpose-driven media, we need your help. We need YOU to help us reflect who the people of our city are. We need YOU to build our community up to come out of this pandemic stronger. We need YOU to bring the next generation of leaders to the airwaves.

You've counted on us to make it through this year. Can we count on you to help write our next chapter?