Meet Carbondale native Laura Borger, who has been volunteering with the Southern Illinois Radio Information Service (SIRIS) for approximately three years. As a high school teacher, Borger had the luxury of enjoying free summers, but in 2007, she decided to volunteer some of her time to the community by reading on-air with SIRIS.
"I first heard about volunteer opportunities with SIRIS on WSIU Radio," says Borger. "I thought it was a good thing to do during the break, and now that I’ve been volunteering with the organization each summer, I definitely think that more teachers should consider doing it, as well."
Borger views SIRIS as a community outreach service that many local citizens can certainly benefit from. "We are transmitting information and news to people who do not have access to it, or for whatever reason, they cannot read it on their own," she says. "Plus, it’s personal. SIRIS volunteers are reading local papers and informing people about births, deaths, and many other things that are happening in the community. It’s old school, as well as a dying art."
Borger is a devoted PBS fan and feels that public radio and TV are the finest information sources available. "Public broadcasting is the best journalism out there. There is no advertising, which means their loyalties are to the public," she says. "Everyone, especially teachers, should support public broadcasting!" Borger considers herself a public broadcasting junkie and counts All Things Considered, NOVA, Nature, and This Old House among her favorite programs. "I also enjoy listening to Car Talk, Zorba Paster, and any PBS host who has a side-kick that laughs."
Borger holds a Master of Arts degree in Speech Communication from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) and is currently making preparations to return to graduate school to pursue a second master’s degree in English. Before hitting the books once again, Borger is enjoying her time working at a local winery, playing video games on her Playstation 3, and being a loving owner to her new puppy.
Learn how you can give back to your community as a SIRIS volunteer by calling (618) 453-2808 or clicking on the SIRIS tab at wsiu.org.
