Dear Members and Friends,
As we approach the end of another year, I find myself reflecting on moments that teach us about connection, growth, and the importance of shared stories. I’d like to share a personal story that resonates with these themes—a story that began long before I joined the world of community broadcasting.
It was October 1991. I was an international student at Mount Holyoke College, having just declared a double major in Anthropology and Theatre Arts. One evening, I attended a party at Amherst College, where I met a male sophomore Philosophy major and running back on the football team. We first crossed paths at a beer pong table, and before long, sparks were flying—not from romance, but from a heated debate. I, a cultural relativist, believed that moral beliefs are shaped by culture and context, while he, a moral absolutist, argued that some ethical truths are universal and unchanging.
For those unfamiliar, these two viewpoints lie at opposite ends of philosophical thought. Cultural relativism suggests that right and wrong are fluid, defined by societal norms and lived experiences. In contrast, moral absolutism holds that certain principles transcend cultures and time.
That night, we passionately defended our views, as college students often do. Our exchange sparked not just one debate but years of conversation. Fast forward 33 years, and here I am, still in conversation with the beer pong opponent who is now my husband. While his entire career has been in finance, currently working in economic development, I have dedicated my life to the nonprofit sector, now leading in the community radio space. We’ve learned from each other, adapted, and grown together, blending our philosophies into something uniquely ours. We hope we’ve raised our teen to appreciate the best of both perspectives.
This story isn’t just personal history—it’s a reminder for today. In a world full of differing opinions, the willingness to engage with those who see things differently, to share perspectives, and to truly listen is essential. We don’t need to agree on everything, but learning to communicate and live with difference is how we build stronger, more inclusive communities.
As this year comes to a close, let’s take inspiration from this lesson. Community broadcasting thrives on the exchange of ideas, the power of dialogue, and the embrace of varied voices. Let’s commit to creating spaces where connection can flourish even when opinions don’t align. In those efforts, we plant seeds of collaboration and nurture the roots of understanding that make our communities resilient and vibrant.
Thank you for your dedication and passion for community broadcasting. Your work and your voices are the heart of our mission. Here’s to a new year filled with meaningful conversations, shared stories, and the joy of discovery.
Wishing you warmth, peace, and inspiration as we step into 2025,
Regards,
Rima:)
