Vocalo.org’s I.O.U: Stories of being
in the hole

Chicago-area Vocalo.org 89.5FM recently engaged the community in a multi-platform conversation about debt and how it affects our lives. With citizens facing harsh financial realities, Vocalo’s community roots and mission as a broadcaster of user-generated content naturally led to engagement about the economy.  The result was the month-long initiative: I.O.U: Stories of being in the hole. Over your head. Knee deep. And in the red. 

During the four-week exploration, Vocalo dedicated all platforms (on-air, online, and in-person) to content about financial debt and related topics, including:

• Vocalo-led discussions at cafes, barbershops and other “hubs” around the city
• First-hand stories about debt and recovery shared on-air, posted online, and combined with live interviews of experts who offered advice.  
• Registrants of the Vocalo.org site—currently 5,000 people are registered—blogged about topics, posted articles of interest and uploaded audio of their own stories
• Vocalo's production of online and on-air broadcasts about topics related to debt, like a “cheap-eats” segment about creating meals on a budget, and a discussion about the role money plays in food choices

Vocalo.org was founded by its parent station, Chicago Public Radio, to engage diverse audiences primarily as a Web-based organization.  Regardless, staff believe in the importance of existing in a “multi-platform way, including on the ground and in the community,” explains General Manager Wendy Turner.  

Learn more about Vocalo at www.vocalo.org.