(Colchester VT, April 14, 2008) - Vermont Public Radio invites listeners to take a seat behind the microphone. During the month of April, members of the VPR audience will have the opportunity to express their thoughts about Vermont in personal "My Vermont" essays to be recorded at VPR studios.

This is an opportunity for Vermonters to share what they value about the Green Mountain State. That may be a reflection on Vermont of the past, thoughts about the state today, or a description of concerns and hopes for the future. "My Vermont" essays are posted online at VPR.net, and some will be broadcast during the month of May.

"It's an opportunity for the public's voice to be heard in a unique way," said John Van Hoesen, VPR's vice president for news. "It's also a chance to hear directly from listeners about the direction the state has taken and where listeners would like to see it go from their personal points of view."

To record a "My Vermont" essay for possible broadcast, VPR listeners should write an essay of no more than 200 words which can be read aloud in about 1 minute. Essayists can then record their words at one of VPR's studios. More information can be found online at VPR.net and appointments for studio time may be made by calling VPR at 1-800-639-2192. VPR has studios in Colchester, Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Norwich and Manchester.

All the information about the project is available at the VPR website, VPR.net. Listeners can also participate by posting the text of their essay at VPR.net..
The "My Vermont" essays are part of a month-long project that will include a week of programs focusing on the state's challenges as part of the noon time newsmagazine Vermont Edition. A radio documentary will conclude the project.

Vermont Public Radio, Vermont's only state-wide public radio network, is committed to maintaining the highest standards of journalism and enriching public dialogue with a distinctive voice that reflects this region. A complete list of frequencies is available at VPR.net