The Northside Action Team (NAT) is a volunteer-run, community initiative supporting progressive political candidates in Wisconsin and National elections through information sharing and get-out-the vote campaigns.
- Our organization builds community, supports progressive causes and engages voters.
We are always seeking curious, motivated, diverse volunteers who are ready to roll up their sleeves and make real change happen.
The impact of local organizing efforts cannot be understated.
It is on us, as local organizers to help inform our peers and encourage our neighbors to get to the polls.
NEW VOLUNTEER BLOG – Words from NAT volunteers on various topics.
11/12/2025 Making New Friends at the NAT Voter Registration Table by Erika Zar, NAT Voter Registration & Education Co-Chair
- 10/17/2025 Madison is not D.C. Being in community will get us through these bleak times. Isthmus Opinion by Eileen Harrington, Madison native and long time NAT volunteer.
Volunteer Opportunities
NAT Volunteers are trained City of Madison Voter Education Ambassadors and help voters register, update their voting status, request absentee ballots and more. We do this by tabling at area events such as the Northside Farmers Markets, the Northside Festival, block parties and other area events. Our upcoming events include: If you are interested in getting involved complete this short SURVEY or send us an email at voterreg@natmadison.org VOLUNTEER OUTREACH – Connecting volunteers to our voter outreach campaigns.
One of our most rewarding activities is our Volunteer to Volunteer outreach to connect volunteers to our voter outreach canvassing or phone banking events. We really value our volunteers and we help you connect with opportunities that work with your interests and time. We primarily use our Virtual Phone Bank from the comfort of your home to reach past volunteers and those that we’ve identified as interested. Orientation and training is done over Zoom with as much support as you need. To learn more send an email to nat@natmadison.org VOTER OUTREACH – Outreach to potential voters and get out the vote campaigns for elections.
Connecting with Voters is our main goal. Depending on the time of year we might ask about the issues that matter to them or engage with voters that do not vote consistently. As we get closer to an election our focus is getting out the vote. We strategically knock on doors or call voters based on publicly available voting information. We also attend community events and talk to people where they are. Training and support are provided before any event. Many people are comfortable doing this on their own but others go with a friend or are paired up with an experienced partner. We use smartphone apps called the MiniVAN or Reach for community events. For more on why we canvass and the experiences our canvasses have shared, read more … VOTER EDUCATION & VOTER REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE – Helping voters register or update their registration.
MANAGE EVENTS – Behind the scenes tasks to help launch events and support our volunteers.
We also need behind the scenes volunteers to help set up and manage the event site such as an event host, check-in crew, trainers, distribution of materials, provide snacks, and greet volunteers. Some events are smaller than others but during a major election we might have up to 10 people filling these roles for every shift. COMMUNICATIONS – Help us get out the word with our website, emails, social media and graphics.
NAT maintains a website, a MailChimp email newsletter and several social media platforms. If you have communications or tech skills and would like to help manage and develop content let us know at nat@natmadison.org COMMUNITY EVENTS – Convene potlucks, happy hours, and more to support current and future volunteers.
In addition to election related efforts we also host social events to build community and support each other during these challenging times. In 2025 we held three potlucks and learned about organizations in our area that are helping vulnerable neighbors. We also launched our 1st & 3rd Wednesday Happy Hours at Bierock! We always need folks to help plan and carry off these events. Email nat@natmadison.org if planning parties is your thing!
What is the Volunteer Commitment?
We ask for whatever time you have available.
- Some people volunteer with us throughout the year to help sustain NAT and others devote time for the big elections.
- Some volunteers commit to a couple hours a month and others make time every week as elections draw near.
- A core group of volunteers stays engaged to help plan and prepare for each year.
We recognize that everyone has other commitments and sometimes limited energy for politics, each volunteer is asked to contribute what they can, especially in election cycles, and we understand when needs or schedules change.
Check out our current calendar of events HERE
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