Thank you for your interest in joining our team. Call for Action is currently accepting applications for new team members.
Our volunteers make a real difference in someone's life. Callers ask us for help when they've tried everything else, when nobody would listen, and when they feel they've got nowhere else to turn.
WKOW launched Call for Action to help as many viewers as possible solve consumer problems. Our free telephone hotline operates every weekday. It's staffed entirely by committed volunteers who want to help people.
What do volunteers do?
You'll be the first point of contact for viewers calling our hotline. You'll act as a trained mediator to help solve problems. You'll document the viewer's side of the story, research the problem, and reach out to the business or organization in question. Every case is different and uniquely challenging. You'll make a real difference in someone's life, whether it's by solving an endless corporate run-around or securing a $15,000 cash refund.
Some cases are simple, such as a large company not sending a refund check promptly or refusing to correct billing mistakes. Other cases span weeks or months and involve thousands of dollars and complicated problems. WKOW provides resources to help you with your work.
Your work can make a big impact. Many long-term investigations airing on 27 News began with simple calls to the Call for Action hotline.
How often do volunteers work?
Call for Action volunteers work at least one day a week (Monday-Friday) from 10:00am to 2:00pm at WKOW's studios on Madison's west side. You must be able to commit to working the same day each week. We ask all volunteers to make a one-year commitment to the program.
Will I need to threaten businesses or tackle problems myself?
No. Call for Action is unbiased. We listen to the viewer's side of the story, but never take sides or make allegations. Our mission is to approach every case as a mediator who wants both the customer and the business to feel satisfied with the resolution.
Will I need to be on TV?
Call for Action gets results because businesses know we broadcast news stories about our successful cases. You may be on TV from time to time, either in the background during a live report or if you choose to be interviewed about a case you solved. Neither is very common and shouldn't discourage you from volunteering with us.
Do I need prior experience?
27 News will provide all the training you need to use our telephones and computer database. Our volunteers are extremely diverse. We're proud to welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences. Our current volunteers include retirees, former corporate executives, college students, and self-employed professionals. All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. The most important qualification is a sincere desire to help people resolve consumer problems they have been unable to resolve themselves.
Where is the office?
27 News Call For Action is located at WKOW's studios, 5727 Tokay Blvd., Madison, WI 53719
Are there also paid employment opportunities?
No. All of our participants are volunteers. If you are interested in employment at WKOW, we discourage you from joining Call for Action.
How do I get started?
Use the contact information below to sign up. We will invite you to meet with our senior volunteers in person to learn more about our program and tour our offices. If we both feel there's a mutual match, WKOW provides comprehensive training and mentoring to help you get started as a consumer mediator.
Call for Action volunteers also participate in fun appreciation activities, such as summer cook-outs and the annual WKOW Employee and Volunteer Night at a Madison Mallards game.
HOW TO SIGN UP
Call our newsroom at (608) 273 2727 to leave your name and phone number. We will return your call.
Email callforaction@wkowtv.com with your name, phone number, and volunteer availability.
