Did you know that membership is the single greatest source of financial support for WPT? Volunteers make that support possible by taking pledges over the phone during membership drives. Each shift includes training and refreshments, and there's no long-term commitment required.

You can volunteer once a year, or several times during a single drive. We'll be happy to have your help on the schedule that works for you.

When are volunteers needed? Four-hour phone bank shifts are usually scheduled as follows:

Weeknights:
6:45 - 10:30 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays:
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
3:30 - 7:30 p.m.
7:00 - 10:30 p.m.

Visit our homepage to see when our next drive is and to sign up online.

What's involved in volunteering? Phone bank volunteers take calls from public television fans within our viewing area and enter their pledge information into a computer. It doesn't take long to get the hang of the computer system, and volunteer leaders are always on hand to answer your questions. Most shifts take place during taped broadcasts, but we'll broadcast live from the WPT studios during several shifts of each drive. Local businesses donate snacks for volunteers to enjoy during each shift.

Where is the phone bank located? The WPT Studios are located in Vilas Hall (821 University Ave) on the UW Madison campus, at the intersection of Park Street and University Avenue. A map and parking suggestions are available online.

Can I bring a group from my business or organization? Absolutely! We welcome family, school, business or other groups. Group leaders can contact us at volunteer@wpt.org or 608-265-4436 to get the details and reserve a time.

How old do I need to be to volunteer at a membership drive? Because volunteers are responsible for taking pledge information accurately and independently over the phone, volunteers need to be age 16 or older. Younger volunteers sometimes team up with a parent and help out as refreshment hosts in the lounge area.

Are there jobs that don't involve using a computer or phone? If you'd like to help but aren't able to take calls on the phone bank, consider signing up to be a refreshment host. These volunteers serve snacks donated by local businesses, meet food delivery people as needed, make coffee, and keep the lounge area tidy. We have an opening for one refreshment host on each shift. You might also consider some of our other upcoming events, such as Quilt Expo, Garden Expo, or WPT Auction.

I'm an experienced phone bank volunteer. How can I take on a leadership role? We're always looking for experienced phone bank volunteers who would like to become shift coordinators and assistant coordinators! These volunteers greet, train, and supervise phone bank volunteers during their shifts. We'll provide opportunities for training and "shadowing" experienced shift coordinators. If you're interested, please let us know.