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Northside News Volunteers

Volunteer with the Northside News!

If you’re interested in volunteer opportunities with the Northside News, contact Editor Abha Thakkar. She can be reached at (608) 230-1221 or by email.

The Northside News is compiled by volunteers writers, photographers and contributors. In each issue, nearly 40 community members provide news stories, features, columns, announcements and photos to provide Northside residents with a newspaper written for and by the community. We often examine issues not covered by other media outlets. We present a balance of news and feature stories in each issue to provide a slice of Northside life so there is something for everyone.

The Northside News is a perfect way to get involved in your own community!

Volunteer Opportunities Available:

  • Volunteer writer: take on story assignments to cover Northside topics that interest you.  Experience is helpful but not necessary.
  • Volunteer photographer: take on photo assignments for our print and online editions. Experience is helpful but not necessary. You should have access to a high quality digital camera or cell phone camera.
  • Business delivery volunteer: every two months, we need help with distributing copies of the paper to various businesses and community centers.
  • Nort Scavenger Hunt volunteer: if you enjoy finding Nort in the newspaper, we’d love to have you help us find ways to raise his profile around the community.
  • Proofreader: do you have an eye for detail?  Experience with the AP Stylebook?  Then come join us for a night of proofreading every two months.

What kind of writers do you need?

The Northside News welcomes writers of all interests and abilities. We encourage residents of all ages, backgrounds and interests to become involved with the community newspaper.

We need writers interested in their community who can present the Northside angle to community issues. The key is to provide information directly relevant to Northside residents and inform them of issues taking place right in their own neighborhoods.

We are open to working with writers wishing to improve their writing skills and wish to send drafts of stories as issues progress.

What kind of photographers do you need?

Photographers with eyes for innovative, active photos are always needed! We often need photos to complement our articles, for both our print and online editions. We also need photographers to cover events and provide photos for our other in-house publications and our various websites.

Photos opportunities are often known in advance, so photographers can schedule accordingly. Last-minute photo opportunities do arise, but you can take assignments as you are available.

High resolution, digital photos are needed for production.

Can I be a writer and photographer?

Absolutely!

How often should I contribute?

Your level of involvement is up to you. We ask that if you commit to an assignment that you follow it though to print, but if that is not possible, simply inform us in a timely manner.

We understand your volunteer time varies throughout the year, so any contributions you can provide are valued and welcomed!

How does this all work?

We hold volunteer staff meeting periodically throughout the year. We evaluate the previous issue and discuss story and photo ideas and assignments. The meetings are also a chance for volunteers to meet each other and learn from each other.

Most communication is completed via email or phone. Stories and photos are emailed by deadlines via email.