Consumers in the Madison area have a strong advocacy group, thanks to Call for Action. 

At the March 13 Waunakee Rotary meeting, Jackie Falsch presented Call for Action 101, an informational session about the national nonprofit. 

Its mission is to help consumers with education and advocacy, resolving issues they may have with companies or organizations. 

Call for Action is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is 100% volunteer staffed. Its various affiliates are located throughout the country, and at one time were sponsored by newspapers but today are all connected with television stations. The Madison area’s Call for Action is sponsored by WISC-TV Channel 3, and the part-time volunteers have access to the office there. 

It serves the Madison area, but also all of Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota.

Jackie pointed out that Call for Action and WISC-TV Channel 3 are two separate organizations, but from time to time, the news station is interested in airing stories about consumer cases. When the reporters show an interest, Call for Action seeks consent from the consumer in the case. Only with that consent will the story be shared. But Jackie said often, consumers will request media coverage. 

All of the Call for Action volunteers are passionate about helping people. They’ve taken on issues such grocery store refunds, insurance billing, landlord-tenant problems, automotive repair and contractor complaints. 

One of the largest fraud cases involved about 100 complainants who made a downpayment for new windows that were never delivered. That case was investigated by the Department of Justice and the FBI, and eventually, the suspect in the case, Tyler Hensen, was sentenced to federal prison.

Call for Action produces a monthly newsletter that can be seen on the Channel 3000 website. Nationally, Call for Action solves 90% of the cases it gets, and in 2024, in the Madison area, Call for Action returned $969,000 to consumers. 

To file a complaint, visit www.channel3000.com and search for the Call for Action link.  

******

Other News: 

-Janette Jordee, who had been a member, has returned. Welcome back, Janette!

-The Easter Drive-Thru event is in need of donations of cash to purchase candy, or candy, or swag from local businesses for the goody bags that are given out as families come to see the Easter Bunny. Also, a volunteer is needed to wear a bunny costume for photo opportunities with kids. 

Guests: Jackie Falsch, the speaker

Birthdays: March 22, David Dargenio; March 23, Austin Endres; March 26, Ken Ballweg.Anniversaries: None.

What’s for Lunch: March 20, chicken tacos; March 27, mac and cheese with grilled ham.

Greeters: March 20, Shauna Hughey and Tony Burns; March 27, Max Ujdak and Tom Kennedy. 

To sign up to greet or to find out if you are greeting, visit: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/