I was first introduced to Music for America during the 2004 elections. At just about every show I went to that season, the nonprofit organization had tables set up with volunteers mingling with the crowd, handing out buttons, and registering people to vote. With a new election season right around the corner, Music for America is still going strong, and the national organization recently acquired a new Washington State coordinator in Ari Spool, who happily explained to me what exactly MFA is all about.

"Music for America is a 501(c)4 advocacy nonprofit," she says. "Our mission is to take the culture of music and use it as a catalyst to get young people involved in politics."

Ari (an energetic 20-year-old who's also a record-label owner, Vera volunteer, and former Stranger intern) is "in charge of wrangling volunteers, forging partnerships with organizations with similar ideals, and making sure people know what's going on with MFA and Washington politics."

Through music, Music for America reaches out to young people (14–30) and encourages them to get involved. They sponsor events (like Vera's DJ night Fever!) and tour with rock bands (Death Cab, Lyrics Born, and Dresden Dolls).

"It is important for young people to get involved even before they can vote," says Ari. "Politics is something that affects everyone. Even without voting, you can change things by writing letters to elected officials, or you can help people older than you register to vote."

MFA is always looking for more volunteers. As a volunteer, you'll get into shows (for free!) and help spread the word about local politics and MFA events. "The important part of this is that we only want you to do this when the music isn't playing," says Ari. "We want you to watch the show. The whole point of us using volunteers is that we automatically get people who are peers of the people at the show, and they all have in common the fact that they like this band."

If you're interested in helping out, e-mail Ari at ari@musicforamerica.org for upcoming shows. You can also find out more about MFA by visiting www.musicforamerica.org. Or, if you happen to see their table set up at a show, swing by and say hi. They have free buttons! MEGAN SELING

Need more? You can hear my personal picks for the week on 107.7 The End every Monday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. during DJ No Name's The Morning Alternative.