Alabama Arise has had an inclusive membership model from the start. We long have encouraged individuals to join Arise, but our organization began nearly four decades ago as a coalition of member groups. The operations team representative who supports relationships with these member groups is Arise development associate Natalie Bishnoi.

Natalie, a Huntsville native, joined Arise after years of volunteer advocacy work and a tenure at the Food Bank of North Alabama. There, she co-managed a regional food hub, working with Alabama farmers. Later, she helped lead several programs focused on food access across an 11-county region. 

“Much of my work centered on building relationships between farmers, schools and community partners, and strengthening the local food system in Alabama,” she said.

Relationships are Natalie’s work

Natalie’s work at Arise also focuses on building relationships. In her role, she gets to see some of the inner workings of Arise’s more than 150 member groups. Those insights inspire her to think big about what we can achieve together, she said.

“Being connected to so many groups and individuals working toward systemic change has really expanded my perspective on what’s possible,” she said.

Besides her work with community groups, Natalie leads Arise’s grant writing as well. 

“Being part of the effort that has helped secure funding for Arise has been meaningful,” she said, “especially knowing those resources help support member-led advocacy across the state.”

New ways of connecting

Natalie said she is excited to help Arise continue to develop its member outreach.

“We’re developing ways to better understand how groups are connecting with Arise and where we can grow,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to make sure we’re meeting members where they are and supporting them more effectively.”

For the future, Natalie said she wants to see Arise stay grounded in its member-led foundation. She also wants to see us do even more to engage folks who may not have been part of advocacy spaces before.

“I care deeply about people, and I’m really curious about what shapes their experiences,” she said. “That shows up in my work, in my advocacy, and even in something a little offbeat like astrology. If we spend enough time together, I will probably ask for your birth details to run your chart.” (For the record, Natalie is a Taurus.)

Using nature to help rest and reset

Though Natalie’s job doesn’t intersect with Arise’s policy work on a daily basis, she said she is quite familiar with what goes on at the State House. Asked to describe the 2026 regular session in three words, she said, “As a loquacious person, this is difficult, but I will try: Quick. Challenging. Hopeful.”

All Arise staff members feel the challenges of working for long-term structural change, often in a difficult environment. Natalie said she is intentional about trying to find time to rest, connect with nature and model healthy behaviors for her kids.

“My birthday is on Earth Day, and I’ve always felt a strong connection to nature and getting outside is one of the best ways for me to reset,” she said.

Natalie said she also values getting to spend time with her community in Huntsville. 

“Annual events, like the Panoply Arts Festival, Microwave Dave Day and Porch Fest, are some of my favorites, because they bring people together and highlight so much local talent,” she said.

Arise members make Natalie’s work possible. She encourages members to stay connected by donating to both Arise and Alabama Arise Action, our 501(c)(4) partner organization, to sustain our policy and legislative work. 

“But just as important is staying engaged,” she said. “Responding to action alerts, contacting your representatives and sharing your lived experiences all contribute to making a real difference.”