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Association for Women Journalists


I am overwhelmed from the support I have received from some of my AWJ friends and even friends-of-AWJ friends in my search for work. In a business where I've sometimes experienced some really unattractive, cutthroat behavior ... I am so proud to be a part of this group. So many of you are so ready and willing to help those of us who are looking for work.

— Maura Wall Hernandez

Membership categories

1. Regular Membership: Open to professionals whose primary work is in journalism (broadcast, print, new media or academia) whether as news outlet staff members, freelancers or faculty. Annual dues, $50. (Mid-year summer special is $75 for 1.5 years.)

2. Student Membership: Open to those enrolled in journalism study at an accredited college or university. Annual dues, $15. (For 2010, a generous AWJ member provided a subsidy for students in need.)

3. Associate Membership: Open to journalists now working primarily outside the field of journalism. This category includes former journalists working in marketing and media relations. Annual dues, $65. (Mid-year summer special is  $95 for 1.5 years.)

4. Two-year Membership: Open to Regular Membership qualifiers in January (see above). Annual dues, $90.

If you have questions about which category makes sense for you, contact Treasurer Suzanne Cosgrove.

The membership year runs from January to January. Annual dues are owed by the annual meeting, held each January.  Mid-year AWJ offers a "summer special," allowing new and renewing members to pay a discounted rate for a 1.5-year term.

Ready to join? Go to the Online Application or go old school and use this form and mail it in.

CorleySpeaks4183Kring.jpgMembership Benefits

Here are some of the benefits of being an AWJ member:

  • Free admission to most AWJ programs and deep discounts on workshops. We usually conduct five programs each year, on topics ranging from journalistic ethics to new technology in reporting. Everyone pays something for the new hands-on tech workshops, but members pay a lot less.
  • Listing in the AWJ Members Directory, which not only offers contact information for members, but biographical info too. 
  • The ability to apply for the AWJ Mentoring Program, which allows emerging and established journalists alike the chance to gain more skills and knowledge through the help of a fellow member. Members with experience and expertise to offer also can participate in the program as mentors.
  • Inclusion on our Books by Members page if you wrote, edited or created a book. If you write a blog, it can be listed on the Links We Like page.
  • Invitation to the exclusive members-only summer picnic, a feast among colleagues and an opportunity to make connections throughout Chicago's lively journalism community.
  • Opportunities to participate in AWJ projects such as the TV/web program the AWJ-TV group is developing, our research on the role of women in Chicago media, our Young Critics Circle mentoring program and other committees. 
  • Involvement in raising money for and awarding grants from the AWJ Scholarship Fund, which supports women journalism students.
  • The AWJ listserv shares job information and promotes conversation between members and nonmembers alike. We are on Twitter and Facebook too.
Ready to join? Go to the Online Application or go old school and use this form and mail it in.
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This page is edited by Karen Kring.
 
 
© Association for Women Journalists Chicago