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Learn about our different membership types.  NFPW offers four types of membership:

Professional members — Communications professionals actively engaged in any aspect of communications for remuneration or whose work is the equivalent of paid professional work. Some state affiliates have the option to require a sample of work prior to being eligible for membership. Here is a link to the web pages of the state affiliates.  Anyone who qualifies for membership in the organization but who resides in a U.S. state, Canadian province, or foreign nation in which no affiliate exists may be eligible for membership-at-large with the same rights and privileges as those who are members of state affiliates.

Only active members may

• propose, second, and vote on motions.
• serve in elected office.

Retired members – Any NFPW member in good standing of at least five years who retires from full-time professional employment and does not receive remuneration from any aspect of communications work may choose to become a retired member and pay reduced dues.  Retired members shall be accorded all rights and privileges of membership except that they may not propose, second, or vote on motions; vote in elections; or serve in elected office.

Student members – Any student enrolled in a high school, community college, four-year college, or university will be eligible for student membership.  Student members shall be accorded all rights and privileges of membership except that they may not propose, second, or vote on motions; vote in elections; or hold elected office.  Students may maintain student status for 12 months following college graduation.

Premium Professional members – Active members who would like to participate in the Libel Insurance option can become Premium Professional members. This allows the member to receive discounted libel insurance through the NFPW group policy. If you meet the following criteria, you are automatically eligible to participate in this program:

• You are a member in good standing of the NFPW and have paid current NFPW dues.
• Your revenues from professional press activities last year did not exceed $200,000 (before taxes).
• You have not been named as a defendant in a lawsuit arising out of your professional press activities within the preceding three years.
• You have been a professional working in the press or a related industry for a minimum of three years.

Publishers of books, magazines, newspapers, or websites ARE NOT ELIGIBLE

Join Now

As a member of NFPW, you’ll join with others who are working, teaching and studying in fields across the communications spectrum. Becoming a member gives you access to NFPW members in 31 affiliates across the United States.

 Membership Benefits

•  Monthly E-Letter — Stay abreast of trends in communication fields, First Amendment issues and affiliate activites.
•  Quarterly Agenda — With more depth than the monthly e-letters, Agenda focuses on individual members and NFPW initiatives.
•  Professional Development — Hear speakers at the top of their fields and network with peers from across the nation at NFPW’s annual conference. State affiliates also offer conferences, local meetings and professional development seminars throughout the year.
• Competitions & Recognition — Win accolades for your work at the state and national level in our annual Communications Contest. Compete for Communicator of Achievement, our top honor bestowed for professional and civic contributions. Mentor the young communicators through our High School Communications Contest.
•  Discounted Libel Insurance — Feel more secure with libel policy at a discounted rate for premium members. The plan covers legal defense costs, damages and protection from lawsuits. It’s the ideal cost-effective solution for freelancers and those writing independently.
•  First Amendment Network — Learn about threats to press freedom and join others to rally for change.