Are you looking to find and join a professional association for editorial writers? Professional associations are a great way for writers to interact with other people who are in the same line of work. Joining a great association can help you network, meet like-minded people, learn about new career opportunities, and give and receive support.
American Society of News Editors
Formerly the National Conference of Editorial Editors, the American Society of New Editors is a non-profit organization promoting freedom of information and development of upcoming leaders in editorial writing and editing.
Education and Development
ASNE supports editorial writers through professional development and education programs. The thought is that the better editorial writers are versed in contemporary issues of importance to the general public, the more important, effective, and influential their writing will be.
Activities and Benefits
Networking is one of the primary benefits of membership to this organization - ASNE maintains a membership database that is available to all members. Annual conventions, webinars, and a job board can help editorial writers propel their careers forward.
Membership
The cost of membership depends on the writer's professional affiliation or student status. Fill out a membership application on the ASNE website.
Society of Professional Journalists
The Society of Professional Journalists has been an organization since 1909. This national journalism organization encourages freedom of information along with ethical standards in journalism.
Education and Development
SPJ offers both national and regional conferences as well as numerous training programs. This organization is also very active in advocating for freedom in journalism. Substantial discounts are available to members for professional materials.
Activities and Benefits
Networking is available for members through the members-only directory and through regional chapters. On-demand training is available through SPJ and their journalism code of ethics helps working editorial writers adhere to the highest standards in journalism.
Membership
Reduced-cost memberships are available to students and educators. Professionals can purchase annual memberships in increments of one, two, or three years. A lifetime membership is also available. Fill out a membership application on the SPJ website.
Association of Alternative Newsmedia
Representing alt-weeklies and other independent new publications, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia is an organization promoting excellence in journalism among independent newsmedia.
Education and Development
The programs made available by AAN are specific to independent newsmedia - editorial writers for these publications can benefit from AAN's vast networking efforts as well as leadership training programs. An annual convention as well as leadership conference can help editorial writers for indie publications in their career development.
Activities and Benefits
AAN encourages members to interact with one another and share strategies for thriving in a challenged field. Discounts on industry-specific goods and services are available to members, as is a free legal hotline.
Membership
Affiliation with an alternative newsmedia is required for membership into AAN. Memberships are typically specific to the entire newsmedia organization as opposed to individuals. A membership application is available on the AAN website.
Regional Associations
Some areas have local association groups, although it's more likely you will encounter local groups for all writers as opposed to specific to editorial writers. Search online for local writers' groups or consult with your local library to find out about organizations nearby for editorial writers. If you belong to a national organization, inquire about regional chapters.
