| |
TESTIMONIAL
Recently, long time RMOWP member John Catsis responded to a question on www.travelwriters.com. The site sends an e-mail newsletter out several times a week, with a section for people to ask questions of other travel writers, and Catsis responded to a recent question about as follows:
EMAIL QUESTION
How helpful do any of you find membership in different travel writers' associations? And which ones do you particularly like?
-Carol
CATSIS's RESPONSE
Carol-
If you live in the United States, (and maybe even if you don't) consider joining a regional outdoor writers organization. While these groups were started to promote communication in hunting and fishing, they have evolved into organizations that also embrace writers who specialize in travel and photography, among other interests.
I happen to belong to Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers, Inc., (www.rmowp.org) a non-profit group recognized by the IRS, as most of these associations are. I've been a member for more than 20 years. The organization does three major things for me: 1) it introduces me to individuals with similar interests. Some of these folks have become lifelong friends. 2) It improves my writing and photography skills through seminars at conferences. I also expand my learning by contacting members by email. 3) And it broadens my travel horizons by holding conferences in interesting different places every year....and hardly ever in a big town! At most conferences, while engaging in tours, we are admitted to areas normally closed to the general public. This results in better copy and unique photographs.
Other regional organizations are the Northwest Outdoor Writers, Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers, New England Outdoor Writers Association, and Southeast Outdoor Writers and Photographers. There are also a number of state organizations. You generally don't have to live in the region to be a member. RMOWP, for example, has members who live all over the U.S., as well as Canada. I'm sure we'd welcome writers from across the pond, if they chose to join. Dues are usually quite reasonable...less than $50 a year in most cases.
|
Joining RMOWP is the first step in expanding your writing horizons, exploring new artistic mediums and pushing your photography skills.
RMOWP established in 1973, is an association of professional and avid amateur communicators with an enduring interest in telling the outdoor story of the Rocky Mountain West. Our membership consists of editors, writers, web designers, photographers, authors, broadcast producers, and public information officers for natural resource agencies.
Download a Membership Application Now!
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS
Individual members are persons who possess serious interest in outdoor communications, which may include being published and paid. The outdoor communication may take the form of, but is not necessarily limited to: writing, photography, painting, illustrating, editing, or publishing. Individual members shall have full voting rights in all the business of the corporation.
SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIPS
Shall be persons or organizations who ascribe to the tenets of the corporation and who desire to assist in the promotion of the purposes of the corporation. Supporting members may attend and participate in all meetings and functions of the corporation, but shall have no voting rights. One supporting member may be selected to the board of directors for a two year term, and has full board voting rights.
STUDENT MEMBERSHIPS
Shall be full-time students regardless of age.
LIFE MEMBERSHIPS
Awarded to individual members at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Exempt from paying annual dues, but retain all privileges.
HONORARY MEMBERSHIPS
Shall be limited to one year, unless otherwise approved by the board. Awarded at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
RMOWP MEMBERSHIP CREED
I believe that the profession of outdoor reporting is a trust to be maintained through the dissemination of information in words and illustrations in a dedicated, accurate and impartial manner. Financial considerations will not influence my judgment or responsibility in the pursuit of facts to be honestly presented.
|
