Joining the National Association of Science Writers

In 1934 a dozen science writers established NASW at a meeting in New York. They wanted to join forces to improve their craft and promote good science writing.

NASW was formally incorporated in 1955 with a charter to "foster the dissemination of accurate information regarding science through all media normally devoted to informing the public." Over the years, its officers have included both freelancers and employees of most of the major newspapers, wire services, magazines, and broadcast outlets in the country. It also welcomes members who are the public information officers on science from government labs, universities, and other institutions. Today, NASW is the largest organization for science writers, with 2,401 members.

Benefits of membership in NASW include:

ScienceWriters, NASW's quarterly newsletter, reports on trends, issues and controversies, news of regional events, and includes practical advice on freelancing, teaching, public affairs, and other professional specialties. The newsletter is available in both print and online PDF versions.
NASW's annual workshops, which provide opportunities for both entry-level and advanced training as well as networking.
Job leads. The jobs mailing list offers more than 250 announcements per year.
Educational resources and mentoring programs. More than 300 people have spent a day with a veteran science writer covering a conference.
A freelance grievance system, designed to give members leverage against the publishing industry.
Several lively (perhaps even contentious) listservs.
Members-only sections of the NASW Web site, which include professional development primers and the online roster of all members.
NASW's annual "Science and Society" awards, for hard-hitting analyses of how science and technology affect people's lives. These awards are the only such honors given to science writers by their peers.
Free hosting of your Web site, up to 2 MB. (Not available to student members.)

To join

Please complete and return this application form (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) with the associated other materials to the address below.

For further information, contact:

Tinsley Davis, executive director
Organizer, NASW ScienceWriters annual meeting
P.O. Box 440507
Somerville, MA 02144
Phone: 617-909-9317