Here's the latest communique from the NASW board on what we're up to on your behalf.
Weathering Science Journalism's Perfect Storm
The board is having an energetic discussion about the current dire state of science journalism and how NASW might help affected members deal with its consequences. One major idea: bolstering the menu of workshops and panels at this fall's annual meeting in Austin, Texas.
We'd really like your suggestions and participation as we proceed with the planning. What kind of information or workshop would most help you in negotiating the current landscape? What advice do you have for fellow members? We're especially looking for people with success stories who might organize a workshop or join one to provide insight and inspiration to members struggling with both the economic downturn and the hollowing out of science news in the general media. PIOs often get left out of these discussions — not here. We'd like to hear similar needs and ideas from our PIO members.
Please send any ideas or proposals to Workshops Chair Nancy Shute. Please be as specific as possible about what techniques or technologies you'd like to see covered and if you have any recommendations for speakers or workshop leaders/trainers.
The workshop committee is putting together the program now. It would be great if you could get ideas to Nancy by April 6. We think NASW's own members are an ideal resource to help each other weather our profession's perfect storm.
Don't Miss It: Artists and Science Writers Featured at NYC Regional Meeting
Registration for the the NYC Regional ScienceWriters Meeting is open. Join us for an afternoon of "Artists and Science Writers: Finding Common Ground. The event is co-hosted with the Science & the Arts Program of the CUNY Graduate Center, and will take place at their building on Fifth Avenue and 34th Street, from 1 to 5 pm on Monday, May 11. Space is limited and pre-registration (online only) is open until May 4, $18 for members and $35 for a non-member guest.. Spaces may be available at the door. Read full program information and register here. Contact Robin Marantz Henig after May 4 to check availability or for general event questions.
This is NASW's first such regional meeting. The intent is to organize gatherings elsewhere in the months ahead.
In Case You Missed It: Google Settlement Info
Check this link on the NASW web site for important information about and the rights of authors and copyright holders under the Google settlement.
Update from the Internet Committee
Internet Committee chairs Terry Devitt and Kelli Whitlock Burton have added several new members to the committee (see below), which is in the early stages of a plan to revamp the NASW Web site. The group plans to solicit information from members to aid them in this endeavor, including suggestions for new online features, restructuring of the overall site map and other ideas to make the site a better resource for science writers. Stay tuned for more details from the committee in the coming months.
Internet Committee Co-Chair Terry Devitt, University of Wisconsin Co-Chair, Kelli Whitlock Burton, freelance Cathy Dold, freelance and editor of NASW's freelance site Pam Gorder, Ohio State University Earle Holland, Ohio State University A'ndrea Messer, Penn State University and NASW back-up cybrarian Tammy Powledge, Freelance Adam Rogers, Wired Mitch Waldrop, Nature
Expanding Membership: Volunteers Needed in Boston
NASW plans to staff a recruitment booth at this year's Asian American Journalism Association Convention as part of our efforts to expand and diversify our membership. This group has one of the most forward thinking agendas in terms of helping journos adapt to the newspaper implosion and digital revolution explosion. NPR's Vikki Valentine is organizing, but would like two or three volunteers to attend the conference and represent NASW. Bonus: a great chance to hang out with a pretty progressive crowd. NASW will cover conference/booth expenses. Email Vikki Valentine if you are interested. Dates are Aug. 12-15.
.png)
