NFPW

4 Reasons to Join NFPW (or Any Professional Group)

When I was a rookie reporter, I joined the National Federation of Press Women, or NFPW, because I heard it would be great for networking. I figured if I was a member, when I applied for my next position, I would be ahead of the competition. It doesn’t quite work that way, of course.

Networking does play a role, but, as I’ve learned, it’s about give and take. Professional groups also help with other areas, including:

Networking. In the early years, I really didn’t have much to contribute as I was busy learning the ropes. However, many members were kind enough to impart wisdom to me, which I eagerly accepted. When I need contacts in other states, my NFPW peers always connect me with the right people. And now that I’m in a position to help, I always agree to information interviews and seek out new members and assign them a short-term role that would provide them with more exposure with the group.

Opportunities. I’ve organized conferences at both the state and national level. Putting together conferences has really honed my event planning skills. In my previous job, I had to put together awards ceremonies, special events and graduations. They all turned out fine because I applied the skills I had developed organizing conferences to these events.

One of my early forays as a newsletter editor was for my state affiliate, Virginia Press Women. Later I would go on to create an award-winning newsletter for one of the agencies with which I worked.

My first exposure to social media was during a workshop at a national conference. At the time, I thought, “This is too confusing.” Who knew that years later, I’d write my own blog and be on Twitter and Facebook. And that there would be lots of other platforms to try out, too, including Pinterest and Vine.

Professional Development. I attend conferences at the state level and the national level. Not only do I get to learn about trends, I also get refreshers in basic skills. Conferences also provide me with space to think and plan.

Another way that I improve my skills is through the annual communications contest. Of course, I like winning, but the judge’s comments are helpful, too. It forces me to think about how I could have executed a project better. I’ve also judged and reviewing entries makes me think about how I might approach a project differently.

Virginia Press Women learn about farming in Nebraska.

Virginia Press Women learn about farming in Nebraska.

Expanded Viewpoint. One of the benefits of NFPW is the travel to a different conference location each year. Many organizations do the same thing, but too often attendees don’t venture from the hotel. NFPW always arranges a tour (or two) at some point. It’s a great way to learn about another part of the country. I’m always surprised how I’m able to weave the facts I learn about a region into my work, usually as a means to open a conversation with a person from that area.

Another huge benefit for me that has nothing to do with professional development; it’s the friendships I have made. I delight in having friends scattered around the country.  It’s a great way to really know what is going on outside my state. And I always know I have someone with whom I can visit if I have an extra day.

What do you get from your professional memberships?

4 Ways to Get Involved with NFPW

I started this blog when I became president of the National Federation of Press Women. It was a means to further connect with members who are located across the country and to share on a variety of topics of interest to members. It was one of the ways I could become more involved.

How can you become involved in NFPW (or any organization for that matter)?

Enter the communications contest. It’s one of the draws for NFPW. This year the contest is online and I suspect, like others, I’ll be a bit challenged by the process. However, I’m starting early so I will have plenty of time to figure it out. I’ve judged online contents previously and it wasn’t too bad. It just took a bit of patience. One of the benefits of the contest is that judges are encouraged to write comments, which is helpful to enhance work going forward. And, of course, if you win, you can feel good about the work you’re producing. Don’t forget to tell your boss! (Editor’s Note: The deadline for state affiliates of NFPW for the online communications contest is Jan. 27.)

Serve on a committee. Not everyone has the time commitment for a board position, but you could volunteer for a committee or a one-time need such as introducing a speaker at a conference. It’s a great way to get to know other members, which can lead to enhanced networking.

Put your skills and talents to work. You could write for the website or newsletter, provide graphic support or serve as webmaster. If event planning is your thing then organize the next outing or conference. Or you could help publicize the event. Putting your skills and talents to work also allows you to build your resume.

NFPW 2014 conference logo

NFPW’s next conference is Sept. 4-6 in Greenville, S.C.

Attend conference. Speaking of conference, mark your calendars for your affiliate meetings and the national conference, which this year will be held in Greenville, S.C., Sept. 4-6. You have nine months to save for your travel expenses, find a roommate and make your arrangements. It’s a great way to learn about the latest in communications, network and see another part of the country. You may even make some lifelong friends. 

Importance of History Leads to Book on NFPW Leadership

As Marianne Wolf-Astrauskas became more involved with the Illinois Woman’s Press Association and the National Federation of Press Women she became intrigued by the women who created both organizations.

When NFPW celebrated its 75th anniversary, Marianne researched further about the history. It wasn’t until her husband was diagnosed with a brain cancer, ironically, that the history of NFPW came to life.

“Early into his recovery period, I needed to find something to clear my mind,” Marianne said. “During those hours when he was resting or asleep, I would find myself going through the boxes of material I had stored.”

Without even realizing it, Marianne was beginning to pull together the capsules of information for her book, Leadership 1937-2013.

Marianne Wolf-Astrauskas wrote a book on NFPW's leadership.

Marianne Wolf-Astrauskas wrote a book on NFPW’s leadership.

“The leadership of NFPW has been amazing! Each woman brought something unique and exceptional to the federation. Each had her own style. Each had her own struggles to deal with,” Marianne said. “Collectively they grew a dynamic energy and resolve to the history of women in this country.”

“For me, it’s important for the membership of NFPW to know who came before them,” Marianne added. “More importantly, these first forty remain an important chapter in the history of women journalists and writers.”

History has always been important to Marianne. “History remains important to me because it helps me to understand the how, why and what ifs of my own personal life. It also gives me a greater appreciation for what took place before me.”

The book was published by Dreamers Tapestry, which is owned by fellow IWPA/NFPW members Susan and Art Brauer. “One of the best results of being a member of IWPA and NFPW is the networking,” Marianne said. Once she had her “aha” moment about reaching out to the Brauers the plan to publish came together.

During the fall conference in Utah, Marianne surprised attendees by presenting a copy of her book to each of the NFPW presidents at the Saturday night banquet. She also presented everyone else in attendance with a copy. Her husband Jonas was beside her beaming with pride at what Marianne had accomplished.

Editor’s Note: Copies of the book are available for purchase through the Illinois Woman’s Press Association website . A portion of the proceeds are split between the Education Funds of NFPW and IWPA.

Online Contest Helps With Employee Success

Winston Churchill said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”

None of us are perfect and that probably has much to do with the fact that most of us don’t like change, even when we adapt to it. In today’s world, change is the norm given how quickly technology advances and changes. Who would have ever thought we would be taking photos with our phones – phones that now fit into our pockets?

Embracing change is one of the must-have qualities of a modern employee, according to an article on Forbes.com.

Good thing then that NFPW is taking its contest online so members can continue to embrace change. Based on two years of research, online demonstrations and comparisons of services and costs, NFPW will host an online contest for NFPW, the high school competition and any affiliates that would like to participate, beginning with the next contest.

NFPW is moving to an online contest to create a streamlined process for entering the contest and because of the ease of use for entrants, judges and contest administrators. An online contest also cuts down on entries lost in the mail and saves on postage costs.

Change is necessary, but it doesn’t mean it’s easy. That is why it is critical to bring individuals along and not simply force the change upon them. During the recent NFPW conference, a session was offered explaining how the contest works and included a demonstration. A test site has been sent to all members so they can begin to familiarize themselves with how it functions. NFPW also will provide a Q&A document to all affiliate contest directors and presidents. The monthly newsletter and website will feature articles to explain the new process and ease anxiety.

As George Bernard Shaw once said, “Progress is impossible without change.” NFPW continues to make progress.

I’m looking forward to entering the online contest.

How Not to Write a Book

If you want to learn how not to write a book simply ask an author who has gone through the process.

Julie Campbell and bookJulie Campbell, who wrote The Horse in Virginia: An Illustrated History, shared what she learned as the result of her research and writing at the 2013 NFPW Conference in Salt Lake City. For her it comes down to three areas of focus – payment, procrastination and publicity.

Payment As a first-time author when Julie was offered a flat fee contract she simply signed the contract. “I realize now that I should have negotiated for more money,” she told an audience at the NFPW 2013 conference in Salt Lake City. “I didn’t make any money.”

Her contract did not include expenses, so Julie paid for gas, hotels, meals and photocopies incurred as she researched the book and later when she went to book signings. “I would negotiate my expenses if I had another project,” she said.

“Next time, I will get an agent,” she said.

Another thing Julie would pay closer attention to is how many advance copies of the book she would receive. Her contract only called for her to receive two copies of the book.

Procrastination Ten years past from the day Julie signed the contract until the book was published. “Life just gets in the way some times,” she noted. For her life included a job change, a move, a broken knee and sometimes feeling overwhelmed by the project.

“It was an enormous project and it really freaked me out,” she admitted. Julie quickly learned to break the research and writing into small segments. “If I just focused on one chapter, I felt fine.”

Until then, she spent time purchasing office supplies and organizing her work space.

Publicity Julie admitted that her image of being an author focused on the “good old days,” including visiting the publisher’s office in New York for lunch. Instead, she discovered “you are on your own to do your book publicity.”

She noted it’s important to ask how much PR the publisher will do and how much you as the author will have to do.  Julie suggested to her publisher where to send review copies.

Julie also credits NFPW seminars she attended with providing her with some good tips to generate her own PR. One suggestion she picked up was to take pocket folders and insert her business card and several pages from the book to send to bookstores to make them aware of her book.

Julie also created a Facebook page for the book.

Despite these frustration, Julie said, “I am thrilled to have the book to my credit.”