The enrollment process for membership in the Global Journalists and Writers Association has begun. As an invitation offer, applicants between the ages of 18 and 25 and journalism students are exempt from fees. They can submit their application forms, which are available at this link.

Global Journalists and Writers Association

(Empowering, Training, Protecting)

Why Global Journalists and Writers Association is Essential?

In a nation with approximately one lakh newspapers and magazines, over 650 news channels, and numerous news portals and apps, the media landscape thrives with vitality. Yet, amidst this abundance, more than a million media professionals, largely from the unorganized sector, grapple with uncertainty, often navigating short-term contracts. In this dynamic, it becomes imperative to establish an organization that amplifies the voices of these journalists, who, in turn, give voice to millions of readers, viewers, and visitors. Thus, emerges the Global Journalists and Writers Association, an initiative dedicated to championing the rights and welfare of media professionals.

Objectives:

1. Uphold the dignity and credibility of contemporary journalism, rejuvenating its influence and impact.
2. Enhance the livelihoods of those engaged in journalism and writing.
3. Foster a culture of healthy and constructive journalism.
4. Elevate modern journalism to global standards.
5. Mentor and equip emerging journalists to serve society and the public interest.
6. Ensure emotional, financial, and physical security for journalists, extending support to their dependents in times of workplace adversity.
7. Provide quality training and national-level competency assessments for aspiring media professionals, nurturing a competent and responsible workforce.
8. Cultivate a sense of nationalism, community service, and environmental consciousness among the populace through journalism.
9. Conduct media literacy workshops and skill-building programs for civilians, empowering them to become responsible citizen journalists for the betterment of society.
10. Offer training, guidance, and publishing opportunities for talented individuals interested in amateur or professional writing.

Programs and Initiatives:

1. Expand membership outreach through personal engagement and social media platforms.
2. Establish a dedicated office for conducting association activities.
3. Organize free medical check-ups and consultations for members, alongside facilitating essential documentations like passports and licenses.
4. Host free psychiatric and counseling camps periodically to address the stress and mental health concerns prevalent among journalists.
5. Conduct workshops to enhance members' skills and keep them updated with industry trends.
6. Arrange dialogue programs with domain experts on a regular basis.
7. Conduct national-level competency tests biannually, offering certifications to members for career advancement.
8. Launch an organization portal/app for members to exchange knowledge and support.
9. Publish a magazine and news portal/app featuring news, articles, and positive content, offering internship opportunities to budding journalists.
10. Organize journalism training courses and camps for aspiring youth.
11. Host fundraising events at least twice a year.
12. Arrange biannual recreational outings for members to rejuvenate.
13. Establish a digital library housing resources on writing, media, and journalism.
14. Offer fellowships on relevant topics semi-annually.
15. Set up a Media Lab equipped with various media-related facilities.

Organization Structure:

• Patron
• Mentor/Guide (1)
• Honorary Members (10-15)
• Founding Members (20)
• General Members (Unlimited)

Membership Fees:

• Annual Membership: Rs. 500/-
• Life Membership: Rs. 5,100/-

Headquarters:

• Registered Headquarters: Nagpur, Maharashtra
• Regional Offices: Capital cities or major urban centers, with consideration for district-level extensions based on population density.

Positions and Responsibilities:

1. President
2. Executive President/Vice President
3. General Secretary
4. Joint Secretary
5. Secretary
6. Treasurer

7. Event Coordinator
8. Public Relations Officer
9. New Journalist Coordinator
10. Online Media Coordinator
11. Fundraising Manager
12. Operations/Administration Manager
13. Foreign Media Liaison
14. Publications Manager
15. TV Media Coordinator
16. Women Journalist Coordinator
17. Complaints and Suggestions Manager

Constitution of the Executive Board:

1. The first twenty members will constitute the founding members of the Association. The executive board will be formed from among them, considering qualifications, experience, and contributions to the association.
2. The initial executive board's tenure will be three years, after which all office bearers will be elected through voting.
3. Appointments of cell in-charges will be made by the officials of the newly formed executive board.
4. Each executive's tenure will span three years.
5. Only founding members will be eligible to nominate themselves for executive elections.
6. General members will possess voting rights.
7. The number of founding members will be limited to 20. However, based on seniority, qualifications, or achievements of ordinary members, they may be granted founding member status, subject to executive approval.
8. The association will maintain political, ideological neutrality and remain free from religious, caste, linguistic, and gender biases. Journalists and writers of all backgrounds will be treated equally, without imposing personal views.

9. An annual meeting will convene each year to assess the Association's operations and conduct a comprehensive review.

Association's Finances and Assets:

1. Funds for administrative, event, expansion, and office expenses will be sourced from membership fees, institutional/individual grants, fees from various training programs, and proceeds from fundraising events.
2. The Association may organize programs supported by sponsors/advertisers as needed, thereby fortifying its financial stability.
3. In circumstances necessitating additional financial support, the Association may seek grants from other social/business organizations operating within the constitutional framework of India.

Who Can Become a Member?

• Individuals affiliated with reputable media organizations as regular or contractual journalists, editors, or copywriters for a minimum of two years.

• Freelancers engaged in independent journalism for at least five years, with a minimum of ten articles/news published under their name in the year prior to application. In cases without a byline, submission of a letter from the newspaper's editor confirming the freelancer's association is required.

• Editors/journalists involved in publishing/editing work for newspapers or magazines.

• Individuals associated as writers/editors/correspondents with foreign newspapers and magazines.

• Public Relations (PR) professionals employed by government/non-government organizations.

• Writers with at least one book or five stories/poems published in any publication within the past three years.

(Note: Journalists and independent writers working for news portals/apps/news channels are also eligible for membership.)

Terms and Conditions for Membership Application: (For journalists joining after the establishment of the organization)

1. Upon application, every prospective member must provide evidence of their profession as a journalist/writer, which may include an editor's letter, copies of published works, or a photocopy of their press card.
2. If unable to furnish the required documentation, applicants must attach an approval letter from a founding member.
3. Submission of proof of age/residential address (photocopy of Aadhaar/Driving License/Voter Card/Passport) along with two photographs is mandatory.
4. The annual membership fee for General Members is Rs. 500/-.
5. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
6. Upon membership approval, individuals will receive a membership certificate/ID card from the organization.
7. Membership will be revoked immediately if found engaging in anti-organizational, antisocial, antinational, or criminal activities.
8. Membership fees are non-refundable in case of cancellation.
9. Memberships terminated due to unconstitutional or unethical behavior will not be reinstated. Exceptional circumstances may be considered by the executive board, and appropriate decisions will be taken.
10. Members are required to adhere to the organization's rules with discipline and dedication.
11. Membership is non-transferable.
12. Introducing members with a QR code linked to the portal will prevent fake/duplicate memberships.
13. Facilities provided by the Association will be available based on eligibility and on a 'first-come, first-serve' basis. In exceptional or emergency situations, relaxation of this rule may be considered with the approval of the executive board.

 (Note: This is a proposed draft, subject to modification as circumstances dictate.)