Are you a professional, or a volunteer?
FOWA Active Members must be paid professionals. Associate status is granted to communicators with less professional productivity. In-kind trades for work do not count. Conservation Partner status offered to those who can’t show proof of payment.
CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP:
1. ACTIVE MEMBER: A professional outdoor communicator who is professionally compensated (not bartered or traded in-kind) for his/her published work in the field of outdoor communications and achieves a minimum of 16 points per year in any combination of the following categories:
A) Magazine or Newspaper Staff Writer/Columnist: Two points for each outdoor column, article or side bar.
B) Freelance Outdoor Writer: Two points for each outdoor-related column, article.
C) Internet Writer: Two points for each outdoor-related column or article published on third-party, non-author-owned, Web sites or e-zines. Six points per year for contributions as a contract blogger on third party blog sites. Such submissions are expected to contain informative outdoor-related material and be updated or submitted on a consistent basis. Twelve points maximum allowed in this category.
D) Owner, publisher or webmaster of non-static, contributory Web site, Blog site or e-Zine: Twelve points for each site. The Membership Committee may require printed proof of publication and may use discretion in awarding additional points for unusual production efforts.
E) Outdoor Photographer: Two points for each individually-compensated photo (Online or print). One point for each photo published as part of a writer’s/photo/story combo (online or print).
F) Audio/Visual Outdoor Communicator. Host, writer, and/or producer of an outdoor radio or television show: One point for each original radio or TV broadcast. Ten points for each new release of a commercially-available outdoor video or audio tape. Four points for any original audio or video Podcast.
G) Outdoor Artist, Illustrator, or Cartoonist: Two points for each color or black-and-white work (all mediums.)
H) Book author: Sixteen points for each outdoor-related book published within a three-year period.
I) Lecturer: One point for each professionally-compensated speaking engagement.
J) Public Relations: Sixteen points for an employee of a public agency or private organization engaged in outdoor publicity.
K) Print Publisher: Sixteen points per year for each magazine or newspaper produced.
Active Member dues are $100 annually.
2. ACTIVE/SENIOR MEMBER: An individual, who has been an Active member for at least 10 years, is at least age 62 and has retired from a full-time position but is still actively writing. Dues will be half the annual dues paid by the Active or Associate categories.
3. ASSOCIATE MEMBER: An individual who is compensated for some of his/her work in the field of outdoor communications under the categories listed in the Active category but who does not meet the minimum membership requirements of sixteen points. As FOWA assumes the applicant aspires to eventually become a professionally-compensated outdoor writer and Active member, compensation for this membership category may include in-kind payments. Associate members have all the benefits and privileges of Active membership, but may not vote or hold office. Dues will be the same as the Active category.
4. SENIOR MEMBER: An individual who has been an Active member for at least 10 years, is at least age 62 and has retired from full-time writing or a member who becomes medically disabled while an Active member. Dues are half the annual dues required for the Active category.
5. LIFE MEMBER: An individual meeting the criteria established in the Bylaws shall be elected by the Association at any regular meeting by a majority of the Active membership present. Life membership is a gesture of respect and gratitude in recognition of outstanding contributions in the work or success of FOWA. Election to Life membership shall in no way deprive the recipient of his/her part in the administration of the affairs of the Association, including the right to vote on issues and hold office in the Association. Life members pay no dues. The Life membership category will be limited to 10 percent of FOWA’s individual membership.
6. CORPORATE/TOURISM MEMBER: A Corporate/Tourism member is any outdoor organization, association, company, business or commercial firm with a common interest in the purposes of FOWA. Corporate and Tourism members shall have all privileges of active membership but may not vote or hold office except where otherwise provided in the Constitution or Bylaws. They are invited to take part in all conferences, workshops and events at member rates and receive all publications as well as being listed in the annual directory. They may request membership lists in order to mail company or product information to members and are encouraged to take part in the annual conference as break sponsors and to participate in the Breakout. Corporate/Tourism Member dues are $175 annually.
7. CONSERVATION PARTNER: In keeping with FOWA’s new 501(C) (3) mission to heighten the education of the public in the areas of conservation, safety , participation and environmental issues, FOWA initiated a new membership category called Conservation Partner (previously Supporting Member) in 2004. Conservation Partners may attend conferences and participate in most activities, with the exception of Showcase/Breakout and voting privileges. Conservation Partner dues are $25 annually.
8. STUDENT MEMBER: Students enrolled at any level of education may join FOWA at a discounted rate. Qualified student members are encouraged to apply for FOWA Scholarships. Student dues are $15 annually.
FOWA doesn’t require that you be paid any set amount for your work, but there are some practical considerations to making a living as a communicator:
• What do you have to sell? Well-researched stories, content-rich blogs, quality writing (do you use spell and grammar check?)/photos/videos.
• Have you researched the outlet you’re pitching? Does your style match theirs. Does your interest/subject matter match what they publish.
• ‘What’s the value of your work?’ vs. ‘What do they pay?’ What’s the value of the education that helped create your writing skills? When you figure the time needed to do a job, do you take ‘overhead’ and ‘digital processing’ into consideration? What’s your overhead? Your office, computer, phone, printer, software all cost money, don’t they? How about cameras? How about transportation? If you drive 100 miles to produce a $50 story, what’s your profit?
• Professional businesses need to look professional. What’s your email ISP? Is there Spam attached to each email? What do your business cards say? Do you have stationery and envelopes? Do your invoices encourage prompt payment? Do you write concise, to the point, emails?
• Do you have a website? If not, get one! Now!
• Do you use Facebook? Do you Tweet?
• How is your business structured? The IRS is looking hard at deductions for ‘unstructured’ home-based businesses. Incorporation might help. At the very least, keep meticulous records with software like QuickBooks. If you plan to deduct your home office, keep records of square footage used, electric/gas/water, house taxes. Portions may be deducted but only if use can be proven. It’s important to separate personal from business usage. The same goes for personal use of cars.
• Do you need a local business license? Do you need to withhold estimated Federal taxes and pay state unemployment taxes? Do you sell anything (photos, prints, artwork, books) that requires you to collect state sales tax?
• When it comes to ownership of the work you produce, do you and your client have a full understanding (in writing) regarding copyright? Remember that any work you produce is yours and the ‘intent to copyright’ exists. You can only transfer a copyright in writing. Avoid working for people who expect unlimited use of your work for a single fee or want you to sign a ‘work for hire’ agreement.
Finally…. act and look like a professional when you’re ‘on location’
Tommy Thompson
Outdoor Writer and Photographer
FOWA Executive Director
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The Business of Outdoor Communication
(Word DOCX File Download)
