Are You a Joiner or a Loner?
I’m a joiner. I love networking, meeting people with like minds, mentoring people, being mentored, helping work for a worthy cause, learning new skills and being the best I can be in any endeavor. These are all reasons I join organizations and associations in both my personal and my professional life as a writer.
As I am making a conscious move toward focusing my creative efforts on book writing, I have recently joined The Writers’ Union of Canada, an organization that exclusively services book authors. My membership there is too new to say how much I will enjoy or benefit from it, but it is a well-respected organization and presents itself well concerning issues pertaining to authors’ copyrights and that is important to me.
I have been a member of PWAC (Professional Writers Association of Canada) for 12 years, and there is a contingent of book authors and a special listserv to service their (our) needs, but I was curious to see how our closest ally association operates from the inside — and see which organization is doing things better and how they differ. I love the community spirit we have in PWAC and have yet to find another organization that even comes close to the camaraderie we share.
I also belong to the Manitoba Writers’ Guild because it has been a longstanding institution that has helped many writers over the years. Every Canadian province (other than Ontario) has a provincial guild. Dues are very reasonable and I believe they provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with local writers and authors from every genre.
I joined the Canadian Farm Writers Federation (via the Manitoba Association of Writers and Broadcasters) because I have lived in the country since 1982 and write rural lifestyle pieces. It’s a fun group to belong to, has very reasonable dues and offers excellent networking opportunities for anyone writing about agriculture and rural issues. It is part of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists which gives me access to a global community of ag journalists.
The Travel Media Association of Canada is an excellent association for me to belong to because I write travel stories and travel is my first love. I joined that group in 1998 and it has helped me establish valuable contacts in the travel industry in Canada and abroad.
Toastmasters International is an organization that is very close to my heart. Partly because I love to talk, but also because anyone who is an author receives opportunities to make public presentations, do book readings and signings, and teach classes. TM can help you better your skills in any and all of these areas.
I also belong to the Canadian Freelance Union because it is trying to help all creators of intellectual property. I also recently joined ACI (the Arts & Cultural Industries Association of Manitoba) and am not yet sure how it works or if it will benefit me, but I intend to find out. I do know that it offers discounted rates for members to attend professional development sessions in areas of interest to artistic creators.
My wallet’s getting pretty thick with all the membership cards. But each of these organizations serves its own unique purpose for me. Some have already helped me immensely, and I in turn have enjoyed the volunteer opportunities serving them and their communities, helping me make the creative part of this world a better place in my own small way.
I was surprised when a writer I recently met said that he doesn’t belong to any writers’ groups! I’m surprised he doesn’t feel isolated. Or maybe he likes it that way. Not me. I love feeling connected to so many amazing creators across North America.
Are you a joiner or a loner? Do you find value from your professional memberships? Have they bettered your life or career in a very measurable way? I know mine have.
What are some other organizations worth looking into?
Doreen Pendgracs is a MB-based freelance writer who has written many stories over the past 15 years – primarily for magazines, as well as a few newspapers and websites. She has also co-authored two Canadian travel/lifestyle books and is currently working on a book for Dundurn Press about boards of directors. You can follow her on Twitter.
I think the best thing a writer can do for him/herself is to read a LOT of books and to get out there and join groups. Keeps the mind open to new ideas and opportunities.
Great Article Doreen!
I used to be a loner but am gradually emerging from that world into being a joiner. I recently joined PWAC and am really impressed so far with the networking oppurtunities through the e-mail list and in the local group. I’ll have to check out the other organizations that you’ve mentioned too!
Cheers,
Angela West
I simply love books and I’m an avid reader. I do book reviews which combines my passion for reading and writing. Being around other writers fuels my soul and I take advantage of every opportunity such as attending a writing workshop or a book launch. I’ve also taken in book readings hosted at the library and found these events very enjoyable.
I joined the local chapter of PWAC about four years ago and thoroughly appreciate the networking it provides. I also joined the National Association of Baby Boomer Women (NABBW) last year as the membership has women from all walks of life doing incredible things. It’s so encouraging to read their stories.
Yes, paying for memberships can be costly, but I started out by subscribing to free newsletters geared for writers, many of which I still enjoy today. I’ve worked hard to get to where I am as a writer, and feel that I’m worth the time and money that I invest to perfect my craft.
Anne-Marie Hood