Who We Are

National Federation of Press Women is a dynamic nationwide organization of professional women—and men—pursuing careers across the communications spectrum.

We are diverse. We are students. We are new to our careers. We are experienced professionals. And retired.

Individually, we work in print and electronic journalism, public relations, advertising, freelancing, graphic design, new media, marketing, photography and more. We're authors and educators. We own our own businesses. We work for companies, both large and small, for schools, the government and non-profits.

Collectively we are committed to the highest ethical standards in communications ... protecting First Amendment rights ... professional growth ... the next generation ... and networking with each other.

We draw strength, enrichment and friendship from one another.

group of conference attendees pose outside hotel

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NFPW members gather in Idaho Falls, ID, during the 2008 conference.

What We Offer

Professional development ... an annual conference ... cost-effective libel insurance ... peer competition ... a grassroots First Amendment e-mail alert system ... a newsletter ... networking ... member services ... national advocacy on issues significant to us ... professional advancement grants ... student programs ... these and many more are only a few reasons why professional communicators are members of National Federation of Press Women.

Our Leadership/State Affiliates

National Federation of Press Women board members come from around the nation ... and reflect personal and professional diversity. Each state affiliate elects its own officers and conducts competitions, seminars and other activities for its members.

Together, our national and state officers provide the leadership and impetus for progress and dynamic change within our organization.

Learn more about our leaders and how to contact them:

NFPW Board & Management Team

State Affiliates, Affiliate Officers & Affiliate Websites

NFPW Code of Ethics

As a professional communicator, I recognize my responsibility to the public which has placed its trust and confidence in my work, and will endeavor to do nothing to abuse this obligation.

With truth as my ultimate goal, I will adhere to the highest standards of professional communication, never consciously misleading reader, viewer, or listener; and will avoid any compromise of my objectivity or fairness.

Because I believe that professional communicators must be obligated only to the people's right to know, I affirm that freedom of the press is to be guarded as an inalienable right of the citizens of a free society.

I pledge to use this freedom wisely and to uphold the right of communicators to express unpopular opinions as well as the right to agree with the majority.

— Adopted in 1975
Annual NFPW Conference, Sun Valley, Idaho

Our Involvement

National Federation of Press Women is proactive — reaching out to support literacy and women's issues and vigorously engage in advocacy for First Amendment and freedom of information issues.

Reaching out with grants

The NFPW Education Fund is a separate 501(c)3 organization that supports education efforts for NFPW members and other organizations, and sponsors growth opportunity programs for budding student journalists.

Consider our partnership with other organizations:

NFPW is part of the coalition founding the National Women's History Museum focusing on women's contributions to the social, cultural, economic and political life of our nation in the context of work history. The museum seeks to communicate the breadth of women's experiences and accomplishments to the widest possible audience through permanent and traveling exhibits and its CyberMuseum.
Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, in cooperation with the NFPW Education Fund, prints the winners of our annual High School Communications Competition in its publications distributed to high school journalism advisors. Our competition is the only one of its kind in the nation for high school students, and is endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
We are active in the Council of National Journalism Organizations, a coalition that focuses on shared concerns, including the free flow of news and information plus technological and professional innovations.
The National Federation of Press Women President serves on the World Press Freedom Committee Board of Directors. This committee is an international umbrella organization that includes 45 journalistic groups — print and broadcast, labor and management, journalists, editors, publishers and owners on six continents — united in defense and promotion of press freedom.
NFPW is part of the coalition supporting the Library of Congress Center of the Book Reading Promotion Partners. Coalition members share NFPW's interest in promoting reading and writing.

Since 1937 . . .

It was May 6, 1937, when 39 women from seven states gathered at the Chicago Women's Club to turn their vision into reality.

They formed the National Federation of Presswomen (yes, then it was one word) and set forth their goals: "To provide a means of communication between woman writers nationally; make possible the expression of a common voice in matters of national interest to press women, and otherwise advance the professional standards of press women."

Through the years, National Federation of Press Women has evolved into state affiliates throughout the nation. We've updated our mission, programs and services, but have remained true to those original concepts seeking to find a strong voice for women in journalism and related fields.

NFPW's first president, Helen Miller Malloch, once said, "... this, with very much of myself, I have given you; but you are the ones who will make it live as my lasting memorial."

Helen, NFPW's strength today is our lasting memorial to you.

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