Professional organizations may help novice writers better understand the writing world. They provide benefits and opportunities to members that may be hard to come by otherwise. Professional organizations also provide a great way to network with other writers in your area.

Metro-Atlanta and Georgia:

• Atlanta Press Club
  The Atlanta Press Club is the largest local press club in the US. The organization hosts monthly professional and social programs. It also sponsors political debates and provides scholarship and internship opportunities. Member benefits include networking opportunities, workshops, and a newsletter. Student memberships are available.
• Georgia Writers Association
  The GWA is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to language and communication. It is the premier writers' organization in the state of Georgia. Membership comes with many benefits, including access to meetings and events (networking opportunities), as well as the GWA news magazine, which offers educational opportunities and information. Anyone can join.
• IABC/Atlanta
  IABC/Atlanta is a local chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators, headquartered in San Francisco, California, and represents approximately 300 professional communicators in the Metro Atlanta area. Members include public relations and communication professionals from Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, communication agencies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies as well as freelance writers and consultants. All have a commitment to continue professional development and a desire to network with other communicators. KSU has an active IABC chapter affiliated with the IABC/Atlanta chapter; for more information about KSU’s IABC chapter, contact Dr. Elizabeth Giddens.
• MAGS-Magazine Association of the Southeast
  MAGS, the Magazine Association of the Southeast is a professional organization of individuals, corporations, and associates involved in the publishing industry in the Southeast (55 publishers with over 100 titles are represented). Founded in 1988 to promote awareness of the value of magazines to the public, improve their quality by sharing knowledge and resources, and maintain high ethical standards in the industry. The association holds a monthly luncheon in the Atlanta area with featured speakers.
• Society for Technical Communication (Atlanta Chapter)
  The STC is the largest professional organization for the technical communication professions. It is a non-profit, international organization. Members receive publications, networking opportunities, reduced rates to conferences/seminars, access to a jobs database, and much more. The organization offers discounted dues to students; an application is required for membership.

National:

• American Copy Editors Society
  The ACES was founded in 1997 to provide a network for working copyeditors. Its "aim is to provide solutions to copy desk problems, through training [and] discussion." The ACES produces an editing guideline booklet that can be viewed on the Web site, which also lists other editing resources. The organization offers student memberships and scholarship opportunities.
• American Medical Writers Association
  "AMWA's mission is to promote excellence in writing, editing, and producing printed and electronic biomedical communications." The organization offers educational programs, publications, and networking opportunities. Student memberships are available.
• American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE)
  The ASBPE "is the professional association for full-time and freelance editors and writers employed in the business, trade, and specialty press." The organization is known for its annual national conferences and annual Awards of Excellence competition. The ASBPE offers student memberships to full-time students.
• American Society of Journalists and Authors
  The ASJA is the nation's leading organization for independent nonfiction writers. Its Web site offers a monthly newsletter, writers' resources, and information on contracts and pay for freelance writers. Membership is only granted to "freelance writers who have been published over a substantial period of time by recognized magazine or book publishers."
• Associated Writing Programs
  The AWP was created to foster literary talent; it sees writing as the center of literary education. The organization offers conferences on writing, information on writing programs, publishing opportunities, and job search help. Student memberships are available and membership benefits include a subscription to The Writer's Chronicle.
• National Association of Science Writers
  The NASW is an association of science writers that "fights for the free flow of science news." The organization sponsors seminars, holds regional meetings, offers insurance benefits to freelance writers, and gives annual prizes. Its Web site contains many science writing resources and job services. Membership is open to anyone involved in science writing, and discounted student memberships are available.
• Public Relations Society of America
  The PRSA has nearly 20,000 members worldwide. It develops educational programs, information exchanges, and research projects to further public relations opportunities. The PRSA provides members with publications, career assistance, mentoring programs, and many other benefits. Membership is limited to people who devote at least 50 percent of their time to a paid job in public relations or who teach public relations.
• Society for Technical Communication
  The STC's 25,000 members are "dedicated to advancing the arts and sciences of technical communication." The organization educates its members on technical writing issues and provides information through publications, reports, and conferences. Membership is open to anyone interested in technical communication. Student memberships are available.

Kennesaw State University is in no way promoting or advertising these associations or their Web sites nor does KSU attest to the validity or claims set forth by the various organizations or Web sites.

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