ASJA takes its role as the voice of freelance writers seriously. This is particularly true with issues of national importance, including censorship, copyright, and legal or industry changes that prevent independent writers from make a living. Generally non-partisan, we do not endorse candidates for office but address issues via statements and press releases from our Board of Directors, as well as statements issued jointly by the Board and First Amendment Committee.
Of particular concern currently are the federal and state legislative anti-independent contractor laws that are already hurting freelancers in California and threaten freelance writers around the country. For that reason, in December 2019, ASJA joined the National Press Photographers Association in a federal lawsuit against the state of California. Assembly Bill 5, which took effect January 1, 2020, threatens to devastate the careers of California freelance journalists, including writers and photographers.
As these anti-freelance measures are debated in statehouses and Congress, ASJA has developed its Advocacy Tools for Freelancers. Collected and updated by ASJA members around the country, these resources are designed to help our members advocate for their behalf, both locally and nationally.
FAQs, Myths & Facts About the Anti-Independent Contractor Laws and the ABCs
Federal Legislation: The PRO Act
State-level Legislation
General Resources
ASJA has also been at the forefront of freelance advocacy for many decades. For an overview of past advocacy efforts, click here.