5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Serving on the ASJA Board
If you want to make a difference in freelance writing, there are few better ways than to join the ASJA board. Nominations for the 2026 slate of directors are underway, which means now is the time to think about the reasons you might want to serve as an ASJA board member.
ASJA hasn’t survived more than 75 years by standing still. And it’s the ASJA board that moves this organization forward.
Serving on the ASJA board means you’re at the forefront of the leading organization for professional freelance non-fiction writers. Board members listen to members, share their perspectives, and make programming that supports members and the industry possible. They set goals for the organization and figure out the best way to get from here to there. They consider the organization’s financial health, the changes in industry, and the overall market economy.
In other words, it’s a lot like running your own business.
Top Reasons to Serve on the ASJA Board
So, why should you consider joining the ASJA board? Here are my top 5 reasons:
You believe that freelance writers play an important role in journalism, content marketing, and book writing. Freelancers bring independent perspective to the topics they cover and the way they approach their work. Freelancers help publications and companies respond more quickly to breaking stories and market changes. ASJA’s slogan was once “We write what you read,” and it’s true.
ASJA has influenced your direction and success as a freelance writer. ASJA members tell me again and again how the organization has made a difference in their careers. I know that’s true for me. Like most freelancers, I’ve had to reinvent myself to respond to the market, my interests, and my personal life. At every step of the way, I’ve tapped into the ASJA community for guidance. Joining ASJA leadership is a way to give back to that community.
You value diversity and inclusion. The ASJA board has made it a priority to build a diverse and inclusive organization that reflects the demographics of our country and our profession. Part of our mission is to ensure that freelance writing remains a viable career option and that people from all backgrounds and situations have access to this profession and way of life.
You want to tackle the big issues facing our industry. As a board member, you work to strengthen freelance writing as a career, advocate for the rights of freelancers, and help pave the way for new perspectives.
You want to build your business. As a board member, your name will be top of mind for other members and editors, leading to assignments, referrals, and recommendations. And you’ll be talking to some of the best in the industry, both inside and outside ASJA. This can lead to new ideas and new projects. I have had some of my top earning years and won several awards while on the board, including the 2024 Women in Content Marketing Award for Freelance Excellence. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.
More about Serving on the ASJA Board
Board members serve three-year terms and can serve up to two consecutive terms. Former board members are welcome to return to the board after a hiatus.
Writers who are ASJA members at the professional, associate, or retired membership levels can serve on the board. Our current board includes members from across the country, including from Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, Florida, Washington D.C., and New York. Board members write books, content, and journalism, covering topics from sports to finance, housing to health, theater to travel—and everything in between.
Some board members are long-time ASJA members, others joined more recently. Most—but not all–have served on a committee or two before becoming board members. Committee work is a great way to make an impact, get to know the organization, and figure out if you’d like to join the board.
Some board members have been freelancing for decades, others have recently pivoted from staff positions. Each brings their own unique perspective and experience to the board, ensuring that we look at issues from different angles and chart a course that makes sense for the organization and its members.
Talk about great conversations! Whenever the ASJA board gets together, you can count on insightful questions and comments that cover the nuances of an issue. We have all mastered the art of the follow-up question!
Here’s How to Apply
As ASJA’s immediate past president, I am the chair of this year’s nomination committee. I’m here to answer questions and put together a slate of powerhouse members that represent the diversity of our organization. Members can self-nominate or nominate another member—but please get their permission first!
Have I convinced you? Great! The application for nominations is available to logged in members here.
Do you have more questions? I’m happy to answer them. Please reach out through my ASJA profile.
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Emily Paulsen is a writer, editor, and editorial consultant based outside Washington D.C. She specializes in health and health care topics, especially health equity and increasing access to quality care. She has served on the ASJA board since 2017 and was president from 2022 to 2024.