From 5 Minutes to 3 Days: How to Make the Most of Your ASJA Membership

ASJA members are busy people. Along with running our own independent writing businesses, we care for loved ones, volunteer, travel, pursue hobbies, and show up for our communities. One of our members even rescues dachshunds in her spare time!

ASJA makes it easy for members to engage, no matter how much time you can commit. And the more you engage, the more you gain from all the great things the organization has to offer.

Here’s how you can connect with and benefit from ASJA whether you have five minutes or three days:

If you have 5 minutes…

• Update your profile in the ASJA membership directory by adding new clips, an updated headshot, awards, and more. Maintaining an up-to-date profile is the best way to make sure editors and clients find you when they search ASJA’s Find a Writer database.
• Check out the latest entries in Paycheck, ASJA’s members-only database of assignments that freelance outlets are making and what they pay.
• Worked with a new client recently? Fill out the Report a Payment form so fellow ASJA members can see the details in the Paycheck database.
• Answer the Question of the Week, a quick, multiple-choice survey question that helps ASJA leadership plan programming and enhance member benefits. Find this week’s question in the members-only Facebook group or the ASJA Weekly newsletter.
• Snag your free ASJA press card by filling out the form here.
• Curious if there’s an ASJA writers’ group in your area? Fill out this form to get connected!
• One of the perks of ASJA membership is the distinction of belonging to North America’s leading organization for professional writers. To promote your membership, download a copy of the ASJA logo to add to your website and social media accounts.
• Snagged a great interview? Published an article in a dream publication? Published a book? Won an award? Submit your member news to get a shoutout in an upcoming edition of the ASJA Weekly newsletter.

If you have 15 minutes…

• Explore the latest ASJA news, events, and member profiles on the ASJA Confidential news channel. Learn how Leslie Lang turned the last virtual conference into a writing retreat, meet ASJA member Adrienne Samuels-Gibbs, get inspiration to recycle your way to a bigger bottom line, and more.
• Strike up a conversation — or join one — in the private, members-only Facebook group. Recent posts have focused on breaking into new niches, handling interruptions during work time, and how AI is transforming freelance journalism.
• Read the ASJA Weekly newsletter, which arrives in member email inboxes on Tuesday afternoons. You’ll get the latest on ASJA happenings, industry news, and more.

If you have an hour…

• Join one of ASJA’s online video chats to connect with other members. Choose from the weekly virtual coffee chat or ASJA’s growing roster of interest-based chats, including the monthly DEAI chat, the affinity group for parents (find details on Facebook), and the retirement chat.
• Attend a Virtual Pitch Slam to pitch editors in real time – or watch and learn from other members. Or take in a free educational webinar on a topic relevant to freelance writers, including on productivity, AI, creating Substack newsletter, what writers need to know about GEO, working with international clients, self-publishing your book, and more. Check the Events page to find out what’s coming up.
• Missed the latest ASJA pitch slam or webinar? Access event recordings in the Resource Finder.
• Learn how to advocate for yourself, and for other freelance writers, by reviewing ASJA’s Advocacy Tools.

If you have a few hours…

• Volunteer to serve on an ASJA committee, Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet other members and help guide the future of the organization. The time commitment can be as little as a few hours a month; some committees require more work during concentrated periods of time – such as during the annual conference, membership drive, and awards contest – or on an ongoing basis. Pick what works for you! 
• Download and read ASJA’s free e-book on freelancing. “Building an Independent Writing Business” is packed with up-to-date information for freelance writers, including business planning, marketing, and pitching.
• Hire a lawyer to review a contract. ASJA offers members discounted legal advice from attorney Joseph Perry. Learn more and request a consultation here.

If you have a full day, or more…

• Block off your calendar for the 2026 ASJA Conference April 20-April 22 and, if you’re a professional member, Client Connections, April 23-24, both on the Airmeet virtual conference platform. With tracks for freelance journalism, content marketing writing, and book writing, the conference offers three packed days of sessions and keynotes.

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Christina Hernandez Sherwood is a freelance writer who helps health care institutions tell high-impact stories that build trust, showcase their mission, and turn complex research into narratives that resonate. She co-chairs ASJA’s Membership Engagement committee.