Diversity and Inclusion

ASJA serves all independent nonfiction writers, embracing the rich spectrum of voices that make up America.

ASJA is committed to being a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive organization that reflects the demographics of our country, our world, and our profession. ASJA works to create a welcoming community for writers of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and cultural and religious beliefs, at all membership levels and in all leadership roles.

At ASJA, our goal is to ensure that diverse members feel included, supported, and valued, especially writers from underrepresented groups. We continually strive for diverse representation in our events, activities, and communications, from conferences and publications to webinars. We encourage members to seek out diverse sources and stories that reflect our world.

True diversity comes when we all commit to this goal.

Note: ASJA pledges to address any violations of this policy. Our goal is to be an organization where writers of all backgrounds feel just as empowered as they are when interacting with others of their own backgrounds and identities.

DEAI Task Force

Our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) Task Force meets on a monthly basis to enlarge and enhance impactful diversity programming and ensure that we operate as a fully open and inclusive organization. Meetings are open to all ASJA members.

Conference Scholarships

For the ASJA 2022 conference, ASJA offered five scholarships to journalists of color. The package included free registration, two hotel nights, some travel expenses, and opportunity to become a member of ASJA at a discounted price or free with registration at the CIJ conference.

Cultivating the next generation of diverse journalists stands at the heart of ASJA’s DEAI mission, and ASJA anticipates repeating and expanding this program in future years.

DEAI Facilitator

We are currently conducting a national search to hire a DEAI Facilitator who will work closely with ASJA’s Board, DEAI Task Force, and our membership. We seek a seasoned DEAI professional who will moderate educational sessions and workshops surrounding diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion to enlighten and inform our membership.

ASJA’s Dynamic Commitment to Inclusivity

Additionally, we emphasize diverse representation in all ASJA educational offerings and publications. This includes at ASJA in-person and virtual conferences, webinars, ASJA Magazine, Weekly, and Confidential blog posts.

General DEAI Resources

Style Guides for Inclusive Language:

Other Resources: