• • •

I belong to SATW for these benefits, in this order:
• credibility as a professional travel writer
• access to associate members through the directory and at conferences
• hob-nobbing with members at conferences
• news/updates on the profession through newsletters and The Exchange (discussion board)

Karen Misuraca, Active member

• • •

I became a member of SATW because I considered it a professional benchmark to be admitted. I remain a member because I know it opens many doors more easily for me and because I enjoy immensely the friendships that I’ve forged through the years with other members. I know I get a lot out of this organization, including mucho fun, because I make it a priority to attend meetings -- I’ve attended every convention since I joined -- and to get involved. That’s it in a nutshell.

Carole Terwilliger Meyers, Active member

• • •

 

SATW is the reason I’ve been able to explore and write seven books and more than 400 articles about Planet Earth. For more than 20 years, the incredible support and assistance from public relations and CVB experts has enabled me to visit 30 countries and most of the USA. From Antarctica to Australia, the Caribbean to Canada, so many US cities ... my contacts from SATW are the wind beneath my wings. I am grateful to be part of this organization, not just for work, but for the friendships I’ve made.

Sharon Spence Lieb, Active member

• • •

Membership is a visible sign of my professionalism and productivity and integrity as a writer. Membership keeps me informed of the wonders of this beautiful world we live in, through promotional material I receive; through visits I make either on media trips, freelance council meetings or Chapter or Society conventions Membership allows me to join a community of writers with common interests and concerns. It provides an opening-out of my world from small office-in-house-with-computer to the big wide world of fellow journalists.

Lorraine O’Donnell Williams, Active member

• • •

As a member since 1995, I treasure the personal friends, networking and professional development SATW has brought me. My world is a lot broader because of my interaction with other members. I learn from everyone through shared experiences.

Dale Leatherman, Active member

• • •

Instant recognition, when seeking information and assistance from hoteliers, restaurateurs, publicists et al. It’s easy enough to establish my bona fides by alluding to my website (which substantiates a track record). It’s even easier, though, just to append those four letters to my signature. Another benefit is the opportunity to socialize within the travel community. Several PR people who’ve since left the business remain lifelong friends. (They’ve nothing to promote, so presumably the mutual regard is genuine.) I also love meeting new writers and catching up with colleagues of many years’ standing.

Sandy MacDonald, Active member

• • •

Of all the writers' groups I've belonged to over the years, this is the most cohesive and welcoming. It doesn't hurt that the Institute is in my backyard and I can have the fine company of Herb Hiller or Tim O'Keefe over coffee with a quick phone call, but I've been very impressed at the way members (at least the ones I know) extend themselves professionally and personally to assist or mentor fellow members. The conference (last year was my first) impressed me with solid professonial seminars, and the chapter meeting led to a half-dozen stories for me -- great location and planning! (UP Michigan). Paul Glassman is a joy to banter with regarding Web issues, and the forum has helped me with some serious financial decisions regarding my publishers. In all, I get my money's worth here, and I've made friends to boot.

Sandra Friend, Active member

• • •

 

Some of these statements originally appeared in Travel Writer, SATW's member newsletter, and are used with permission.

 

 

Okay, how do I apply?

 

1. Review Active membership requirements (for journalists) or Associate membership requirements (for publicists).

2. List your credentials on paper for reference, and scan articles, photos and other items that you will submit.

3. If appropriate, refer to charts of magazine and newspaper circulations used in our point system.

4. Apply online

 

Other forms you might need:

Sponsor form in pdf format (alternative to online sponsor form)

Active application form (fillable pdf version)

Associate application form (fillable pdf version)

For current members: Change of Work Status, Senior Status

 

Apply

for membership