I am often asked about being a member of the National Federation of Press Women, and this is especially true when I am introduced as the national president. Usually, the focus is on "Women." Most folks want to know if the group is just for women.
I am always pleased to tell them that NFPW is open to all professional communicators - men and women.
My affiliate, Iowa Press Women, has had a tradition of gentleman members, although we do not currently have any. Bruce Miller of Sioux City was a longtime member, perennial contest sweepstakes competitor and was Iowa's Communicator of Achievement nominee back in the late 1990s.
The other interesting time to explain that the organization is open to men and women was for the annual High School Journalism Contest. Not only could female students enter, but the guys were welcome to as well. I'm sure more than once an honor winner thought it was "weird" to win a "Women's" award, but hopefully they realized it was "cool" too.
This brings me in a round-about way to a great video from NFPW Membership Director Tiffany Ervin. She brings us the male point of view courtesy of Illinois Women's Press Association member Tim Libretti.
Check out that video on NFPW's new YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ODX77N65-Q.
Thanks to Tim and Tiffany!
