MTWA Featured Photographer Lisa Meyers McClintick Click on image to enlarge   Section 1: Membership shall be limited to active members and associate members. A. An active member as defined in the Bylaws is a salaried editor or writer or freelance contributor residing in the Association’s area. 1. A salaried editor shall be responsible for travel-related content for a newspaper, magazine or specialty travel publication with an audited circulation of at least 10,000 and shall provide proof of employment in that position. 2. A staff writer or freelance contributor shall have published a minimum of five travel articles within the previous calendar year in a publication with an audited circulation of at least 10,000, or one travel book with a minimum press run of 5,000 copies within the one-year period. 3. Other travel-related media will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 4. A renewal application must include assurance that the member holds a job that earned membership in MTWA or continues to be eligible under the Bylaws. B. An associate member as defined in the Bylaws is a person primarily engaged in public relations within the travel industry who has worked regularly with the travel media for at least one year. An associate member must reside in the Association area. 1. An associate member who changed position and/or employer during the past year must have his/her credentials reviewed by the membership committee to determine eligibility for membership. C. Requirements for continuing membership are the same as for a new member. Each time a member renews he/she must pay his/her dues and submit appropriate proof of eligibility. A $20 late fee will be added to the dues that are submitted after the due date. Members who have not paid their dues (with applicable late fee) within 30 days of the due date will have his/her membership terminated for non-payment of dues. A member who does not meet renewal membership requirements may ask the board of directors for a grace period of one year. Up to two consecutive one-year grace periods are permitted if a member's circumstances warrant such action. (Amended May 2002) Section 2: Applicants for membership must apply to the Membership Committee and submit evidence they meet Association membership requirements. A. Three Association members, at least two active members, must sign any prospective membership application and each must submit letters of recommendation. A nominating member must have been a member for at least one year, must have attended at least one Association meeting prior to submitting the application, and may nominate only two persons during an application period. Section 3: The Board of Directors shall establish written Membership Guidelines to further specify the manner and procedures for member’s application and review. Section 4: Membership of any member who has failed to pay his/her dues or who fails to attend one of six consecutive membership meetings will be terminated. The former member may reapply for membership. Section 5: Failure to comply with the Code of Ethics may result in a membership review and termination. Revised November 4, 2000 Application Form