policies and procedures

Whatcom Writers and Publishers welcomes all those interested in the field of communications, including writing of any genre - fiction or nonfiction, publishing, marketing, advertising, public relations, and varied media from print to radio, television, and websites, as well as graphics and web design. Traditionally, the majority of members were public relations people. But over the years, the organization has shifted toward a focus on writing and publishing. Writers and wannabe writers are welcome; and the mix of membership affords new writers an avenue to tap into the experience and wisdom of those who have gone before. Quite a few members are authors who have self-published memoirs and novels after being stymied trying to find a traditional publisher. They can help new members answer the question that will dictate their survival as a business: Once published, how do you market your book? Annual dues are $20; $10 for students.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall consist of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Membership Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, and Special Projects Coordinator. Responsibilities of any position may be shared by co-chairs. Committees may be appointed by the President or at the request of an Officer.

Officer candidates will be announced in the June issue of the newsletter and will be elected each year at the annual meeting in June.

President: Presides at business meetings, calls Board meetings as needed and serves as spokesperson for the group. Makes official declarations on major topics in accordance with the opinion of the majority of members as reflected in the outcome of a vote on the topic.

Vice President: With input from members, schedules speakers for monthly meetings and reserves meeting space. Submits speaker bio and topic to Newsletter Editor for publication. Accepts reservations for monthly meetings. Sends thank you notes to speakers following presentations. Writes and distributes news releases regarding meetings and association news.

Treasurer: Maintains association's checking and savings accounts. Provides written report each month to Board of Directors regarding financial status. Report to include an itemized list of income, expenses and account balance. Shares responsibility with Membership Coordinator of checking association's post office box.

Newsletter Editor: Writes, produces and mails monthly newsletter, which delivers notice of upcoming meetings and events, details other association business, shares member news and includes other information of interest to communicators as space allows.

Special Projects Coordinator: Leads special projects as determined by the Board of Directors. Past projects have included a salary survey, community outreach and workshops such as "Meet the Press," "How to Write a Newsletter" and "How to Write a News Release."

Membership Coordinator: Maintains accurate list of paid members. Maintains list of prospective members and culls after prospects have received newsletter for three months. Provides labels to Newsletter Editor each month. Monitors attendance at monthly meetings. Notifies members when dues are payable and collects annual dues. Serves as contact for prospective members. Produces annual membership directory. Recruits new members. Produces/maintains membership brochure. Shares responsibility with Treasurer of checking post office box.