Here’s how to get involved with JAWS Committees

Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS) is and always has been member driven. That means our ambitious plans can’t happen without you, our members, joining committees and task forces — volunteering to get things done! 

The JAWS board and staff have listened to your suggestions, and have structured committees and task forces that will put your skills and ideas to work  — whether that’s designing new digital programming, participating in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, working on a mentorship and student outreach strategy, supporting regional get-togethers and much more. 

Joining a committee is a fantastic opportunity to engage in DEI, financial planning, marketing or fundraising to reinforce JAWS’ mission of supporting the professional empowerment and personal growth of women in journalism and working toward a more accurate portrayal of the whole society. You’ll develop leadership skills, build your resume, make new friends, expand your network -- and above all help JAWS deliver the best resources, the most innovative programming and a stronger sense of community for our members – that includes you!

You must be a current, active JAWS member to volunteer with any of these committees. If you would like to join JAWS, visit our  member sign-up page.

To apply to volunteer for a committee or task force, select your first choice committee from the boxes under the "Sign Up" header at the right of your screen (or at the bottom of this page if you're on mobile). This will take you to a fresh page where you can fill out the application form. Because each committee has its own volunteer needs, you will be asked to select two alternate committee choices.

If you have questions, feel free to contact Interim Executive Director Eloiza Altoro at director@jaws.org or 414-333-6716 or Communications and Program Manager J. Kyle Foster at support@jaws.org

Committee Descriptions

Programs and Services Committee 

Help evaluate past national and regional programming to keep what works! Recommend and help design NEW all-year programming for the JAWS community, including professional development; current issues in journalism; fellowships; collaborations; mentorship and sponsorship.

• Design professional development for women journalists at every career stage, including webinars 
• Identify relationships with programming partners in and outside the industry
• Keep members in-the-know re: innovative thinking in journalism and how we're solving our industry crisis
• Foster mentoring relationships as well as cross-cultural, cross-platform, inter-generational, etc. collaborations, too

CAMP Committee

Develop the annual conference programming, including keynote speaker(s), panel sessions and training workshops in addition to activities. 

• Produce diverse programming and set requirements for panels, presentations, and speakers
• Evaluate proposals that will result in diverse CAMP offerings

Membership Committee

Understand the composition of, assess the needs and identify value and benefits for the JAWS membership. Lead efforts in sustaining and boosting JAWS membership, with emphasis on diversity in age, race, ethnicity, media, and regions of the country. 

• Develop outreach and engagement strategies 
• Assess member needs 
• Evaluate membership benefits and develop robust offerings
• Assist with membership renewal campaigns

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Set goals and offer guidance for assuring that diversity is reflected and promoted throughout JAWS. 

• Form DEI action plan based strategic priorities.
• Plan, promote and participate in programs highlighting DEI initiatives

Finance Committee

Provide financial oversight and support to JAWS. Works with the treasurer to review expenditures and determine the annual budget, including funds available for CAMP and scholarships/fellowships. 

• Review financial statements
• Develop annual budget and financial priorities
• Review 990s (IRS tax forms)
• Help prepare financial material for the annual report

Fundraising and Development Committee

Work with the board to raise funds and develop sources of revenue to sustain and expand JAWS programs and services.

• Identify revenue streams and develop fundraising strategies
• Participate in fundraising campaigns (phone calls, personal contacts)
• Explore sustainable models and sources to support JAWS for the long-term

Communications Committee

Oversee external and internal communications to assure that members are fully informed and to heighten the profile of JAWS across platforms. Coordinates public statements on behalf of the organization with the JAWS president, board and staff.

• Assess all JAWS communications platforms, including newsletter, email alerts, website, social media
• Create and implement a sustainable communication strategy
• Work with staff on developing/implementing communications campaigns
• Develop rapid-response plans and statements when public issues arise related to women in journalism

Regional Groups Committee

Support regional captains on partnering and developing programming to meet the needs of regional members during the year at locations across the country.

• Develop a strong regional captain cohort and support system
• Coordinate with the national JAWS organization on regional programs/events
• Develop regional programming that can be rolled out at low cost

Task Forces

These short-term (3-4 months) task forces are created to develop solutions and recommendations for future development.

Special Projects and Research Task Force

Develop revenue-generating program ideas that JAWS can offer to members and nonmembers alike.

Organization of Policies and Bylaws Task Force

Work to update current JAWS bylaws. Review and provide recommendations.

Mentorship, Fellowship and Student Outreach

Evaluate and update JAWS programs geared toward students and young professionals.