JAWS needs (and values!) your time and experience. Please apply to join a JAWS committee or task force to invest in our thriving network of women in journalism.
Here’s how to get involved with JAWS Committees
Please consider joining a committee or task force this year to share your unique skills and opinions. We need your help! We’re now seeking volunteers for these JAWS committees: board governance, CAMP, communications, diversity, elections, finance, fundraising, membership, regional groups, programming and elections. We're also seeking volunteers for a short-term task force to help create a sustainable mentorship program.
JAWS is, and always has been, member driven. That means our ambitious plans can’t happen without your unique skills, talents and perspectives. Please consider joining a committee or task force this year to advance the professional empowerment and personal growth of women in journalism and advocate for more inclusive coverage of the diverse experiences and cultures that comprise our society.
The JAWS board and staff 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, creating a new mentorship program, supporting regional get-togethers and much more.
Joining a committee is a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills and connections while transforming the world. You’ll get leadership experience, build your resume, make new friends, expand your network -- and help JAWS deliver the best resources, create useful, innovative programming and build a stronger sense of community for members like 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 for a committee or task force, select your top choice 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 an application form, where you will also be asked to select at least one alternate committee in case your first choice is full.
If you want to volunteer but aren't ready to serve on a committee, please send an email to support@jaws.org with "Volunteer" in the subject line. Any questions? Send them to 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.
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.
Develop the annual conference programming, including keynote speaker(s), panel sessions and training workshops in addition to activities.
Elections Committee
Help identify and communicate with the next board members
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.
Set goals and offer guidance for assuring that diversity is reflected and promoted throughout JAWS.
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.
Work with the board to raise funds and develop sources of revenue to sustain and expand JAWS programs and services.
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.
Support regional captains on partnering and developing programming to meet the needs of regional members during the year at locations across the country.
Board Governance Committee
This task force will work together to make recomendations to the board for the next iteration of JAWS mentorship. JAWS wants to create a sustainable, comprehensive mentorship program.