Get Involved with PMJA:
Build Leadership & Deepen Your Network
Whether you're attending your first meet-up or already volunteering on a committee, you've got what it takes to expand your leadership experience and connections across public media journalism.
New to volunteering with PMJA? Here's how you can get involved
Two paths forward
Run for PMJA's Board (member-elected, strategic leadership) or join one of our six committees (focused work on specific areas like Awards, Conference, Membership & Outreach, Training & Education, Bylaws & Governance, or Opportunity & Access).
Board members are working journalists like you
They're reporters, editors, and producers who chair committees and make strategic decisions about PMJA's future. If you've thought about organizational leadership, this is it.
Committee work drives real projects
A few examples:
- Bylaws & Governance created our Executive Director succession plan and PMJA's Statement of Ethics
- Training & Education produced the How I Got Here series and AI for Public Media webinars
- Membership & Outreach conducts member engagement and gauges opinion about efforts like the 2026 gathering
Committees meet virtually and tackle specific projects that directly affect member experience.
Real impact on your profession
Our strategic priorities focus on building career pathways at all stages, adapting programs based on member feedback, and ensuring PMJA serves journalists at stations of all sizes. Recent committee work includes developing new training programs, creating governance frameworks, and strengthening ethics standards — work that shapes what PMJA can do for all of us.
Easy way to explore
For committees, we've got an interest button where you can signal curiosity with zero pressure at any time. Board elections are held annually — keep an eye on your inbox and this page for when nominations open.
Already on a committee? Consider running for the Board
You already have what it takes
Being on a committee means you care about how PMJA serves members. Board members are member-elected working journalists like you. If you're doing committee work, you already understand what matters.
It's strategic work you'd find meaningful
The board sets PMJA's strategic priorities — things like building our career development ecosystem, adapting programs based on member feedback, and advocating for public media journalists. If those concepts interest you, the board is where those decisions get made.
What board service actually looks like
Each board member chairs one committee (except the president), plus you attend monthly board meetings, the in-person gathering, and the annual retreat. It's a bigger commitment than committee work, but it's how you influence PMJA's direction.
We're building our candidate pipeline
We're working to build a stronger pipeline of board candidates for the future. We need people who can think strategically about member needs and PMJA's direction. That's you.
Keep it on your radar
Board elections are held annually. If you've ever thought about PMJA's strategic direction or where we should be heading — that's board-level thinking. Watch for nominations to open each spring.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore committee work at any time. Board nominations open annually each spring — we'll let you know when it's time.
Questions? Reach out to any of our Bylaws & Governance committee members at your next meet-up or drop us a note.
