Join the Outdoor Writers Association of America—the nation’s largest and oldest association of outdoor communicators—as an Individual Member to help develop your professional and/or personal career, access essential networking opportunities, and receive other exclusive member-only benefits. Specifically:
Find editorial needs and job postings with Outdoor Alerts
Do you have stories or photos to sell? Locate buyers via OWAA’s online Outdoor Market listings. OWAA lists various outdoor publishers’ needs and current job listings. One listing often pays for your membership!
Promote your work
Get featured in OWAA’s Outdoors Unlimited (a bimonthly magazine that is distributed in print to members, with additional online content available between printings) and on our social media.
Receive an official OWAA press card to use at outdoor events
Win cash and gain recognition for your work
Cash prizes of up to $500 for first place in each category is awarded each year to members who compete in OWAA’s Excellence in Craft contests. In previous years, 63 members won nearly $14,000 in awards! Complete contest rules and entry forms are published annually in a fall issue of Outdoors Unlimited and on OWAA’s EIC contest website. The contests are open every year from October 1 – February 1.
Polish your skills, get new ideas, test new outdoor products, and network with industry professionals at our annual conference
Join us for our annual conference where we always have exciting line-ups of sessions on writing, photography, book publishing, technology, newsmakers and more. Test a variety of outdoor gear supplied by our Supporting Groups at Breakout Day. Network with industry professionals and have fun! Learn more here.
Fund your continuing education in outdoor communications
Since its inception in 1994, the John Madson Fellowship has provided OWAA members with more than $10,000 in funding to continue their education in the outdoor communications field. The Fellowship can provide funding for individuals to participate in OWAA programs, such as the annual conference, as well as outside continuing education opportunities. Application details are updated each November.
Get inspired and educated all year long
Read Outdoors Unlimited to find craft improvement stories, industry supporter news tips, letters to the editor, jobs, conservation news, new technology tidbits and more. Archives of past webinars and conference session videos are also available, giving you access to wide range of teaching videos to help you continue to improve your craft and expand your markets.
Connect with other members and outdoor industry representatives
OWAA maintains member and supporting directories with members’ biographical listings and supporting group contact information and resources and much more.
Help the next generation of outdoor communicators
The Bodie McDowell Scholarship provides grants to assist undergraduate and graduate students, enrolled in institutions of higher learning, pursuing degrees in outdoor communication fields. Application details are each November. In addition, OWAA hosts the renowned Norm Strung Youth Writing Awards for young aspiring writers.
Support for your business needs
Having a hard time getting paid by a publisher or vendor? OWAA helps settle disputes that arise during the course of doing business. Our helpful national headquarters staff offers information, liaison services and assistance with business problems. We also offer professional standards and business guidelines to assist members with how to properly and ethically conduct their business.
Enjoy exclusive member benefits
Members receive exclusive member benefits and discounts from select OWAA industry supporters, and discounts on car rentals and hotels. In addition, member discounts are available on a number of educational publications and style manuals published by OWAA that focus on outdoor communications. OWAA publications can be purchased from our online store.
Gain leadership skills
Learn more about yourself and the organization by volunteering in a variety of OWAA committees that drive, support, grow and determine the direction of the organization. For more information, see our How to Get Involved page.
Access to OWAA discounts on car rentals and hotels, health insurance and more