About

NFPW represents professionals and students working across the communications spectrum in the United States. We offer community and connections to other professionals in 32 state affiliates and welcome at-large members from areas without affiliates.

Through our First Amendment Network, NFPW alerts members to threats to press freedom and helps them rally to effect change.

The NFPW Education Fund, established in 1981 as a separate corporation organized to provide a channel for NFPW’s educational projects, affords members and supporters the opportunity to aid educational and professional development projects through contributions.

History

NFPW has been helping writers and professional communicators for more than 80 years.

On May 6, 1937, 39 women from seven states gathered at the Chicago Women's Club to turn their vision into reality. They formed the National Federation of Presswomen and set forth their goals: "To provide a means of communication between woman writers nationally; make possible the expression of a common voice in matters of national interest to press women, and otherwise advance the professional standards of press women."

Through the years, NFPW has grown to include affiliate organizations across the United States. We've updated our mission, programs and services, but have remained true to those original concepts seeking to find a strong voice for all those working in careers across the communications spectrum. 

Click Here to see a list of all the Past Presidents

Our Partners

Through our own efforts and through our partnerships with similarly focused organizations, NFPW proactively supports literacy, women’s issues and journalism education. NFPW also maintains a vigorous advocacy on issues that the First Amendment and freedom of information.

We are pleased to partner with the following organizations:

NFPW Education Fund

A separate 501(c)3 organization, the NFPW Education Fund supports education efforts for NFPW members and other organizations. It also sponsors growth opportunity programs for student journalists.

National Women’s History Museum 

Focusing women’s contributions to the social, cultural, economic and political life of our nation in the context of work history, the museum seeks to communicate the breadth of women’s experiences and accomplishments to the widest possible audience through permanent and traveling exhibits as well as its CyberMuseum. NFPW is part of the museum’s founding coalition.

Dow Jones News Fund

In cooperation with the NFPW Education Fund, the Dow Jones News Fund prints the winners of NFPW’s annual High School Communications Competition in its publications, which are distributed to high school journalism advisors across the country. NFPW’s competition is the only one of its kind in the nation for high school students and is endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Library of Congress Center of the Book Reading Promotion Partners

This coalition of national and international organizations promote books, reading, literacy, and libraries.