Bylaw Changes to be Voted on at Convention

The EPA Board of Directors has approved several changes to the Bylaws that will be presented to the membership for affirmation during the annual business meeting scheduled for May 13 at the Nashville convention.

The Associate membership class is being changed to Individual. Additionally, the list of those eligible to join as an Individual member will now include podcasters.

A new membership class for Students is being added.

ARTICLE I: CLASSES OF AFFILIATION AND CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership in this corporation shall be divided into six seven classes of members and affiliates. Except for affiliates and contributors, all membership candidates must subscribe to the statement of purposes as contained in the Articles of Incorporation of the corporation, the doctrinal statement contained in Article Ninth thereof, and the Code of Ethics.

(b) Associate Individual Membership. Regular membership shall be available to individuals: editors, writers, artists, designers, photographers, bloggers, podcasters and others who are interested in the work and purpose of this corporation and who are not otherwise on staff of a member publication. Associate Individual members are required to endorse the statement of faith and Code of Ethics. Associate Individual members shall be eligible for board positions and entitled to vote at meetings of members.

(e) Student Membership. Membership may be accorded to students in journalism or communications-related programs while enrolled full-time in undergraduate or graduate studies. Student members are required to endorse the statement of faith and Code of Ethics. Student members are not eligible for board positions and do not hold voting privileges.

Section 2. Future Admissions to Membership. Any publication, person or firm desiring publication or associate individual membership or affiliate status in this corporation shall make the same known to the executive director by written application. The executive director shall maintain an accurate database of membership in which there shall be recorded the names and dates of admission of all members together with their classification as publication, associate individual, honorary, or affiliate. Only publication and associate individual members shall be eligible for board positions and entitled to vote at meetings of members. Honorary members and affiliates may attend and be heard on any question but may not hold office or vote in meetings of members.

Posted March 1, 2026