Join
How to Join Boating Writers International
To join BWI, simply download the appropriate application, fill it in and send it to us with a check or pay online below.
Active members are generally writers, photographers, and broadcasters and dues are $50 a year. Associate members are generally public relations or communication firms and dues are $60 a year. Supporting members are usually manufacturers or advertising agencies and dues are $175 a year.
Membership in Boating Writers International is from January 1 through December 31.
Have Questions? Contact us at info@bwi.org, or call (847) 736-4142. We’ll be happy to answer them.
Three Ways to Get Involved
There are three categories of membership at BWI:
Active. Active status is available to any person engaged in writing, editing, broadcasting, telecasting, photography, art or lecturing, or who is employed full time by a non-profit organization or agency and engaged in communication, conservation, or promoting the recreational aspects of the marine or associated fields. Active members agree to assume all responsibilities of membership and will be entitled to all privileges of active membership. Dues are $50 a year. Download an Application
Associate. Associate membership is available to any person who does not meet the requirements for active membership but who works in the marine or an associated fields in public relations; who works in advertising or public information to promote specific products or services; who is paid to promote the use or sale of those products; and or who is a student of journalism with an interest in the marine or associated fields. Associate members agree to assume all responsibilities of membership and will be entitled to full voting privileges. They may be elected to the Board of Directors, may be appointed to a committee, and may act as committee chairperson, but may not be nominated for or hold the office of vice president(s) or president. Dues are $60 a year. Download an Application
Supporting. Supporting membership is available to any individual, association, or commercial firm engaged in manufacturing goods or providing a service marketed in the marine industry, and who has a common interest in the purposes of this organization. Designated representatives (up to three) of supporting members agree to assume all responsibilities of membership, may attend all meetings and functions, may take part in activities, may be appointed to a committee, and may act as committee chairperson. Supporting members do not have voting privileges, but may be elected to the board of directors, appointed to a committee and act as committee chairperson, but may not be nominated for or hold higher office. Dues are $175 per year. Download an Application
BWI Membership Benefits
Active and Associate Members
• The BWI Journal, published online 11 times a year, keeps you advised of important goings-on with BWI and its members, the industry and leading marine companies.
• Writer’s Marketplace, where you can post free classified ads to find writing assignments or to find a writer specializing in boating topics.
• Speaker’s Bureau helps members find speaking engagements, and helps boating groups and trade industry planners find speakers.
• Promotion of BWI’s Ethics Guidelines helps writers and publishers work better with each other, the manufacturing community, and consumers.
• Annual Writing Contest, from November through January, recognizes top writers with first-, second-, and third-place cash prizes in 17 categories. Members can enter two contest submissions for free. Winners named in February are automatically entered into Phase II of the contest, which culminates with the presentation of a four-figure grand prize.
• Listing in the annual BWI Directory detailing your work and specialties. The Directory is widely used by marine magazines, communication firms, manufacturers, and others to find writers.
• Two general networking meetings each year at the Miami and Fort Lauderdale boat shows, including panel discussionss and events.
• A personalized press card noting your affiliation with BWI.
Supporting Members
• Click here for a flyer reflecting Supporter benefits.
• High priority for your news in the BWI Journal and on this website. BWI members are also on staff at most major publications, in addition to dozens of members who are freelancers and outdoor writers.
• Listing in the annual BWI Directory detailing your products and services, your primary media contact is, and your website. This lets writers know you support them, and tells them how to find you.
• Advance opportunity to be sponsors of the BWI Writing Contest, which rewards journalists and serves to improve the entire marine communications process.
• Welcome reception at all BWI meetings and Newsmaker events. BWI draws on supporting members whenever appropriate to serve on panels or forums that make news.
Latest News
- BWI Webinar: Contracts & Legal Issues
December 9, 2011 
0 Comments - Writing Contest Open for Entries!
November 11, 2011 0 Comments - IBEX & Innovations
October 18, 2011 0 Comments - BWI Agenda for Lauderdale Show
October 18, 2011 0 Comments - Best New Marine Electronics
October 14, 2011 0 Comments
Feed yourself!
Subscribe to our blog RSS Feed
News Categories
News Tags
Get in touch
We will be happy to hear from you, no matter the subject.For contacting us please use our contact page or the info below.
Phone: (847) 736-4142
Email: info@bwi.org
Address: BWI, 108 9th St., Wilmette, IL 60091 USA