Dear Visual Storytellers and Journalists,
Given the importance of ethical and accurate news to inform the public, the National Press Photographers Association is asking everyone to rally and stand together because now more than ever, truth needs an ally. This organization exists by and for our members, who motivate us to create change by promoting a community built on advocacy and action. But we can’t do it without your support.
We are kicking off Giving Tuesday with a fundraising and membership drive during the month of December.
Advocacy
Once again this year our lawyers, Mickey Osterreicher and Alicia Calzada, worked tirelessly in support of members’ rights. NPPA is currently a plaintiff in multiple lawsuits challenging unconstitutional laws and policies that affect photographers’ First Amendment rights. Our Advocacy team recently helped prevent an increase in fees for copyright registration. After several years of advocacy and grassroots efforts by a coalition that includes NPPA, the CASE Act – bipartisan legislation that would create a copyright small claims tribunal within the U.S. Copyright Office – has passed the House and is making significant progress in the Senate. “Infringement takes a direct economic toll on these small business owners, and takes time, energy and money away from their work as journalists,” Osterreicher said. In November, we explained how a federal court ruling that will protect photojournalists from suspicionless searches of their cell phones, cameras and laptops mirrors a lawsuit filed a decade ago by NPPA. And we are helping photographers navigate the legalities of drone journalism while fighting unconstitutional restrictions of newsgathering on the ground and in the air.
Other efforts include NPPA joining in amicus (friend of the court) briefs in support of many of the issues facing journalists. This year we filed an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court in support of a videographer whose copyright was infringed by the state of North Carolina; the outcome of his case will affect all photographers’ and videographers’ ability to collect from states who infringe their copyright. And we celebrated a copyright win in the Fourth Circuit where a three-judge panel agreed with our amicus brief and overturned an onerous “fair use” ruling. Multiple stories about our Advocacy work and NPPA news can be found here.
Benefits
Along with our advocacy efforts, the NPPA provides members education and training to enhance skills and a variety of benefits such as gear insurance and discounts for equipment and software. News Photographer magazine is published bimonthly and contains compelling images and thought-provoking stories along with information and insights into our profession.
We provide community support through workshops and cyber-support via social media. The NPPA is a place where members can feel empowered to continue to do the important work of holding society accountable through visual storytelling while knowing that they have a support system. For a detailed list of benefits, click here.
Renew your membership. Encourage others to join.
NPPA is offering a $20 discount to join or renew memberships of all levels through December. The code to use upon check out is NPPAGive. Memberships make great annual gifts for yourself or others to give to you. Click here to get started.
Donate to support additional programs that are provided by our sister organization, the National Press Photographers Foundation (NPPF). Consider establishing a scholarship in your name or someone else’s via the NPPF to provide training, support or funding for a student or professional toward an experience of your choice.
Merchandise
And hey, we have swag! Buy a T-shirt, tote bag, mug, leggings and become an Ally for Truth.
We want to hear from you. We want to see you.
Send us video clips telling us why the NPPA is important to you. Why did you join? Why do you love it? From these clips, we will make a reel to use on our website, on social media and in News Photographer magazine promotions.
Send us a video clip of yourself or colleague(s) at work in the field. Horizontal, please! And no longer than 30 seconds! Answer these questions for the script:
Remember, video must be horizontal and no longer than 30 seconds! Upload/Send the clip to NPPA Testimonials.
The NPPA exists for you and because of you. Your membership makes us, the Voice of Visual Journalists, that much stronger and your support is crucial for the success of our ongoing efforts because truth needs an ally.
Thank you.
Sincerely.
Akili Casundria-Ramsess
Executive Director, NPPA
NPPA board members, front row: Melissa Lyttle, Kyle Grantham, Michael P. King, Carolyn Hall Jensen, Marie De Jesús, Andrew Stanfill. Standing, from left: Mickey Osterreicher, Marlena Sloss, Eve Edelheit, Patrick Fallon, Eric Seals, Catherine Steward, Ross Taylor, Alicia Wagner Calzada, Akili Ramsess, Brent Lewis as the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, January 2019 Board Meeting in Athens, Georgia. Not pictured: Katie Schoolov and Brad Smith | Photo by Sue Morrow
