Frequently Asked Questions

What are the membership dues?
Until the present, there are no dues.  However, AMEJA does need money and accepts donations from individuals or foundations.

Is AMEJA an Islamic organization?   
No.  While a large percentage of members are of Muslim heritage, AMEJA is a completely secular organization.  Our members and supporters are of many faiths.

I notice that a lot of events take place in New York.   Do you do anything outside of New York?  
The organization was founded in NY and the majority of its current board members live and work in the NY area.  However, AMEJA events have taken place elsewhere and chapters established in Los Angeles and Dubai. We very much encourage members outside of NY to hold events, professional, educational, or social, under the AMEJA banner.   And, if there is something anyone thinks AMEJA might co-sponsor, for example, a lecture at a local university or international affairs club, please bring it to our attention.   Co-sponsorship is a great way to get local AMEJA members together and get  AMEJA’s name out there for very little effort or cost.

I don’t cover Middle Eastern politics.  In fact, I don’t cover politics at all.  Does it make sense for me to join (or can I)?
Absolutely, AMEJA is for professional journalists covering all topics.  On our board we have journalists specializing in financial journalism, crime and police, public affairs, international affairs, gastronomy, and the arts.

I am a Pakistani journalist working in Lahore for a national Pakistani paper. Can I join AMEJA?
Full AMEJA membership with voting rights is limited to journalists outside the US or Canada provided that they are working for a US or Canadian media organization.  However, you can apply to be an associate member of AMEJA.  

I want to start an AMEJA chapter in my city.  How do I do so?
Contact the AMEJA board, board@ameja.org, and we’ll help put you in touch with other journalist members in your area.   Starting a chapter is easy.  You just have to get together with members periodically and adhere to AMEJA’s standards.

Can bloggers join?
That depends.   Blogging has obviously become an integral part of many journalistic enterprises, in some cases, replacing “traditional” bricks and mortar journalism.   Bloggers who demonstrate journalistic integrity in their writing and a serious dedication to their blog are encouraged to apply for full membership.   More occasional bloggers can apply for associate membership.

What’s the difference between an Associate member and a Regular Member?
Full members can vote in AMEJA elections and hold office.   Associate members cannot.   Currently, bona fide AMEJA members have been afforded discounts to conferences of other peer organizations such as SAJA (South Asian Journalists Association), AAJA (Asian American Journalists Association), UNITY (a conference of peer “identity” organizations), and have opportunities for collaboration with other professional journalist organization.   As AMEJA develops, there will be other benefits to full membership.  

I work in the advertising department of a local TV station.  Can I join AMEJA?
If you are interested in AMEJA, we encourage you to apply for membership.   Decisions about the appropriate type of membership will be made on a case-by-case basis, but, if you work for a media company, you are a good candidate.