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Welcome to the Outdoor Writers of Canada's website.
I guess there's no better way to introduce you to the OWC than to tell you a
little bit about us.
The Outdoor Writers of Canada is a national organization of professional
communicators specializing in the outdoor field. The membership includes
writers, artists, photographers, cinematographers, lecturers, broadcasters,
public relations consultants, and government information officers.
They come from Nova Scotia to B.C., from Southern Ontario to the N.W.T., and the
U.S. and Europe. Should you elect to join the Outdoor Writers of Canada, it
will be at a time when significant and exciting changes are flowing through the
organization. You will soon find that the cost of membership is small in
comparison to the benefits offered by OWC.
The mission of the OWC executive over the next several years is to develop
strategies that truly reflect the wants and needs of our members. This will
include maintaining high levels of professionalism and ethics within our ranks.
It is quite common and natural for prospective members to ask the question,
"what's in it for me for $85, or $35 for a Student Membership?" My response to
this question is that the benefits you get out of any organization are directly
proportionate to what you are willing to put in. Many members find that having
access to our bi-monthly newsletter, Inside Outdoors, and the chance to
exchange views with other writers, fills their personal needs. Some like the
networking and craft improvement aspect of our national convention that is
hosted by a different Canadian city each spring. Others take a much more active
role by getting involved in committee work or becoming a member of the Board of
Directors. These positions can be a lot of work but the rewards more than make
up for the efforts.
When asked, in a recent survey, how they benefited from membership in OWC, our
members responded with the following:
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Over $7,500 in awards presented yearly
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Networking with others of like mind
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Access to a database of members and corporate supporters
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Craft improvement articles and advice
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A completely updated website (March 2006)
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Exposure to markets, publications, and editor
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The OWC Listserv
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Story opportunities.
Over the next few years, we will also be putting a great deal of emphasis on
market opportunities for our members. We recently implemented a Student
Membership to encourage younger writers to get involved in the field of outdoor
writing. The only stipulation for qualification is that the applicant must be
enrolled in an institution of higher learning, pursuing a course of study
related to the outdoors and/or communications.
Their dues are only $35.00 per year and new members are welcome to participate
with our Mentor Program. Under the program any new member who wishes assistance
will be paired with an experienced writer for one year to critique their work.
Rigid qualifications for membership maintain our professional status and ensure
accurate, unbiased representation to the public.
As a prospective member of OWC, you will be expected to meet our requirements
of professionalism, uphold our creed and abide by our code of ethics.
In return, OWC will endeavor to assist you to improve your craft, provide
updated information for your use, and introduce you to other professionals in
the field.
Yours in the outdoors,
Bill Thompson
OWC Executive Director
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