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CLUB OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Overseas Press Club of America founded in 1939 in New York City by a group of foreign correspondents are to maintain an international association of journalists working in the United States and abroad to encourage the highest standards of professional integrity and skill in the reporting of news to help educate a new generation of journalists to contribute to the freedom and independence of journalists and the press throughout the world, and to work toward better communication and understanding among people.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND DUES

New members must pay a one-time $25 initiation fee, which is included in the totals below. Members 29 and under are exempt from the initiation fee. Please click on the appropriate “Apply” button below and fill out the electronic form.

If you encounter technical problems with this digital application form, please download the PDF version linked below, fill it out, and email it to info@opcofamerica.org. Do not try to fill out the PDF in your browser. You can also print it out, fill it out manually, and email a copy of the scan.

PDF Version of the OPC Application Form >>

Active

Candidates must be presently engaged in journalistic work as their principal professional activity and source of earned income.

This category includes working journalists, foreign correspondents, stringers and freelancers as well as publishers, editors, reporters, writers, columnists, bloggers, photographers camerapeople, newscasters, commentators and others of equivalent position and editorial authority.

ACTIVE RESIDENT & NON RESIDENT

a. working journalists who have been employed by, and freelancers frequently published by, established news organizations for at least two cumulative years.

b. authors of professional works of journalism especially on foreign affairs.

ACTIVE OVERSEAS

a. foreign correspondents who are on assignment abroad as full-time staff members of established news organizations.

b. frequently published freelancers and stringers employed abroad by established news organizations.


RESIDENT
NON- RESIDENT
OVERSEAS

29 or under	30-34	over 34
$20 Active Young Resident	$125 Active Young Resident	$400 Active Resident
$20 Active Young Non-Resident	$125 Active Young Non-Resident	$200 Active Non-Resident
$20 Active Young Overseas	$125 Active Young Overseas	$200 Active Overseas

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Associate

ASSOCIATE RESIDENT & NON RESIDENT

a. not currently working in a fulltime journalistic capacity, buthaving previously accumulated minimum of two years with established news organizations.

b. journalists employed by government owned news organizations.

c. public information and public relations representatives of agencies of national governments or intergovernmental organizations.

d. professional editors, publishers and agents of nonfiction books, especially those dealing with international affairs.

e. current representatives of non-profit organizations involved with newsworthy activities of interest to the Club.

f. journalism professors.

ASSOCIATE OVERSEAS

Same as above, but living outside the United States.


RESIDENT
NON- RESIDENT
OVERSEAS

29 or under	30-34	over 34
$20 Associate Young Resident	$125 Associate Young Resident	$400 Associate Resident
$20 Associate Young Non-Resident	$125 Associate Young Non-Resident	$200 Associate Non-Resident
$20 Associate Young Overseas	$125 Associate Young Overseas	$200 Associate Overseas

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Student*

Retired*

Affiliate*

Registered student in a graduate or undergraduate journalism school.

Active or Associate residents who are fully retired from income-earning activity may be eligible for Retired status and a reduction in dues, and should submit a written request to the Admissions Committee.

Affiliate membership may be offered by one or more members of the Board of Governors to those whose business or professional work involves a close relationship with or interest in the field of journalism and to diplomatic or other government officials whose association with the Club will advance its objectives.

*registered
$20
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*officially retired
$175
Apply

*non-journalist
$525
Apply

REINSTATEMENT

Former members of the OPC who wish to apply for reinstatement must send a letter to the Admissions Committee stating the facts of their current professions al status and any pertinent information including approximate dates of their former membership. The initiation fee will be waived, but a new application form must be submitted so that the Club has a current record. Each application will be considered on an individual basis with the category of reinstated membership corresponding to the applicants present occupation.

AFFILIATE MEMBER (NON-VOTING)

$100 Initiation Fee must accompany the application.
Dues payable annually on October 1: $500.

DEFINITIONS

RESIDENT : lives or has a principal place of business within a 50-mile radius of Columbus Circle, New York City, according to a special map published by the Hagstrom Map Company.

NON-RESIDENT: lives or works beyond the 50-mile radius as defined above.

ESTABLISHED NEWS ORGANIZATION: includes recognized and (regularly) established print and electronic news agencies, newspapers, press syndicates, broadcasting networks and stations and magazines. It does not include promotional publications or house organs of any government, organization or movement.