Membership and Benefits
Thank you for your interest in the Construction Writers Association (CWA)! You will find information on the membership types, CWA Fact Sheet, membership application, and other important information here to consider when becoming a CWA member. Your CWA membership offers many opportunities for professional growth and recognition to build an exciting career!
Who can join CWA?
CWA is open to any professionally qualified person who writes or edits construction news or who develops construction information. CWA presently draws its membership from professional and trade publications; industry companies, freelance professional writers; public relations and marketing communications firms; government agencies; construction equipment and building materials manufacturers; and industry associations.
The Construction Writers Association, founded in 1958, is a non-profit, non-partisan, international organization for journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, and photography professionals serving the information needs of the architectural, engineering and construction industry. By providing opportunities for networking, education, and recognition, CWA helps foster a strong community—and improves the quality of construction writing.
The founders of CWA recognized the need for a professional organization that:
- Lends prestige and professional status to editors, journalists, communications, and public relations professionals that cover news of activities and report on developments in construction, the largest, most dynamic industry in the world.
- Enhances the public's image regarding the construction industry through authoritative, accurate, and unbiased reporting of construction activities and developments.
- Helps improve the quality of reporting, writing, editing and photography that appears in the construction business press, press releases concerning construction events, and marketing material promoting construction services and products.
- Provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and information sources among professional journalists and public relations professionals serving the construction industry.
- Establishes an interactive communications network that links the construction business press with design and construction firms, equipment manufacturers and distributors, materials producers and suppliers, building trades and construction unions, professional and technical societies, trade associations, and government information offices.
The result was forming an organization to provide a forum for communications professionals in all segments of the construction industry to connect with other professionals and enhance skills through education. Utilizing the latest technologies, CWA provides ever-improving services to a diverse mix of members nationwide.
Top Ten Reasons to Join the Construction Writers Association
- Networking. Take advantage of networking opportunities with professionals in the construction industry at CWA meetings, conferences, and receptions at trade shows including members only events.
- Educational Opportunities. You can never stop learning new communication techniques or the latest technologies or about the latest information about the industry that impacts your day-to-day assignments at CWA’s conferences, meetings, and events.
- Industry Updates. CWA regularly brings in some of the industry’s best speakers for the annual conference and the fall conference. This is a great chance to hear what’s happening from the people who are shaping the construction industry.
- Awards Programs. Have your work recognized through CWA’s award programs, including journalism, marketing communications, photography, writing, and website communications projects. There are over ten awards offered annually at the conferences.
- Job Opportunities. Learn about new job opportunities on the CWA Web site — that includes freelance writing possibilities and receives notices on current opportunities.
- Newsletter. Keep in touch with what’s happening in CWA, its members, and the industry as a whole with the quarterly CWA e-zine, CWA eXchange.
- Members Area. Access a members only database of current CWA members to stay in touch with colleagues or find a contact-24 hours/7 days week. Your e-mail address and your company website are available for members through this portal.
- Tours. CWA members have the opportunity to tour some fantastic construction sites or completed projects to see first-hand current architectural, engineering and construction projects.
- Sponsorships. Expand your company’s presence and recognition among key contacts in the industry by sponsoring CWA meetings, receptions, or award programs.
- Web site updates and industry links. The CWA Web site provides members with a complete list of important industry links, industry calendar of events, and up-to-date information on what’s happening in the construction market. This information is compiled in one area to save members time from researching multiple sites.
What Members Are Saying
The Construction Writers Association creates a forum for sharing ideas, information and resources with a network of professionals while making new friends and having fun.
Here is what some of our members have to say…
"When you are honored with a CWA award, you truly feel a sense of accomplishment. Recognition by your peers for
a job well done… nothing could be better."
— Susan Garritano, Public Relations Manager, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
"The conferences that I have attended have only increased my industry IQ."
— Bill Wilson, Editorial Director, Roads & Bridges magazine
"I have made new friends by attending the meetings twice a year, and the contacts I have made have been very
beneficial to the association I work for."
— Tracie Christie, Director of Awards & Marketing, National Asphalt Pavement Association
"My check for membership renewal in CWA is enclosed. It's the best $100 I could possibly spend. The networking,
professional support and new business I have received by being a member of CWA is worth far more than this or any
dollar amount”
— Marge O'Connor, TMC Resources, Incorporated
"I can find help with any business problem or question in minutes by calling my CWA colleagues."
— Mike Reilly, Principal, Reilly Communications
CWA has four types of membership:
1. Member- This membership is also called an “individual membership.” An individual membership is available to eligible professionals that are personnel, either staff employees or freelancers, principally engaged in writing or editing material relating to construction news or marketing materials for publications, internet sites, private and public contracting companies, professional industry associations or other construction industry stakeholders. This membership remains with the individual regardless of employment status within construction-related industries. This is a voting membership.
2. Affiliate Member- An affiliate member is a person who was previously eligible as a voting member, but who has changed principal occupation or no longer qualifies for voting classification. Such person may continue as an Affiliate Member upon the approval of the Board of Directors. Also upon the approval of the Board of directors, qualified for Affiliate Membership are special subcategories for which full membership is not desired or required, such as students or people based overseas. This is a non-voting membership.
3. Honorary Member- An honorary member is a member of the profession achieving special recognition for outstanding leadership and service, as approved by action of the Board of directors. This is a non-voting membership.
4. Corporate Member- A corporate membership is available to any company, firm or organization and entitles the company or organization up to two (non-voting) members as designated by them. This membership is transferable within the company. This is a non-voting membership.
Membership Dues
As part of your membership, you will be asked to select one category for the member directory:
- Association
- Company
- Freelance Professional
- Publication
This information will appear in the membership directory with your contact information and permits searchable options to users which is an added benefit of your membership.
You can also have your website linked to the membership directory and on the Industry Links pages. You will be asked to submit a short description of your firm for the website listing on the membership form if you check this added benefit.
Become a CWA member today and begin to enjoy one of the most exciting fields in the industry!
The Construction Writers Association, founded in 1958, is a non-profit, non-partisan, international organization for journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, and photography professionals serving the information needs of the architectural, engineering and construction industry. By providing opportunities for networking, education, and recognition, CWA helps foster a strong community—and improves the quality of construction writing. If you have any questions, please contact the CWA office or write us at info@constructionwriters.org.
Deborah J. Hodges
Executive Director
Construction Writers Association
P.O. Box 14784
Chicago, Illinois 60614
773-687-8726
info@constructionwriters.org