The Association for Women in Sports Media is "a volunteer-managed, 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1987 as a support network and advocacy group for
women who work in sports writing, editing, broadcast and production, and public
and media relations. Our membership of more than 600 men and women includes
professionals in the industry and students aspiring to sports media careers."
The scholarship program "promotes and increases diversity in sports media through their internship/scholarship program." Over 100 female college students have been placed in paid internships since 1990. Mary Garber (see my first blog) has an attributed award in her honor. The Mary Garber Pioneer Award is given to "individuals who have paved the way for women in sports media." The association also extends a hand to those "who encounter roadblocks on the trails yet to be blazed."
Mission Statement (Adopted February 2005): The Association for Women in Sports Media has the following objectives: to serve
as a positive advocate for women in sports media, through support services,
networking and national visibility; to mentor and assist young women entering
into sports media, through scholarships, internships and contact with
experienced members; to serve as a watchdog, promoting fair portrayal of female
professionals in sports media, encouraging diversity, positive workplace
environments and equal access to opportunities.
AWSM has a LinkedIn Group that posts about jobs on their job board, they have a Job of the Week that lists a current job available to aspiring sports journalists and they also have the option of receiving e-mail updates of the latest news in jobs, conventions, scholarships, etc.
AWSM is a great resource for women like myself that typically feel lost when it comes to pursuing a career in sports journalism. It is associations like this one that prove women are making a difference in the world of sports and that their work isn't going unnoticed. The more support women get, the more apt they will be to follow their dreams and blaze new paths in the sports industry.
