Become a member of the IIJ today!
Since 2023, the IIJ has been serving independent journalists of color across the U.S. with free and low-cost programming designed with freelancers in mind. Our strategies are time-tested, and our methods adapt to the changing industry landscape. An IIJ membership helps keep your freelancing smart and sustainable by giving you access to:
Monthly drop-in coaching sessions with IIJ leaders
Guides for pitching a diverse range of media outlets, including Bloomberg, the New York Times, Marketplace, Mother Jones, Science Friday, and Slate.
Live monthly webinars that connect you to assigning editors from outlets like New York Magazine, MIT Technology Review, and National Geographic.
Discounted registration for the annual IIJ conference, our Business of Freelancing course, and the Business of Freelancing Workshop.
Exclusive previews of new IIJ projects
A library of nearly 80 panels and Q&A’s interviews with assigning editors from the Associated Press, KFF Health News, USA Today…and many more!
These kinds of insights will help you to perfect your pitches, expand your client list, and increase your earning potential. This membership practically pays for itself!
Friend
Unlimited access to our archive of past pitch guides and videos
Access to live monthly webinars and monthly drop-in coaching sessions
10% discount to all paid IIJ events, including the 8-week business course and the annual conference
$90 annual contribution
Stakeholder
Unlimited access to IIJ videos and guides, including the newest additions
Access to live monthly webinars and drop-in coaching sessions
20% discount to all paid IIJ events, including the 8-week business course and the annual conference
$190 annual contribution
Founding Member
All the benefits of Friends and Stakeholders, plus lifetime acknowledgement on the IIJ website, conference program, and signage at events
A shoutout on the Freelance Journalism Podcast
$190 annual contribution + $300 one-time contribution
Cornerstone Gift
Lifetime membership with all of the aforementioned benefits along with our eternal gratitude
Gifts of $2,000 and up
Why become a member?
In 2025, the IIJ served nearly 3,000 independent journalists with education, advocacy, and professional development. Hear what some of those journalists have to say:
“The biggest lesson from the conference was probably that freelancing is actually possible. It wasn't just aspirational. It showed the second step, the third step, fourth step.” - Miriam Bosilijevac
“Thanks to your guide, I have successfully set up an LLC with a business account, and I’ve landed several clients to get my content creation company started. IIJ’s guide didn’t just give me the tools to kick off my new career. It gave me the confidence to let me know I could.” - Giselle Greenwood
“This is one of the best conferences I've attended in a while. As a mid-career journalist, a working parent, it is hard to attend in-person conferences. The breadth and range of speakers and topics was invaluable for journalists, no matter where you are in your career.” - 2026 conference attendee
Frequently Asked Questions
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We need to adjust our business model to ensure our resources remain available to independent journalists worldwide in the years to come.
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We still want to strive to make our events and resources as accessible as possible while also balancing the challenges of the current economic climate. Our pricing for the annual conference, the eight-week Business of Freelancing course, and the one-day Business of Freelancing workshop will stay affordable, though members will be entitled to an additional discount. Our in-person meetups at journalism conferences will always be free of charge for freelancers. Non-members can still enjoy our weekly newsletter full of freelance opportunities, the Freelance Journalism Podcast, the Freelance Quick Start Guide, and take advantage of our Slack community.
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No, non-members are still welcome to attend monthly webinars for a fee. Registration for the annual conference, Business of Freelancing Workshop or 8-week Business of Freelancing Course will also remain open to non-members at full price.
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After September 1, 2026, our full video archive will become available exclusively to members.
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IIJ leaders will hold a monthly one-hour drop-in call exclusively for members, addressing topics suggested by the community. Members will have the opportunity to receive advice on their freelance business practices from a cohort of accomplished journalists, published authors, journalism professors, and entrepreneurs.
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We also accept one-time donations through Stripe, as well as…