Originally founded as the Modern Media Institute in 1978, the Poynter Institute has gone through many phases in its history. Growing to encompass traditional media such as newspapers and broadcast journalism, the organization has become an educational leader for online reporting and social media best practices. Now, the longstanding conduit for best-in-class journalism is embarking on its next initiative: membership.

Today, the institute unveiled the Poynter Prepared Membership program, which features three tiers.

• Poynter Perks: The lowest tier of membership gives individuals a 20 percent discount on training, access to one of the organization’s Master Class lessons, early event registration and three News U courses.
• Poynter Plus: Everything from the perks tier, plus additional Master Classes and NewsU courses.
• Poynter 365: All of the above, and four private coaching sessions with Poynter’s experts.

Regardless of the tier chosen, Poynter is certain that it can justify the cost of its membership by offering unique, tangible benefits.

“The Poynter Prepared Membership Program will give journalists, educators, students and storytellers access to a wide range of affordable training that will help them achieve their career goals,” Poynter President Tim Franklin said in a statement. “And, significantly, our highest membership tier will provide participants with one-on-one coaching sessions with our world-class faculty experts in areas like writing, editing, broadcasting, digital storytelling, social media and leadership.”

But, as all membership associations know, success ultimately hinges on follow-through, so keep an eye on Poynter’s efforts to see how a successful organization tackles the unique challenges of membership.

Framework of the Day:

Here's a closer look at the skills addressed in the @CGMA competency framework. #AICPAGC15 pic.twitter.com/Tayr3cMLFG

— Bill Sheridan, CAE, CPT (@BillSheridan) October 20, 2015

The American Institute of CPAs may be all about helping accountants, but the lessons of the organization’s Chartered Global Management Accountant competency framework hold true for many other aspects of your association. For more up-to-date insights from the accounting realm, follow the #AICPAGC15 hashtag.

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(Attendees of a Poynter event in St. Petersburg, Florida. Credit: Jacob Kaplan-Moss/Flickr)