How to Become a Member of the North Carolina Press Association

To join the North Carolina Press Association (NCPA), start from the "Become a member" link in the site's main navigation, which leads to the NCPA Membership section. From there you can submit a membership request and, once you are a member, request a PRESS pass and decal, use the Member Services Guide, sign up for the ePress Bulletin, and access member benefits such as the NCPA Federal Credit Union. The site does not publish membership criteria, dues, or an online application form in the captured content, so treat the membership page as the starting point and confirm eligibility and cost with NCPA staff before assuming you qualify.

What the site gives you before you apply

The NCPA describes itself as "supporting the public's right to know since 1873" and organizes its membership into visible categories. These categories tell you where you likely fit:

If your organization matches one of these groups, the membership path is the same: go to the membership section and submit a request. If none fits, contact the association before applying.

Step-by-step: requesting membership

1. Open the membership section. From the homepage navigation, select "Become a member" (the menu also lists "NCPA Membership"). This is the entry point for new members; the site does not show a separate public signup form in the captured pages.
2. Identify your member category. Use the table above to decide whether you are applying as a newspaper, online outlet, associate, collegiate, or another listed type. This determines what information staff will ask you for.
3. Submit a membership request. The site's membership area includes a request path for membership. Because the captured content does not show the form fields, prepare the basics: publication or organization name, your role, contact email, and website.
4. Confirm with staff. The site lists a contact route through "Our staff" and names Executive Director Philip Lucey ([email protected]) in a press release. Use the staff contact page to confirm dues, eligibility, and next steps.
5. Expected result: Once approved, you gain access to member resources, including the Member Services Guide, ePress Bulletin signup, and the PRESS pass request.

Requesting a PRESS pass and decal

The navigation includes a dedicated "Request a PRESS pass and decal" item. This is a member service, so request it after your membership is confirmed. A PRESS pass and decal identify you as press when covering events or accessing public meetings; the site does not describe the application requirements, so ask staff what documentation they need (for example, an assignment letter or publication ID).

Member Services Guide and ePress Bulletin

• Member Services Guide: listed under Member Resources. Use it as your reference for what the association offers members; the captured content does not detail its contents.
• ePress Bulletin: the site invites members to "Sign up for ePress Bulletin." This is the association's member newsletter; sign up through the link in the member area to receive updates on contests, conventions, and press-freedom news.

NCPA Federal Credit Union

The navigation lists the "NCPA Federal Credit Union" as a member-linked service. The site does not state eligibility rules or rates, so contact the credit union or NCPA staff to confirm whether membership in the association qualifies you to join.

Other resources you can use once you are in

• Legal Hotline: a member service listed in the main navigation for legal questions related to newsgathering.
• NC Media Law Handbook: described as an online resource for reporters, editors, and practitioners, with continuous updates.
• Public notices and newspaper directory: tools to find public notices and locate member newspapers.
• Contests and convention: the site highlights the 2026 NCPA Editorial and Advertising Awards and a 2026 convention, which are member-facing events.

Common sticking points

• No published dues or criteria. The captured site content does not list membership fees or eligibility rules. Do not assume membership is free; confirm with staff.
• Membership vs. services. PRESS passes, the Legal Hotline, and the credit union are member benefits. Requesting them before your membership is confirmed will likely be redirected.
• Category mismatch. If your outlet is digital-only, check the "Online members" category rather than the newspaper category before submitting.
• Contact first if unsure. The staff page and the executive director's email are the reliable route for questions the site does not answer.