Acronym

Journalists are among the professionals who have taken a hard hit during this economic downturn. Just look at the closing of such revered newspapers as The Seattle Post-Intelligencer or the bankruptcy filings of The New York Times and many other media outlets.

As a result, the Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW) has been finding creative ways to help members “cope with the media transformation.” Like numerous associations, it permits unemployed members a one-time deal of discounted dues (many other organizations offer a 100% dues waiver for six months or a year), has expanded its jobs listings site (and disabled all password access requirements to allow any journalist anywhere to search the job postings site), and even launched a freelance market to unite editors with freelancers. A new listserv enables editors and media organizations to distribute work proposals to 100-plus freelance subscribers.

However, SABEW is offering something I haven’t seen before but think is a terrific idea: “a mentor for business journalists who accepted a buyout, was laid off, or otherwise put out of work by workforce cuts.”

“The aim is to help these journalists by providing advice, networking opportunities, and career development suggestions,” writes the organization.

I bet many other professional and trade associations would find significant support for such a program within their ranks. If your organization is doing something like this, I’d like to know about it. Please email me at kclarke@asaecenter.org. I’m hoping this catches on and further strengthens the mentoring programs so many organizations already have.