1. Eligibility for Membership

• To be eligible for membership in the IUJ, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1.1 Professional Journalists

• Must be currently employed or have verifiable experience as a journalist, reporter, editor, photojournalist, or media professional.
• Must adhere to recognized ethical journalism standards (e.g., IFJ Code of Ethics).

1.2 Freelance Journalists

• Must have published a minimum number of verified articles, photos, or broadcasts within the last 12 months.
• Must submit work samples and references from at least two credible media organizations.

1.3 Student Members

• Must be enrolled in an accredited journalism or media studies program.
• Requires endorsement from an academic advisor or department head.

1.4 Associate Members

• Individuals working in media advocacy, journalism education, press freedom, or related fields may be eligible for non-voting associate membership.

2. Categories of Membership

• VIP Member: Voting rights, access to all IUJ resources, and eligibility for committee roles.
• Members: No voting rights; access to publications and limited events.

3. Application Process

• Submit a completed application form online or via approved channels.
• Provide required documentation (ID, press credentials, work samples, etc.).
• Pay the applicable membership fee (see Section 5).
• Applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee within 30 days.

4. Membership Obligations

All members must:

• Uphold the principles of press freedom, journalistic integrity, and ethical reporting.
• Abide by IUJ’s constitution, code of conduct, and policies.
• Pay annual dues in a timely manner.
• Participate in general meetings when required.

5. Membership Fee:

• Membership is free.
• VIP members to pay. (200euro)

6. Termination or Suspension of Membership

Membership may be suspended or terminated if a member:

• Violates journalistic ethics or IUJ policies.
• Engages in actions that damage the union’s reputation.
• Members have the right to appeal disciplinary actions through a formal grievance process.

7. Renewal and Reinstatement

• Membership is renewable annually.

8. Rights and Benefits

VIP Members are entitled to:

• Press freedom advocacy and legal support (where applicable).
• Medical support (where applicable).
• Professional development opportunities (workshops, training).
• Networking, job boards, and international collaboration.
• Voting rights (as per category).
• Representation at international forums and policy events.
• International Media card and ownership letter.
• With international media card free access to selected museums and galeries around the world if afterwards write a nice article about that place and send it to us and the institution which visited within one week.
• Opportunity to interview famous people (singers and musicians after concerts) through our partner organizations.
• Opportunity to share high quality articles in English on international level
• 30% discount on service fee for opening 100% gold-backed saving account provided by IBISinGOLD Group, one of the largest European provider of gold based in the Czech Republic, which send you the gold home or very safely store it in Czech – unlike in the bank, YOU own the gold, not company or bank. (All service available in English)

9. Code of Conduct

All members must:

• Respect diversity, inclusion, and freedom of expression.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and uphold transparency.
• Report misuse of IUJ resources or violations anonymously, if needed.
• work in alignment with TRUTH and the INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE (or said in different way: work for the TRUTH and for THE PEOPLE)

Note: Membership is subject to approval by the local representative of IUJ.