History

The summons by the National Federation of Press Women to "Make Washington Press Women Something to Crow About" went out for 2 p.m. in the Washington Athletic Club, May 12, 1946. Any woman in the State of Washington , "gainfully employed in press and radio activities relating to publishing, writing, producing, publicity, novel writing, editing, advertising, freelancing and what have you" was asked to join and become a charter member. This was the beginning of what became the largest Press Women's organization in the  United States in 1976 with 308 members.

In 1972 the Washington Press Women became the first state to include men in its ranks. Photographer Phil Webber of the Seattle P-I was the first 'card-carrying' Press Woman. The inclusion of men later caused the organization to change its name to Washington Press Association.

The first newsletter, " Copy Hook " was published as a 3-page mimeographed in 1946, carried as a column in the Washington Newspaper Publishers monthly magazine, then became an independent publication; now, in 2005, it has become a website.

WPA has provided networking, workshops, scholarships, a professional contest, and a contest for high school and college students.

WPA has always been active on the national level with president's and committee members. WPA hosted the national NFPW conference in Seattle in 1951, 1972, 1986, and most recently in 2005. It also hosted NFPW's Fall Board meeting in 1996. Plans are underway to make WPA's 60th year beneficial to its members with networking, workshops and contest.