The Jazz Journalists Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the best use of media of all kinds –new and old, online and off– to tell the story of jazz and develop new jazz audiences. The JJA conducts online training programs for new and veteran journalists and has also produced mini-conferences, panel discussions, “critics clinics,” book signings and social events at jazz festivals, educational institutions and performance venues. The JJA sustains a mentorship program for emerging jazz journalists as well as networking and individual consulting services for all members.
The JJA Jazz Awards, given annually since 1997, are awards for excellence in journalism as well as musicianship. Local “Jazz Hero” awards are also given to community jazz activists and local parties and meetups are held in many communities as part of the yearly Awards celebration.