About IPCNA
The India Press Club of North America (IPCNA) is a professional organization dedicated to enhancing journalistic standards and supporting individuals actively engaged in news media across North America. IPCNA operates through various chapters, with its official headquarters in New York. Operational offices may be located in any city based on the convenience of the General Secretary and President.
Definition of a Journalist
For the purposes of this organization, a journalist is defined as an individual who is legally residing in North America and is actively working in a professional capacity with a recognized newspaper, news agency, television or radio channel, or a verified online media outlet. Eligibility is based on the criteria set forth below.
Membership Eligibility
To qualify for membership:
Applicants must be legal residents of North America.
Must have a minimum of two years of professional experience in journalism or media.
Must register and apply through the official online portal.
Must agree to and abide by IPCNA’s official bylaws and policies.
A non-refundable membership fee of USD $100 for two years is required.
New members will be granted Associate Member status for the first two years and will not be eligible to vote or hold official positions during that period.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online.
Applications will be reviewed by the National President, General Secretary, and Chairman of the Advisory Board.
Applications will then be forwarded to the respective chapter for a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
The Advisory Board, which convenes quarterly, will conduct final review and approval.
Membership Conditions
Members must uphold loyalty to IPCNA and refrain from holding membership in similar organizations without prior written approval.
Members failing to pay dues are ineligible for chapter or national office positions.
Members absent for three consecutive chapter meetings must submit a written explanation to the Chapter President or Secretary. Continuation of membership will be subject to the National Advisory Board’s decision.
Membership fees are retained by the respective chapters.
Membership Review and Termination
All memberships are subject to review every two years by the National Executive Committee and the Advisory Board.
Membership shall cease upon:
Retirement (voluntary or otherwise)
Career change to a non-media field
The Advisory and Executive Boards reserve the right to suspend or revoke membership for violation of organizational ethics, dual affiliations without approval, or non-compliance with bylaws.
Chapters and Structure
Only one official chapter shall be recognized per city, with a minimum of five members.
All chapters must operate under IPCNA’s national bylaws and branding guidelines.
Chapter names will include the title “India Press Club of North America – [City Name]”, as assigned by the Advisory Board.
Each chapter must mirror the national structure:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Joint Secretary
Joint Treasurer
Optional: Auditor
Press Releases: Chapters intending to release any statement must notify the National President and Secretary in advance.
Functioning Autonomy: Chapters may adopt local rules for effective operation provided they do not contradict IPCNA’s national bylaws, mission, or constitutional objectives.
Elections and Terms
Elections for both chapter and national offices are to be held biennially during November–December, with new officials assuming office in January.
Elections should ideally be by consensus. Contested elections should be avoided where possible.
Office-bearers may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms in the same role.
Only those directly and professionally engaged in journalism are eligible for national office positions. Those in supporting or administrative roles are not eligible.
At the chapter level, the President and Secretary must be actively involved in news media work.
National Executive Structure
Office Bearers Include:
President
Vice President
General Secretary
Joint SecretaryTreasurer
Regional Vice Presidents: Chapter Presidents automatically assume the role of regional Vice Presidents.
Advisory Board
Comprised of retiring Presidents and Secretaries.
The immediate past President will serve as Chairman, and the immediate past Secretary as Vice Chairman.
The current President and Secretary will also be members of the board.
The Advisory Board is responsible for:
Membership scrutiny
Oversight of elections and appointments
Constitutional amendments
Emergency decision-making
In the event of a vacancy or disqualification in national leadership, the Advisory Board will evaluate and confirm the eligibility of successors.
Duties of National Officers
President:
Provides leadership, oversees all organizational operations, presides over meetings and official functions, and represents IPCNA in all matters.
Vice President:
Supports the President and assumes responsibilities in their absence.
General Secretary:
Maintains all records, meeting minutes, membership registers, and coordinates communication. Ensures proper documentation of assets and transactions.
Joint Secretary:
Assists the General Secretary in all administrative duties.
Treasurer:
Manages finances, maintains accounts, and operates the organization’s bank accounts in accordance with standard accounting principles.
Dissolution Clause
IPCNA may be dissolved only through a special resolution passed by at least a two-thirds majority of the total membership during an Extraordinary General Body Meeting, with 30 days’ prior notice circulated to all members.
Emergency Powers
In cases of urgency or exceptional circumstances, the Advisory Board may take necessary actions to ensure the smooth and continued functioning of IPCNA.
