Bylaws of the White House Foreign Correspondents’ Association
Article I - Name and Purpose
Section 1. Name
The name of this unincorporated association shall be the White House Foreign Correspondents’ Association (WHFCA) (the “Association”).
Section 2. Organizational Status
The Association is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, unincorporated membership association organized exclusively for journalistic, educational, and professional purposes. It is not organized for profit and shall not engage in political campaigning or endorsement. No part of its net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any individual.
Section 3. Purpose
The purposes of the Association are to:
Represent and support foreign correspondents accredited to cover the White House, the U.S. President, and the Executive Branch for non-U.S. audiences.
Safeguard and advocate for access to White House facilities, briefings, pools, travel, and related governmental institutions.
Uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity, independence, and ethics.
Serve as a professional liaison between foreign correspondents and the White House Press Office, U.S. government entities, and relevant institutions.
Facilitate pooled coverage, operational coordination, professional development, and peer support.
Promote understanding of U.S. governance and policy for international audiences through accurate and contextual reporting.
Article II - Offices and Jurisdiction
Section 1. Principal Office
The principal office of the Association shall be in Washington, D.C. Meetings may be held in person or by electronic means.
Section 2. Governing Law
The Association shall operate under applicable laws of the District of Columbia governing unincorporated nonprofit associations.
Article III - Membership
Section 1. Eligibility
Membership is open to bona fide journalists and media professionals who:
Work primarily for foreign (non-U.S.) news organizations serving predominantly non-U.S. audiences; and
According to their tier, are required to hold one or more of the following credentials:
White House Press Office;
U.S. Department of State / Foreign Press Center;
U.S. Congress (appropriate gallery);
Adhere to these Bylaws and the WHFCA Code of Ethics.
Section 2. Membership Tiers
Tier 1 - Full Members
Eligibility: Primary White House correspondents or bureau chiefs covering the White House at least three (3) days per week and holding a White House hard pass, State Department/FPC ID, and Congressional ID under the same news organization.
Rights: Full voting rights; eligibility to hold office; eligibility for pool rotation.
Dues: USD 50 annually.
Tier 2 - Associate Members
Eligibility: Journalists covering the White House on a partial or rotating basis, including holders of temporary or short-term credentials.
Rights: Participation in Association activities and committees; no voting rights; not eligible to hold elected office.
Dues: USD 25 annually.
Tier 3 - Affiliate Members
Eligibility: Editors, producers, contributors, or journalists based outside Washington.
Rights: Non-voting; not eligible for office; participation in programs as available.
Dues: USD 15 annually.
Emeritus Members
Eligibility: Former Full or Associate Members who have retired from active reporting.
Rights: Non-voting unless otherwise granted by the Executive Committee.
Honorary Members
Eligibility: Individuals recognized for exceptional service to foreign journalism, elected by the Executive Committee.
Rights: Non-voting unless expressly stated.
Membership fees are valid for one year and may be increased by vote of the Executive Committee.
Section 3. Admission
Applications shall be submitted in the manner prescribed by the Membership & Ethics Committee and approved by that Committee, subject to appeal to the Executive Committee.
Section 4. Termination and Discipline
Membership may be suspended or terminated for:
Violation of these Bylaws or the Code of Ethics;
Misrepresentation of credentials or affiliation;
Non-payment of dues after ninety (90) days’ written notice;
Conduct materially prejudicial to the mission or reputation of the Association.
Due process shall include written notice, an opportunity to respond, and a written decision.
Article IV - Governance Structure
Section 1. Governing Bodies
The Association shall be governed by:
The Executive Committee, which also serves as the Board of Directors;
The Membership & Ethics Committee;
Standing and ad hoc committees as established under these Bylaws.
Section 2. Executive Committee (Board of Directors)
The Executive Committee shall be the principal governing and fiduciary body of the Association and shall act as its Board of Directors for all purposes permitted under District of Columbia law applicable to unincorporated nonprofit associations.
The Executive Committee shall consist of eight (8) members and shall include the following elected officers:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Four (4) Members-at-Large
All members of the Executive Committee must be Tier 1 (Full) Members in good standing.
Section 3. Authority, Flexibility, and Responsibilities of the Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall have full authority to manage the affairs of the Association between meetings of the General Membership, with sufficient flexibility to respond effectively to the evolving operational, logistical, and professional needs of the White House foreign press corps, including but not limited to:
Implementing and enforcing these Bylaws and the Code of Ethics;
Establishing, modifying, and suspending policies governing pooled coverage, operations, credentials coordination, and member conduct as circumstances require;
Representing the Association in dealings with the White House Press Office, U.S. government agencies, foreign embassies, international institutions, and partner organizations;
Overseeing finances, approving budgets, authorizing expenditures, and ensuring financial accountability;
Appointing committee chairs and members, except where otherwise specified;
Acting as the final appellate body for membership and ethics decisions;
Managing institutional, contractual, and legal matters;
Filling officer and committee vacancies in accordance with these Bylaws;
Adopting interim rules or emergency procedures when operational necessity requires, subject to later ratification by the membership.
A majority of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum, and actions shall require a majority vote unless otherwise specified.
Article V - Officers
Section 1. Duties
President:
Provides strategic leadership; presides at meetings; represents the Association officially; serves as primary liaison with the White House Press Office and other government entities; speaks on behalf of the Association when authorized; and ensures implementation of policies and decisions adopted by the Executive Committee.
Vice President:
Assists the President; performs duties delegated by the President or Executive Committee; coordinates special projects and initiatives; and acts in the President’s absence or incapacity.
Secretary:
Maintains accurate records of meetings; prepares and preserves minutes; maintains membership rolls; issues notices; manages official correspondence; ensures proper record retention; and certifies official Association documents when required.
Treasurer:
Serves as the chief financial officer of the Association; oversees all financial operations; maintains accurate financial accounts and records; collects dues; deposits funds; disburses funds as authorized; prepares annual budgets; presents regular financial reports to the Executive Committee and membership; ensures compliance with applicable financial and tax regulations; and arranges for any required audits or financial reviews.
Section 2. Term of Office
Officers serve two-year terms and may serve no more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office.
Section 3. Vacancies
Vacancies shall be filled by a special election or by interim appointment by the Executive Committee, as determined by the Executive Committee, until the next regular election.
Article VI - Elections
Section 1. Election Cycle
Elections for all elected positions shall be held every two (2) years at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Section 2. Positions Subject to Election
The following positions shall be filled by election:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Four (4) Members-at-Large
The Treasurer shall be chosen from among the elected members of the Executive Committee by a majority vote of the Executive Committee following the election and assumption of office.
Section 3. Eligibility to Vote and Hold Office
Only Tier 1 (Full) Members in good standing whose dues are fully paid at least thirty (30) days prior to the election shall be eligible to vote or to hold elected office.
Section 4. Nominating Committee
A Nominating Committee of three (3) members shall be appointed by the Executive Committee no later than ninety (90) days before the AGM.
Section 5. Election Procedures
Elections shall be conducted by electronic secret ballot.
Article VII - Meetings
Section 1. Annual General Meeting
The Association shall hold one (1) AGM on the third Monday of each January. Additional general meetings may be called with at least fifteen (15) days’ notice.
Section 2. Quorum
A quorum for membership meetings shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of voting members. A quorum for the Executive Committee shall be a majority.
Article VIII - Membership Committees, Ad Hoc Committees and Ad Hoc Assignments
Section 1: Membership & Ethics Committee
The Membership & Ethics Committee shall be a standing committee responsible for safeguarding the professional integrity, membership standards, and ethical conduct of the Association.
Composition:
The Committee shall consist of seven (8) members.
Members shall be appointed by the Executive Committee.
All members of the Committee must be Tier 1 (Full) Members in good standing.
Members shall serve staggered two-year terms to ensure continuity.
No current officer of the Association may serve as Chair of the Committee.
Authority and Duties:
The Membership & Ethics Committee shall:
Review and decide upon all membership applications, renewals, and reclassifications;
Verify credentials and professional eligibility of applicants;
Interpret and enforce the WHFCA Code of Ethics;
Receive, review, and investigate complaints alleging ethical violations or misconduct;
Conduct confidential fact-finding and provide due process, including notice and the opportunity to respond;
Issue written findings and recommendations to the Executive Committee regarding sanctions or remedial action.
The Committee may recommend sanctions including warnings, suspension, probation, or termination of membership. Final authority for disciplinary action shall rest with the Executive Committee.
Section 2. Ad Hoc Committees
The Executive Committee may establish ad hoc committees as needed.
Section 3. Pool Coordinator - Ad Hoc Assignment
The Pool Coordinator shall be a Member-at-Large of the Executive Committee responsible for coordinating pooled coverage, operational logistics, and day-to-day reporting support for the foreign press corps.
Duties include:
Managing pool rotations and assignments;
Establishing pool reporting standards;
Coordinating with the White House Press Office on access and logistics;
Ensuring fair and equitable participation by eligible members.
Article IX - Code of Ethics
All members shall comply with the WHFCA Code of Ethics.
Article X - Finances
Section 1. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall be the calendar year.
Section 2. Use of Funds
Funds shall be used solely for Association purposes.
Article XI - Records and Transparency
The Association shall maintain accurate records. Financial summaries shall be made available annually.
Article XII - Amendments
Amendments require a two-thirds (2/3) vote.
Article XIII - Dissolution
Assets shall be transferred to a nonprofit organization with a similar journalistic mission or other charities.