How the NUJ can recruit more students

I've been doing work experience at the NUJ for almost a week now, and I've been considering why more students don't join the NUJ.

£25 isn't much for the whole of your course, and if you wish to avoid a contempt of court or defamation action, the NUJ can give advice.

1. Most student papers are now online. Find out the address for the letters page and write a letter telling students why they should join the NUJ.

2. Type in "journalism" and the names of universities. Many journalism students have blogs and you'll be able to e-mail them through that.

3. NUJ students should be promoting the union.

Why is there no NUJ Students 2007 or 2008 blog?

Inviting NUJ officers to speak to media students and leaflet drives are two ideas.

I should "put my money where my mouth is" and be more active in promotion myself.

4. Some courses have Facebook groups, so join social networking sites and look for students there.

5. E-mail tutors for media courses asking them to promote the NUJ. Most are former/current journalists.