The association is dedicated to helping members advance editorial excellence, financial viability, professional development, and a high standard of publication quality and community leadership. WNPA represents about 89 community newspapers in Washington state. It is the successor to the Washington Press Association, founded in 1887 by newspapers in Dayton, Ellensburg, Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima and W
alla Walla. In accordance with its bylaws, WNPA offers four types of membership. While publications must meet certain criteria to join, Regular Members are general-interest community newspapers that publish at least twice a month. Associate Members are either general-interest or niche publications and publish at least monthly. Affiliate Members include businesses and educational institutions that are not in the newspaper business but have related interests. Honorary Life Membership is awarded to publishers who have been a regular member of WNPA for 35 years and are still active in that capacity, and to other individuals the Board of Trustees wishes to honor. The Executive Committee and Board of Trustees meet at least quarterly to manage the association's work.
