Membership will be a key focus of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) this month as the organization which serves as the face and voice for the gospel/Christian music community celebrates National Gospel Music Heritage Month, according to John W. Styll, president & CEO of Gospel Music Association.

Membership supports the production of GMA Dove Awards, gospel/Christian music’s once-a-year opportunity to fully capture the national spotlight as well as valuable GMA events and professional development programs like GMA Music Week and GMA Academy events geared towards artists, songwriters, and worship leaders. A significant part of GMA’s work includes advocacy efforts and legislative work on behalf of the gospel/Christian community and genre-focused marketing campaigns to attract media and sponsorship opportunities.

Also important to GMA is preserving and promoting the history of the gospel music genre. Towards that goal, GMA joined with the Gospel Music Channel and The Recording Academy® to collaborate with the U.S. Congress to pass legislation proclaiming September 2008 as America's first-ever National Gospel Music Heritage Month, honoring gospel music for its valuable long-standing contributions to American culture.

“National Gospel Music Heritage Month gives us a unique opportunity to celebrate the cultural, spiritual and musical impact gospel music has had in this country. And, while we may focus on our heritage this month, it is our daily mission to advance the interests of all aspects of our diverse community, making it possible for the gospel to be celebrated through the powerful instrument of music,” said Styll. “We believe the value gained by membership in GMA is not only the events and services we provide, but as importantly, being part of a community focused on building lasting relationships, developing and sharpening skills, shaping the industry and maximizing opportunities.”

GMA Membership is also a prerequisite to voting in the Dove Awards. To be eligible to participate in voting for the 2009 Dove Awards, membership must be in current, good standing.

GMA’s 4000 members are agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. Among that community is Robby Shaffer of MercyMe.

"MercyMe is proud to be a part of the Gospel Music Association,” said Shaffer. “Through our membership we are able to stay connected to an organization that promotes the best Christian music on the planet. At GMA Music Week we are able to see people and artists that we may never see any other time of the year. The Gospel Music Association is a big part of the fellowship and accountability we gain with others in the Christian music industry."

Professional membership, which includes access to GMA Sound Healthcare and other benefits, carries an annual fee of $95 and is open to anyone who derives a portion of their income from gospel music. Associate membership, at $60, is for supporters of gospel music and those whose involvement in the industry does not provide them with a source of income. College Student membership is for full-time college students between the age of 18 - 24 who do not make any income at this time from gospel music and costs $25.

Complete details about GMA membership, benefits and Dove voting can be found at www.GospelMusic.org.