As of 2016, it has approximately 250 members, including professional journalists, students, industry associates and supporting institutions, primarily in North America but also on other continents.
The mission of the association is "to promote high standards and respect for our works, to create a professional network, and to increase general interest in jazz".
[1][2] The organization was founded after writers and broadcasters involved in jazz convened in 1987 in Chicago, United States.
Since then, the JJA has held meetings and panel discussions, frequently coinciding with major jazz festivals around North America, and online activities including its eyeJAZZ video training webinars.
[5][6] The JJA Jazz Awards were streamed as live video in 2010 and 2011; those programs are archived in their entirety at UStream.com.