I recently fielded a question about whether SPJ offers trial memberships. The answer to that question is, no, SPJ does not offer trial memberships.

However, there are options available to those who might be interested in joining SPJ but want to first learn more about the organization. One option is to use the SPJ Web site, which is loaded with information about the organization and its activities.
A second option is to find out whether there is an SPJ chapter in your area and, if there is, get in touch with someone in that chapter and plan to attend the next event. To help you find the chapter closest to you, visit SPJ’s Local Connection page.

Another option is to try some of the training sessions provided by SPJ and its chapters. Information about those opportunities is available at the Training page on the SPJ Web site.

Potential members should also be aware that SPJ offers membership specials, including a deal for college graduates, who pay $72 for a three-year membership after college. That will save post-graduates some money, considering the normal professional membership is $72 per year.

Meanwhile, students can buy a four-year membership for $100. There are other specials available, including for retired, lifetime and household members. To see the membership categories and their fees, visit the Membership Fees page.

I got a telephone call last month from someone in Belgium who is interested in joining SPJ. However, this person was having trouble filling out the membership form online because the system wouldn’t accept his entries in some fields, like those used for state, zip code and telephone number.

I asked Joe Skeel, SPJ associate executive director, what he would recommend. Joe said people living overseas who are interested in joining SPJ should download the registration form from the Web site at www.spj.org, print it out and fill it out, and then mail it in.

Alternatively, they can register by calling SPJ headquarters in the United States at (317) 927-8000. I assume the international access code and country code would have to be added to the beginning of that telephone number.

I’m sure most of you have seen SPJ’s Web page on joining the organization, but, just in case you haven’t, it’s available at http://www.spj.org/join.asp.