December 6th, 2012
Roundup: 4 notes for SPJ members as 2012 draws to a close
By Holly Edgell
This blog has been silent for a while as I’ve been in transition to a new job and new city! Meanwhile, there is lots going on with SPJ, so I thought I’d do a roundup of highlights.
1 – SPJ Solutions. This is pretty big. Through a partnership with WestPoint Financial Group in Indianapolis SPJ members now have access to a variety of benefit programs including:
- life insurance
- health insurance
- disability coverage
- long-term care
- liability insurance
- errors & omissions coverage and more
In the words of secretary-treasurer Dana Neuts, who has led our efforts on this, SPJ Solutions is “one-stop shopping for insurance benefits and financial services… in all 50 states.”
If you are an SPJ member and interested in learning more, here’s the contact info:
Tel: 317/627-4753
Email: spjsolutions@gmail.com
2 – Awards: ‘Tis the season for submissions. You work hard, so show us your best journalism!
- Sigma Delta Chi (SDX). Deadline: Feb. 7, 2013
- New America. Deadline: 7, 2013
- Mark of Excellence (collegiate awards). Deadline: Jan. 24, 2013
- High School Essay Contest. Deadline: March 7, 2013
Our contest coordinator at headquarters is Lauren Rochester. If you have questions or would like to volunteer as a judge, let her know: Telephone > 317/927-8000, ext. 210 and email > lrochester@hq.spj.org.
3 – Opportunity knocks. Don’t miss out! There are deadlines I wanted to remind members of. So, if these pertain to you, mark your calendars:
Ted Scripps Leadership Institute. This is for SPJ chapter board members, providing an opportunity to learn and grow within the organization. New this year, the institute goes on the road, with rolling deadlines. Look for more info on stops in Regions 2, 9 and 12. The program kicks off in Indianapolis (Region 5) March 8-10. That application deadline is Dec. 15. Questions? Contact chapter coordinator Tara Puckey at HQ > Telephone 317/927-8000, ext. 215 and email tpuckey@hq.spj.org.
Chapter grants. Professional and campus chapters in good standing can receive a grant of up to $500 for “unique, diverse and creative programming.” The grants are awarded throughout the year, and the deadline for the first one is Jan. 9. Questions? Contact chapter coordinator Tara Puckey at HQ > Telephone 317/927-8000, ext. 215 and email tpuckey@hq.spj.org.
4. Spring Conferences. They’ll be here before you know it. Several regions have already announced their dates and locations, so please check the list for one near you. Also, if you have a programming idea touch base with your regional colleagues to find out who’s doing to planning so you can have some input.
Remember: Any day is a good day to join or re-join SPJ!
Tags: awards, benefits, chapter grants, deadlines, insurance, MOE, New America, SDX, Society of Professional Journalists, SPJ, Ted Scripps, Westpoint Financial Group