As many journalists can relate, dedicating oneself to anything career-wise can be a challenge in these times of churn in our profession. Layoffs, buyouts, closures, and just plain burnout… Not to mention our natural tendency to seek new opportunities, decide to take a break to go back to school, go it alone as a freelancer or entrepreneur or opt for more family life than work life. It all adds up to a tall order to stick with one job or one company for ten years.

Speaking for myself (having experienced many of the above-referenced vagaries of journalism life) I was more pleased than I would have imagined to get that 10-year pin!

Evolution and opportunity

The pin reminds me of my evolution in SPJ. It represents the support and opportunities that have come my way through the organization–not to mention the friends I’ve made along the way.

Membership has helped me in practical ways: training, resources, networking, mentoring, conferences (regional and national). The fact of being an active member who actually knows other active members as well as organization leaders and staff has opened doors in my career. I’ve judged MOE and SDX awards, organized a spring regional conference (and attended several), made a point to attend the national convention as often as possible, chatted on SPJ Blog Talk Radio, and more.

Over the past ten years, I’ve seen SPJ evolve into a broad based journalism organization that welcomes journalists from media platforms beyond newspapers and academe. Thanks to the efforts of Sally Lehrman (now an SDX Foundation board member) and her organizational descendents, the organization is reaching out to members from diverse background like never before.

This year’s national convention exemplifies both changes: For the third time, SPJ and the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) are teaming up for Excellence in Journalism 2013 in Anaheim. This year the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is joining in, too!

Ten for ten (years)

That 10-year pin got me thinking: Who else has been a member for 10 years? Linda Hall, our membership director at HQ, was kind enough to send me a few names. (Andy Schotz sent me a message on Facebook to let me know he also got his ten-year pin. Thanks, Andy)!

Joel Jay Campbell > associate professor, Brigham Young University

Carol Cole-Froe > independent journalist and  and adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma

David Joachim > weekend Washington editor. The New York Times; adjunct professor, George Washington University

Gerard T. Koeppel > journalist and author, Bond of Union, Building the Erie Canal and the American Empire (2009)

Beth Konrad > professor, Loyola University Chicago

Dominick Miserandino > owner, TheCelebrityCafe.com

Gayle Reaves-King > editor, Fort Worth Weekly

Andrew Schotz > assistant managing editor at The Gazette (Gaithersburg, Md.)

John Siegenthaler > founder, The First Amendment Center

Scott A. Thiesen > web producer, KSTP.com

Going the distance

Of course there are members who’ve stuck with SPJ far longer than ten years. I salute you! After posting a note about my pin in the SPJ Linkedin Group, I heard from a few other folks:

Elizabeth Kelly shared that she’s been a member for 18 years!

Eileen Sisk reported receiving her 35-year pin. Nice!

Jacqueline Jordan said: “Just got my 20-year pin. Not bad for a freelancer, huh? We revived our local pro chapter last year (San Antonio, Region 8) and will hold our first conference in several years in May!”

My SPJ Timeline:

2002. Joined SPJ as campus chapter adviser at Florida A&M University.

2005. Became a member of the first class of Diversity Leadership Fellows. Began blogging for “Who’s News: Diversity Everyday,” Who’s News: Diversity Everyday,” the SPJ Diversity Committee blog

2006. Ran for Campus Adviser At-Large. Lost.

2008. Ran for Region 7 Director (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska). Won!

2011. Asked by SPJ President John Ensslin to serve as national Membership Committee chair

2012. Asked by SPJ President Sonny Albarado to stay on as national Membership Committee chair

Ready to join or rejoin SPJ? Drop me a line with your questions: me@hollyedgell.com and find more information at SPJ.org.

> It’s $75 dollars for a full year of professional membership, $37.50 for student membership 

> We offer newsroom membership options.

> We offer collegiate institutional memberships

Find your local chapter!

One of the primary goals immediate past president John Ensslin had during his tenure was to find a meaningful way to offer memberships to news organizations.

Mission accomplished! With great assistance from our SPJ executive director Joe Skeel and his team, then president-elect Sonny Albarado (now our fearless leader) and research into what fellow journalism groups were doing, came consultations with newsrooms leaders and employees and input from the membership committee. A promising formula emerged.

The plan is based on membership tiers, each offering price points based on the value and benefits of which newsrooms would like to take advantage.

This means, whatever its size, a newsroom can decide to make an investment that suits its budget and needs:

• Bronze $250
• Silver $750
• Gold $1,250
• Learn more about each tier!

All the membership tiers offer some basics: dues discounts for individual members; discounts on products and services; an ethics plaque; and a free newsroom subscription to Quill magazine. All newsrooms memberships also allow individuals to register for conferences at the member rate.

Among the first to take advantage of this new membership plan is the Osage News in Oklahoma. Welcome!

To learn more about newsroom membership, you can contact SPJ Chapter Coordinator Tara Puckey via email or phone: 317-927-8000, ext. 215. Or, check out the information available online.

With 2013 shaping up to be another wild ride for journalism and journalists, it may be the right time to bring your newsrooms into the largest, broadest-based organization for our profession anywhere.

Here are some more reasons to join us!

Excellence in Journalism 2013. The national conference unites members from SPJ, the Radio Television Digital News Association and–new this year–the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. August 24-26 in Anaheim, Calif.

NEW: Access to health, life, disability insurance and more benefits through WestPoint Financial Group.

Spring regional conferences. Sprouting up from coast to coast, there’s bound to be a conference near you. The one-day gatherings offer training, chances to network, and more. Find your nearest conference here!

Committee work. One of the best ways to make an impact on journalism and roll up your sleeves in the SPJ is to volunteer for a committee. This can especially satisfying if you live far from the nearest SPJ chapter and find it a challenge to attend meetings. Committees include people from around the country! Find a committee that suits your skills and interests here.

Resources and support for freelance and independent journalists. You are not alone! The freelance committee is among the most active and engaged in SPJ. The on demand resources for training and help are outstanding. Check it out!

For more insights into what SPJ can do for you (and vice versa), I encourage you to read more entries in this blog and peruse the rest of the SPJ blog roll.

Feel free to ask a question below, or email: me@hollyedgell.com

Guest post by Carl Corry, Director at Large

Following up on its resolution to require greater financial transparency for SPJ chapters, which  narrowly failed at the Fort Lauderdale convention in September, the Press Club of Long Island has approved a policy establishing rules covering both financial disclosure and “openness in general.”

The measure, believed to be the first of its kind among SPJ chapters, sets the stage for openness guidelines currently being considered for SPJ and all of its chapters.

The new rules for PCLI operations are as follows:

• The Press Club of Long Island board will post notice of upcoming board meetings on PCLI website by the next business day after they are scheduled by the president or another officer in the president’s absence.
• Members with issues for the board to address should contact the president or another officer in the president’s absence at least one business day before a meeting and the president or another officer in the president’s absence will add the issues to the agenda.
• Board meetings are open to all PCLI members, who will be allowed to attend as observers and will be given the opportunity to address the board during the meeting where appropriate.
• A summary of all votes/actions taken by the board during a meeting will be posted on the website within five business days of the meeting.
• A summary of chapter finances is available for review by PCLI members by appointment.
• The board will respond to media requests for information on PCLI activities or comments on media issues as quickly as possibly but always within two business days.

Some may see the new policy, which in terms of financial information is more restrictive than what was proposed in Fort Lauderdale, as not going far enough to create greater openness, while others may see it going too far.

In a statement on its website and sent to its members, the PCLI board said the policy “stems from the chapter board’s desire to be more inclusive with the PCLI membership and attract new members. It also reflects our belief that as a nonprofit organization of journalists who seek a variety of information from government, other non-profits and other organizations, SPJ and its chapters should be open in their actions.”

The chapter’s initial proposal at the convention–which I supported as a PCLI delegate (I’m a former board member and chapter president)–was prompted by the alleged misuse of the pro Oklahoma chapter’s finances by the former Region 8 Director and, in another situation, the withholding of financial information from a blogger.

The new rules are loosely based on recommendations PCLI Treasurer Bill Bleyer and I crafted for SPJ President Sonny Albarado at his request, “in lieu of another resolution at next year’s convention,” after we spoke at the closing board meeting about not letting the issue die.

Also as a result of those recommendations, Albarado tasked President-elect David Cullier with coming up with guidelines for all SPJ chapters. Those guidelines, which will include input from chapters and members across the country, will be taken up by the executive committee at its meeting in January. A proposal will be presented to the full board in April.

I want to underscore that Cuiller’s proposal will present voluntary guidelines, not a policy.

“Our sense of the convention delegates meeting was that everyone favored more openness regarding chapter finances and meetings, but not everyone felt an edict from national was the way to accomplish it,” Albarado said in an October email.

Cullier said he thinks PCLI’s policy “is a great start.”

Among the measures that might be included for all of SPJ are:

• A best practices sheet for chapters on transparency, including what PCLI has done, “and perhaps discussing ways of making finances more transparent.”
• A resolution for the national conference next year in Anaheim stating SPJ’s commitment to transparency within our own organization.

Cullier said: “It’s essential SPJ chapters operate as openly as possible since freedom of information is a core mission for the organization. No, we aren’t government agencies subject to public record and open meeting laws, but we all believe in the concept that the free flow of information is essential for people to make informed decisions and to trust in their institutions. It is important that we stand behind our principles and words by being as open as possible, within reason and within the constraints that come with the realities of a volunteer organization. It is my hope that all chapters consider implementing at least some practices that foster openness and accountability for their members and the public.”

Let’s help Cullier with his task. Please offer your own feedback below on what he should include in the proposal for the executive committee.

In the meantime, I commend my home chapter for serving as a leader in this issue. I hope the board’s efforts encourage other chapters to follow suit.

Carl Corry is the online editor for local news at Newsday. He is also a longtime member of the Society and the PCLI. Contact him> carlcorry@gmail.com

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.”

Read Dana’s blog about SPJ Solutions

Read the SPJ press release about the program

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.

It started more than one month ago when Lisa Eramo, a freelance journalist in Rhode Island, posed a question about the ethics of journalists posting their opinions on social media pages, specifically those managed by their newsrooms. To date, there have been 82 comments, with a few heated exchanges!

For me, the thread that follows Lisa’s post raises several issues SPJ members might want to consider: both philosophical and practical. More on that in a moment.

First, here is a selection of the two cents being offered. Please note: The SPJ Linkedin Group group is members only, which implies a degree of privacy, so I am not including the names of the posters. (Lisa gave me permission to include her name and comment above). If you’d like to join the SPJ Linkedin Group, click here.

• “In my opinion, my opinion should be kept out of everything I write or edit in my professional role as a journalist. That would include an employer’s social media page. Yes, I have opinions. But my job, unless I’m a columnist, isn’t to share them.”
• “It is up to the general public to form their own decision about a matter based on the information as laid out. And for a journalist to post an opinion on their newspaper’s Facebook page, (directly or indirectly) affects that process.”
• “I’m hesistant to share my personal opinion on my own Facebook page – because nearly everyone I’m connected to associates me with my job – it’s the downside of the social media for reporters….”
• “Frankly, I’m not sure. I’ve been researching how bias is expressed rhetorically, and I think it’s mostly unconscious. It comes out in things like choice of adjectives, parenthetical remarks, etc. It might be better if reporters had their opinions on record somewhere – or maybe not. Sorry, all I’ve got is honest confusion. For practical reasons, their publications FB page might not be the best place to state where they’re coming from.
• When we as journalists step away from this mindset, we dilute the news process and step into the realm of telling people WHAT and HOW to think. And in my opinion, that is no longer journalism. Expressing one’s opinion as you’re hanging out with friends (in person or on your PERSONAL Facebook page), is fine.”
• “No.”
• “Does the paper itself have a policy? Seeing Courtney’s comment really helps. She appears to be engaging in a discussion rather than monitoring comments. I ran into this a lot at my previous job. When readers would engage me via company email about stories I edited in the magazine I stayed very neutral. I would explain myself, but not take sides. When they engaged me about the column I wrote, which was supposed to have a point of view, I had no problem issuing my opinion. Either way, however, I was very cognizant that whatever I put in writing could then be forwarded, re-posted, etc., so I never went beyond the line that I’d established in my column.”

So, back to the philosophical and practical thoughts.

What does the SPJ Code of Ethics say about social media and the personal opinions of journalists? SPJ Ethics Committee chair and past SPJ president Kevin Z. Smith wrote an eloquent post about this very question in September. It acknowledges that SPJ members have raised the issue of whether social media matters should specifically be addressed in the Code.

While the term “social media” does not appear in the Code, I think we can refer to these points to guide us:

• From “Seek the Truth and Report It” — Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.
• From “Act Independently” —Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived; Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.

We might actually interpret the Code to actively use social media to fulfill our mission as journalists.

• Again, from “Seek the Truth and Report It” — Support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant; Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.
• From “Be Accountable” — Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct; Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media; Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.

On the practical side of things, it occurred to me that professional and student chapters could use this discussion and the issues it raises to develop programs that  would provide timely forums for frank talk about an issue that continues to fascinate and frustrate us.

Three ideas:

1. A panel discussion could feature a journalism ethics professor or a member of the SPJ Ethics Committee, a local news manager whose organization has progressive and evolving social media policy, and journalists who effectively use social media to engage with the community. Invite the general public, perhaps?

2. A Tweetup on campus or in a local public space where the social media and journalism conversation might evolve more organically

3. An Twitter chat or Google+ hangout about the subject

Whether we as an organization ultimately incorporate special social media language into the Code, or use it as a starting point for discussion and decisions is a matter that members can actually influence. That’s the beauty of membership in the Society. Let’s talk.

• Find an SPJ Ethics Committee member near you
• Find ethics help, resources and insights

A native of Phoenix, Anne Stegen is the president of Arizona State University’s SPJ chapter. Anne keeps herself pretty busy! Not only is she a journalism major in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, she serves as a resident hall community assistant and works as web administrator for ASU’s School of Social Work.

Guest Post by Anne Stegen, Arizona State University Society of Professional Journalists

I did not grow up wanting to be the anchor on the evening news. Reporters never drew my attention; they were just a part of every day life, updating citizens on goings on. Like many, my interest in journalism became apparent in my high school newspaper class. The North Canyon Rattler Review was a little, quarterly publication. School administrators designed it to give students writing skills; not to stir the pot and exemplify the First Amendment’s virtues.

Armed with a pen, paper, and 30 questions, I gained an interview with the football coach and the prodigy sophomore quarterback and muscled my way on to the football field. I had to prove I was a journalist by showing my equipment bag’s contents: a 3.1 megapixel point and shoot and my family’s first generation digital camera. I took photos that were mediocre at best, but photography from the sidelines was an honor that no of my fellow student reports had attained. It was a small story, but that experience changed my life forever.

At that Friday night football game in high school, I became a journalist. I felt important and privileged to see events unfold from a perspective that no one else had, and share that with others.

I joined SPJ in the fall of 2009–right out of high school–in my first semester at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The officers were so knowledgeable and the network of members was so vast, that I was swept into it fully. Now here I am, president of the premiere journalism organization at one of the best journalism schools in the country. Once again, I feel privileged that journalism has afforded me this opportunity.

My perspective has changed since that football game. I don’t want to be a news anchor or even a reporter, and the industry faces an uphill climb. I grew up coding my Neopets profile in HTML, and getting my father’s business’s website to the top of Google, which we now call SEO. Convergence is not a challenge for me because I already live it. I have to land that first job out of college, and I am hopeful because of my progressive media skills and SPJ’s network. I am a member of SPJ because I have just as much to contribute to the Society and the industry as it can give to me.

Connect with Anne on Twitter

Why join SPJ?

Find your SPJ chapter! 

Q&A with Sandra Gonzalez, Las Vegas

Sandra is the newest member of the reporting team at KSNV-TV in Las Vegas. In her first week on the job she had the opportunity to cover President Obama’s campaign stop. Not bad! Sandra spent six years reporting in New Orleans, first at WVUE-TV and then at WGNO-TV.

Edgell You have a new job in Las Vegas. What are you looking forward to covering in your new city?

Gonzalez I am an open book, full of excitement with my sleeves rolled up ready to cover politics, crime, education, economy, whatever needs to told. But, at the end of the day, it’s always about people, and how they are affected. What a great city to be in! I can’t wait to see what lies ahead and what I will be witnessing and sharing.

Edgell You recently returned from EIJ 2012 in Fort Lauderdale. Can you share a favorite moments or takeaway?

Gonzalez I was was an SPJ Diversity Fellow and I really enjoyed the friendships I made with the other fellows who have the passion for journalism like I do, who like to share information and experiences on social media like I do, and understand the challenges we have faced in our different regions of the country. We were also exposed and introduced to so many leaders in the industry. One who stood out was Anne Vasquez of the Sun Sentinel. She has transformed her career from reporter to management, from print to digital, from state to state. Her courageous adventure in her career inspired me as I have continued to morph in this ever changing industry.

Edgell When did you join SPJ and why?

Gonzalez I was exposed to SPJ last year when the Excellence in Journalism conference was in New Orleans in 2011. I was a reporter in New Orleans for six years, and at the time, a one-man band. That’s where I was introduced to the Diversity Committee by Rebecca Aguilar, a 2011 Diversity Fellow. I also met Sonny Albarado, who was President-elect at the time. I felt like this was an organization I wanted to be a part of and I was invited to became part of the SPJ Diversity Committee.

Edgell You also are an active member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. What do you see as the benefits of belonging to both SPJ and NAHJ?

Gonzalez I have been active with NAHJ for many years. I like what it stands for, fair portrayal of Latinos in the news, and making sure there are Latinos in newsrooms. Now that I have been introduced to SPJ, I think the two organizations with their focuses on enhancing and strengthening the core of journalism, just blend together. I am also highly impressed with SPJ’s outreach efforts to bring journalists of diverse backgrounds into the fold to train them with leadership and confidence to take back to their respective communities and of course, companies.

Edgell Fill in the blank: Life without my SPJ membership would be…

Gonzalez …missing out. I think my life has blossomed with the influence SPJ has made on my career as a journalist. I have learned so much and have been exposed to so much, and know there is so much more I can learn as journalism continues to evolve. As a Latina, and a TV reporter, I really appreciate SPJ’s relationship with RTDNA and other journalism organizations like NAHJ. I hope to become active in the SPJ Nevada chapter now that I am in Las Vegas.

Connect with Sandra on Twitter and Facebook.

Contact the Las Vegas SPJ chapter president Charles Zobell: czobell@reviewjournal.com

Why join SPJ?

More about the SPJ Membership Drive: Toolkit and Calendar included!

Find your SPJ chapter! 

Note to readers: The 2012 Society of Professional Journalists Membership Drive runs Sept. 4 to Oct. 4. As membership chair, I’ve assigned myself the task of sharing the stories of members around the country through a series of Q&A posts. If you would like to share your thoughts via Q&A or in a guest post, email me@hollyedgell.com. We are also interested in hearing from people wondering why they should join and former members who have constructive ideas about how SPJ can serve the profession. Please share these posts with non-members!

Q&A with Julie Ann Grimm, Rio Grande SPJ

Learn more about Rio Grande SPJ

Why join SPJ?

More about the SPJ Membership Drive: Toolkit and Calendar included!

Find your SPJ chapter! 

 

Q&A with Paul E. Fletcher, Virginia SPJ

Paul is publisher and editor-in-chief of Virginia Lawyers Weekly in Richmond and serves as president of the Virginia chapter of SPJ. Before joining the ranks of journalists, Paul was a lawyer. At a time when many journalists are looking for jobs, I thought it would be interesting to hear from Paul about working for a niche publication.

Edgell You work for a specialty (or trade) publication. To what degree would you recommend journalists consider job opportunities in this sector of our industry?

Fletcher I have been with Virginia Lawyers Weekly, a professional publication that serves the legal community in Virginia, for 24 years. At a professional or specialty publication, the most valuable and rewarding aspects of journalism – the chance to break news, to tell stories, to explore important issues and to get at the truth – are no different from work at a general circulation publication. You write for a particular, narrower segment of people with shared concerns. Working here is not unlike staying on one beat and digging deeper into that niche.

Edgell When did you join SPJ and why?

Fletcher I joined SPJ in 1992 because I saw the group was the largest and best national association for journalists.

Edgell Perhaps equally important, why do you remain a member? For example, what are the elements, resources, or tools you find most relevant and useful?

Fletcher I really enjoy the opportunity to connect with journalists of all stripes – general circulation, specialty pubs, broadcast, web, freelance. SPJ provides insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the profession. Quill magazine always has some interesting and provocative content, and I’ve found the training available on the SPJ website to be useful.

Edgell Have you ever tried to recruit someone to join SPJ? How’d it go? What’s your pitch (whether you’ve actually tried to reel someone in or not)?

Fletcher All of the reporters in my shop are members of SPJ. My pitch focuses on the fact that SPJ provides a chance to network and a part of something bigger, the opportunity to connect with other people who face the same work issues, both positive and negative. The group provides professional support to people in a field subject to numerous pressures. The professional training opportunities alone make membership a bargain.

Edgell Fill in the blank. Life without my SPJ membership would be _____________.

Fletcher Less informed. My SPJ membership gives me perspective on what it means to be a working journalist, on how to do that job well and on how to serve my readers best.

Connect with Paul on Linkedin

Connect with Virginia SPJ on Facebook and Twitter

More about the SPJ Membership Drive: Toolkit and Calendar included!

Why join SPJ?