In recent weeks, Shield Law legislation has been revived and SPJ is ready to take a stand to protect reporters and the public. Here’s an update from SPJ President Sonny Albarado to tell us what that means and how we can all help.

You can find additional resources here.

The Society of Professional Journalists has named the national winners of the 2010 Mark of Excellence (MOE) contest. Congratulations to all of our winners, but particularly to our Region 10 winners.

–> 2010 National MOE Winners

In addition to these winners, regional winners of the MOE awards were announced in April and certificates were distributed at the April 9 regional conference in Richland, WA.

–> 2010 Regional MOE Winners

Please join us in congratulating these students on their impressive work.

The deadline to submit entries in the 2010 SPJ NW Excellence in Journalism contest is fast approaching – Wed., Feb. 23, 2011 at 11:59 pm. Please register for your free account and submit your entries today!

Please also note that Ruth Pettis and Dana Neuts, contest administrators, are getting numerous requests for assistance during this last week of the contest, so DO NOT WAIT until the last minute to ask your questions or submit your entries.

See the right hand side of this page for Quick Contest Links.

For more info., contact Ruth Pettis or Dana Neuts.

[Note:  Winners will be announced on Sat., May 21, 2011.]

Journalists and journalism students, are you looking for a great experience to add to your education while contributing to freedom of information efforts? Check out SPJ’s Pulliam/Kilgore Freedom of Information scholarships. One intern will work in Washington, D.C. and the other out of SPJ HQ in Indianapolis. Here’s some brief info.:

About the SPJ Headquarters Internship

The intern selected to work at the Society’s National Headquarters in Indianapolis writes for the Freedom of Information issue of Quill magazine, published annually in September. Candidates for this position should possess a strong background in writing and reporting.

— Updating comprehensive contact lists for federal and state agencies
— Working on other FOI-related projects of the Society
— Attending and assisting with various SPJ Headquarters-related events

About the Washington, D.C., Internship

The intern selected to work in the law offices of Baker & Hostetler – the Society’s First Amendment legal counsel in Washington, D.C. – primarily works on researching and writing SPJ’s annual Pulliam/Kilgore Report. The report addresses a Freedom of Information topic of interest to journalists and attorneys. The 5,000- to 6,000-word report is distributed at the Society’s National Convention. Candidates for this position should possess a strong background in law or be able to demonstrate a solid interest in law and the ability to conduct the responsibilities required.

Other duties of the Washington, D.C., intern include:

— Writing stories for Quill magazine
— Attending hearings on Capitol Hill that are of interest to SPJ
— Representing SPJ at various Washington, D.C., events

For more info., visit SPJ online.

Thanks to Marmian Grimes, president of the Farthest North chapter, for sharing this grim news. Alaska Dispatch Editor Tony Hopfinger was handcuffed – and his evidence erased – on Sunday after questioning U.S. Senator candidate Joe Miller at a public event on Sunday.

This is precisely the reason that the Society of Professional Journalists exists – to prevent such travesties of justice from occurring and to shout them from the rooftops when they happen anyway.

Miller Security Guards Handcuff Editor Following Public Event

So, folks have been asking me about our  Region 10 blog. I admit I have neglected the blog this spring. With too much to juggle, something had to give and this was it…but SPJ life is returning to normal, and I am committed to keeping this blog up to date. Want to help? Send me your chapter news, events and updates so we can learn from each other and share ideas!

Here’s a brief recap of our spring so far:

- February-March:  Approximately 2,500 contest entries were submitted to the 2009 Pacific NW Excellence in Journalism Contest, and passed on to out-of-state judges at SPJ chapters around the country.

- March 1:  Regional Director reports on individual chapters were due.

- April 10:  The Western Washington Pro Chapter hosted the spring SPJ conference in Seattle. With about 150 in attendance, the conference drew about 50% students and 50% pros, a big change from the 25%/75% split usually seen. National SPJ president-elect Hagit Limor from Cincinnati attended the conference which focused on providing skills-based training. The conference also included an awards ceremony to honor student MOE winners. Regional winners will go onto compete at the national level.

- April 17:  As regional director, I attended the national SPJ board meeting in Indianapolis where I learned about SPJ’s proposed budget for the 2010-2011 year; HQ’s plans to launch its new and improved, user-friendly website complete with video training; that the joint SPJ-RTDNA 2011 conference will be held in New Orleans; and more.

- April 20:  Added a Facebook group for Region 10. Join us here.

- April 27:  The last week of April chapter presidents were given the names of contest winners to begin making announcements. The Oregon/SW Washington and Western Washington Pro chapters host a formal banquet, while the William O. Douglas chapter will honor its winners with a less formal BBQ.

What’s new in your chapter? Send your news to me via email or post comments here.

Two chapters within Region 10 – Western Washington Pro and William O. Douglas – applied for grants from National SPJ to cover upcoming programs. Both learned last week that they had been awarded their grants.

Western Washington Pro Chapter:  $500 to defray costs of its fall, eight-week continuing education series held at The Seattle Times and the University of Washington

William O. Douglas: $400 to assist with hosting Northwest Video Workshop, a two-day video workshop/bootcamp at the Yakima-Herald

Thanks to National SPJ for helping to support these innovative programs!

Dana Neuts
Region 10 Director