Annual report observations (pros)
Some items of interest as I reviewed this year’s Region 2 annual reports for pro chapters:
Washington, D.C., Pro:
- A job fair held jointly with other journalism organizations for the second straight year did well. There were 235 job seekers, 22 media companies and 74 volunteers.
- The journalism service project was interesting: working with interns at Street Sense, a biweekly newspaper written largely by people who are or were homeless.
- The chapter co-sponsored the D.C. Open Government Summit.
Delaware Pro:
- One program was a joint screening with the ACLU of a film called “Shadows of Liberty,” a look at media “censorship, cover-ups and corporate control.”
- The chapter hosted a discussion on criminal justice reform with the state attorney general.
- There is a special rate on chapter dues for retirees and students.
Maryland Pro:
- Cool program idea #1: A look back at coverage of the Baltimore protests and riots
- Cool program idea #2: A talk with Maryland’s new Public Information Act ombudsman
- Cool program idea #3: A joint meeting with Tweetmasters of Anne Arundel County to look at the best ways to use Periscope
North Carolina Pro:
- Worked with the Triangle Association of Black Journalists
- Held a meeting and dinner to hear from local authors
- A neat statement in the chapter bylaws: All membership meetings and programs are on the record and open to coverage.
Virginia Pro:
- The chapter stood up for journalists covering the statehouse in Richmond after their seats were moved off the floor and into the gallery.
- It awarded two fellowships — for one professional and one student — to attend EIJ 15.
- Under its bylaws, the chapter board includes a representative from the Virginia Commonwealth University chapter.
Greater Charlotte Pro:
- Programs included a tour of the ESPNU/SEC studios, a discussion of career resilience for journalists and another on good writing.