Hello:
A
number of SPJ regions have established Regional Director's Funds to help their
respective RD underwrite the costs associated with the position. While most RDs
receive some financial support from their employers and SPJ headquarters,
additional funds are useful and sometimes needed to cover other expenses,
including travel.
In
the early 1990's, Region 4, in a regional meeting, voted to establish its own
Regional Director's fund. The chapters voted that the primary way of building
the fund would be through direct chapter contributions. Larger professional
chapters, including Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit and Pittsburgh,
contribute $100 per year, while smaller pro chapters are asked to contribute
$50.
Knowing that funds are always tight
for campus chapters, any contributions from them have been voluntary. Campus
chapters are asked to contribute $25 per year if they can. In addition, in some
years a portion of any profit from a Region 4 conference has also been donated
to the fund.
The
Region 4 chapters also established how the RD fund would be handled. Pro
chapters would take turn administering the fund, but not the chapter the RD
belongs to. Cleveland and Cincinnati have handled it previously and it is now
Pittsburgh's turn. The RD doesn't have direct access to the account. He or she
must present receipts and is then reimbursed. Reasonable expenses that are part
of the RD's job--travel and related meals, phone calls, etc.,--are
reimbursed.
The
RD account will be handled liked Pittsburgh's own--with two signatures required
for a check. I am Pittsburgh's treasurer and will also provide for an accounting
of the fund, including contributions and disbursement.
It
is important that Region 4's chapters show their support for our RD Jeremy
Steele. As a former RD, I know and appreciate the tradition we have as one of
SPJ's consistently strong regions. I hope your chapter will continue its support
of the Region 4 RD fund.
Please excuse the group e-mail, but
it's the best way to reach everyone. Please send your chapter's 2008
contributions to me in care of the Office of Media Relations, Point Park
University, 201 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222. Checks should be made
payable to the "SPJ Region 4 Regional Director's Fund."
Feel free to contact me if you have
any questions.
Thank you,
Ginny
Frizzi