Society of Professional Journalists
Improving and protecting journalism since 1909
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For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.
We invite you to join us today!
– Join Online
– Benefits of an SPJ Membership
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1. Join online
2. Download a form and join by mail or fax [PDF]
3. Request an application by mail
Membership expired? Renew in minutes today.
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Touch base with fellow SPJ members and meet like-minded journalists by joining one or more of SPJ's communities! Open to all members.
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[Generation J]
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The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.
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Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in New Orleans for training, networking, workshops and more!
– 2015 Recap
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– Find FOI in Your State
– Start a Chapter in Your Area
– SPJ Leaders home
– Leading Edge Blog
– Scripps Leadership Institute
– Downloadable Resources
– Start a Chapter
– Annual Reports, Best Practices and more
– Member Directory Search
– Chapter Directory
– Prospective Members Report
– Members Not Renewing Report
The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
– Contact SPJ Headquarters
– Employment Opportunities
– Advertise with SPJ
Have a question or working on a story and need a knowledgable SPJ and journalism-industry source? Try one of these SPJ experts first.
SPJ.org
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Become an SPJ Member
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Excellence in Journalism 2016: Sept 18-20, New Orleans
EIJ16 Website
Your Donation Matters!
The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from journalists and others who support these goals. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
Member Login | Join SPJ | Benefits | Rates
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SPJ.org
– News
– Calendar
– Chapters
– SPJ Blogs Network
– Journalist's Toolbox
– Excellence in Journalism
About SPJ
– SDX Foundation
– SPJ Experts
– Headquarters Staff
– Board of Directors
– Legal Defense Fund
– Awards
– History and Timeline
– Donate
– Advertise
– Merchandise
Missions and Resources
– Journalism Training
– Freedom of Information
– Ethics
– Diversity
– Freelancers
– Students
– Educators
– International
– Generation J
SPJ Members
– Members Home
– Edit Profile
– Renew Membership
– Membership Directory
– Join SPJ
– Why Join?
For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.
We invite you to join us today!
– Join Online
– Benefits of an SPJ Membership
– Membership Fees
1. Join online
2. Download a form and join by mail or fax [PDF]
3. Request an application by mail
Membership expired? Renew in minutes today.
– How SPJ Works for You
– Discounted Services for Members
– Testimonials: Why I'm a Member
– Three Reasons to Join: Education, Support, Advocacy
– Membership Fees
– Join Now!
– FOI Resources
– FOI Committee Blog
– FOI FAQ: Pros | Students
– Shield Law
– News/Articles
– Find FOI Locally
– Ethics Resources
– SPJ Code of Ethics
– Ethics Committee Blog
– Committee Position Papers
– News/Articles
– Answers/Get Help
– Diversity Resources
– Diversity Committee Blog
– News/Articles
– Rainbow Diversity Sourcebook
– Diversity Toolbox
– Resources/Guidelines
Touch base with fellow SPJ members and meet like-minded journalists by joining one or more of SPJ's communities! Open to all members.
– Communities Hub
– Freelance Community
– SPJ Digital
– International Journalism Community
– Generation J Community
– Students Community
– Freelancers
– Young Professionals
[Generation J]
– Students
– Educators
– International Journalists
– Training on Demand Videos
– Webinars on Demand
– Spring Conferences
– Journcamp
– For Journalism
– Ted Scripps Leadership Institute
– Online Tips and Tutorials
– On-Site Training
– Employment and Career Center
– SPJ Freelancer Directory
– Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships
The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.
– Home
– Board of Directors
– Donors Circle
– Give Monthly
– Planned Giving
– Memorial & Tribute Gifts
– Signature Programs
– Grants Information
– Documentation
Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in New Orleans for training, networking, workshops and more!
– 2015 Recap
– 2014 Recap
– 2013 Recap
– 2012 Recap
– 2011 Recap
– 2010 Recap
– 2009 Recap
– 2008 Recap
– 2007 Recap
– 2006 Recap
– Sigma Delta Chi Awards
– Mark of Excellence Awards
– New America Awards
– High School Essay Contest
– Awards, Fellowships and Internships
– SPJ Honors: Public | Members
– National Chapter Awards
– Local/Regional Contests
– Spring Conferences
– Find FOI in Your State
– Start a Chapter in Your Area
– SPJ Leaders home
– Leading Edge Blog
– Scripps Leadership Institute
– Downloadable Resources
– Start a Chapter
– Annual Reports, Best Practices and more
– Member Directory Search
– Chapter Directory
– Prospective Members Report
– Members Not Renewing Report
The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
– Contact SPJ Headquarters
– Employment Opportunities
– Advertise with SPJ
Have a question or working on a story and need a knowledgable SPJ and journalism-industry source? Try one of these SPJ experts first.
Home > Freedom of Information
SPJ Missions
Freedom of Information
SPJ's Freedom of Information Committee is the watchdog of press freedoms across the nation. It relies upon a network of volunteers in each state organized under Project Sunshine. These SPJ members are on the front lines for assaults to the First Amendment and when lawmakers attempt to restrict the public's access to documents and the government's business. The committee often is called upon to intervene in instances where the media is restricted.
It isnt getting any easier to fight for press freedom. Its getting worse. The Forever Fund is a sustained war chest to guarantee someone is always fighting for press freedom. If we dont do it, who will?
More information
Frequently asked questions
Pledge your support
Has your student media been censored or threatened? We want to know. We want to help. Read on to find out how SPJ defends student journalists.
– SMACK Home
– J Team: Smack some sense into your censors
– Bayonet Awards: Recognizing the nation's edgiest student journalists
– News: College Media Watchdog
More from FOI FYI:
– The secret state of Massachusetts
– Show why FOI matters
– FOI Win in Georgia: Defamation Law Repealed
The Society's Legal Defense Fund provides journalists with legal or direct financial assistance. SPJ collects and distributes contributions for aiding journalists in defending the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.
More information
How to request an LDF grant
LDF in action
If you're unfamiliar with FOIA laws or just need some guidance, we can help.
– FOI for students
– FOI for pros
Unfamiliar with FOI laws? Need help submitting a records request? Request denied and dont know what to do now? Just overwhelmed in general and need a place to start?
The Society of Professional Journalists seeks to maintain constant vigilance in protecting the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press and encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced freely. If you're unfamiliar with the laws or just need some guidance, these guides for pros and students can help.
FOI for students: A step-by-step guide
FOI for pros: A step-by-step guide

The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation provided funding to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press to help update its Open Government Guide. That updated guide led to the development of the RCFPs new project, iFOIA.
The Society of Professional Journalists is here to support student journalists nationwide as they begin to mold their careers. Whether its a campus chapter, student media outlet or individual, SPJ is here to offer advice, training and up-to-date information on important freedom of information decisions.
Follow this link for resources that can help you and your chapter regarding freedom of information news and education.
FOI FYI:
SPJs FOI Committee Blog
– State legislatures veer toward secrecy
– The secret state of Massachusetts
– Show why FOI matters
– FOI Win in Georgia: Defamation Law Repealed
Related Articles:
Freedom of Information
See archive for more articles
– SPJ News: SPJ encourages journalists to include Sunshine Week in coverage March 13-19
– Quill: From the President
– Quill: Ten with Chris Geidner
– Quill: FOI Toolbox
– SPJ News: SPJ joins letter to Florida legislature opposing public records fees
– SPJ News: SPJ joins amicus brief about request for surveillance footage
– SPJ News: SPJ Black Hole Award open for nominations through Feb. 26
– SPJ News: SPJ says legislative leaders must stop infringing press rights at statehouses
– SPJ News: SPJ Applauds House Vote on FOIA Reforms
– Quill: FOI Toolbox
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