Each year, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation recognizes two journalists for their diligent efforts in journalism. The June 22 application deadline is less than a week away.

The Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing gives $75,000 to a mid-career editorial writer or columnist who is interested in taking courses, pursuing independent study, traveling or seeking out other endeavors that enrich their knowledge of a public interest issue. The Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award honors a person, group of people, or organization who has fought to protect freedom of speech. See application and nomination details inside.

* * * * *

Are you searching for a job? Considering graduate school? Perhaps you just want to learn about various organizations. If so, be sure to visit the Journalism Expo during the Excellence in Journalism conference. Our list of more than 30 exhibitors and recruiters run the gamut — CNN, Columbia Journalism School, ESPN, Gannett, NPR and more. Whatever your interest, we've got you covered. Continue reading Last call for Pulliam scholarships + executive committee meeting

Excellence in Journalism 2013 — August 24-26 in Anaheim, Calif. — is now open for business. Register online today, or visit the EIJ13 website for details about hotel, transportation and pricing.

— Register Online
— Breakout Sessions: Sunday | Monday
— Pre-Conference Workshops and Bootcamps
— Conference Highlights
— Tentative Schedule at a Glance
— Registration Rates
— Exhibitors and Recruiters in the Journalism Expo
— Hotel and Travel Information
— Making the most of your stay in Anaheim

The Society of Professional Journalists is committed to providing its members with quality benefits. In addition to training, resources and other valuable benefits, SPJ is now offering access to insurance and financial planning services through an Indianapolis-based financial services firm and consultants Harry W. Riley, III and David N. Brown.

Active SPJ members are entitled to free quotes for coverage and access to the following products:

— Life Insurance
— Health Insurance
— Disability Income Coverage
— Long Term Care Insurance
— Retirement Solutions
— Liability Coverage, also called Errors & Omissions (E&O) coverage

In addition, SPJ members may request a complimentary consultation for retirement planning, basic and comprehensive financial planning, business planning and more. Find more details and meet your SPJ benefits team here.

Not an SPJ member yet? Join today!
— Join online or download/request an application
— How SPJ works for you
— Discounted services for members
— Membership fees
— Membership expired? Renew in minutes today.

The May/June 2013 issue of Quill is now online. Check out articles exploring the coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing and the 10 interview with Sigma Delta Chi Award winner Todd Melby.

Stories include:

– From the President
– After Boston, Still Learning
– Ten with Todd Melby
– Member Profile: Sean Carberry
– Remembering Robert S. McCord
– Narrative Writing Toolbox
– Generation J Toolbox
– Diversity Toolbox
– FOI Toolbox
– Education Toolbox

To see all stories, follow this link.

SPJ is committed to bringing you training and tools in all areas of journalism. In this daylong workshop, you'll get practical, skills-based professional development that will help you be a better journalist.

Our next installment of JournCamp will take place June 22 in Washington, D.C. Attendees can find a schedule and other details here. Online registration is closed for this program, but you may still register in person. On-site registration will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 22 at The Westin Hotel City Center.

Want even more details? Check out a recap of our last JournCamp, which took place last November in Chicago, to get an idea of what waits in store in D.C.

It’s time to raise the shield. Now! Congress is considering the Free Flow of Information Act — a federal shield law. We need to let our U.S. senators know how important this legislation is for society. You can help! Email or call your two senators, and then let us know that you did. We will update the shield map and continue to spread the word. Act now!

Related
— Freedom of the Prez: On shame and shield law
— SPJ president on reintroduction of Shield Law: Let's get it passed
— Protect reporters, and protect everyone
— 62 Civil Liberties, Press Freedom and Public Interest Groups Demand Answers on Targeting of Journalists
— Shield Law FAQ | Facts, experts and resources
— Read the Bills [PDF]: H.R.1962 | S.987

Delegates at the 2011 national convention approved a bylaws change that transforms the way SPJ elects members of its national board. In the past, candidates were selected by chapter delegates. Now elections will be inclusive of all members — one member, one vote.

Meet the Candidates
Meet, read about and connect with the people who have declared their candidacy for office.

Run for Office
Board members help define the Society. The board of directors provides vision, direction and leadership to SPJ, the nation's largest journalism organization. Find out what positions are open this election season — and find out how you can fill one of those seats.

— Additional information
— Special Qualifications
— Campaign Guidelines
— How to run

How to participate as a voting SPJ member
In the past, chapter delegates elected officers and board members. Now all members can cast their own vote via a new online voting system. Find out more here.

This collection of position papers, produced by the Society of Professional Journalists’ Ethics Committee, is intended to clarify SPJ’s position on specific ethical themes that frequently arise in journalism, and also to provide better guidance for journalists, academics, students and the public when consulting the SPJ Code of Ethics.

The following papers are available for immediate reference, with more — on using anonymous sources, undercover reporting, dealing with victims of tragedy, handling diversity coverage, privacy and news media accountability — to release over the coming months:

Newly Added:
— Reporting on Grief, Tragedy and Victims
— Anonymous Sources
— Accountability

Also Available:
— Using the SPJ Code
— Plagiarism
— Checkbook Journalism
— Political Involvement

Pulliam Award and Fellowship applications: Nominate someone or apply today

Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship
The Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship awards $75,000 to an editorial writer or columnist to help broaden his or her journalistic horizons and knowledge of the world. The money can be used to cover the cost of study, research and/or travel in any field. Click here for more information and learn how to apply.

Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award
The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation presents the Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award, honors a person or persons who have fought to protect and preserve one or more of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. The recipient wins $10,000 and is presented an engraved crystal at the Excellence in Journalism 2011 conference in New Orleans. The honoree receives transportation to and lodging at the event. Learn more about the award and how to apply here.

The postmark deadline for nominations is June 22.

The official blog of SPJ's Freedom of Information Committee. Updated regularly. Latest entries:

– FOI Daily Dose: Poll shows Americans support NSA surveillance but still want answers
– FOI Daily Dose: Fighting for access to federally funded research, California Public Records Act at stake
– FOI Daily Dose: More sunshine in Florida, NY shield law saves reporter from testifying
– Durango, Colorado, officials want to ban photography of public records
– FOI Update: China praises ‘handsome’ hero, condemns U.S. ‘double-standard’
– FOI Daily Dose: Fox News reporter uses NY shield law to fend off subpoena; Dems and GOP criticize Snowden, NSA director speaks about leaks
– Seattle Times watchdog waits 11 months for police’s purposefully withheld memo
– FOI Daily Dose: FOIA affects immigration debate
– FOI Update: DOJ hasn’t questioned a FOIA exemption in four years, didn’t respond for four months
– FOI Daily Dose: Open records threatened in Arizona, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania