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Home > About SPJ

About SPJ

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry through the daily work of its roughly 6,000 members; works to inspire and educate current and future journalists through professional development; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press through its advocacy efforts.

SPJ's Mission

The Society of Professional Journalists is dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty.

The Society of Professional Journalists is dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty.

To ensure that the concept of self-government outlined by the U.S. Constitution remains a reality into future centuries, the American people must be well informed in order to make decisions regarding their lives, and their local and national communities.

It is the role of journalists to provide this information in an accurate, comprehensive, timely and understandable manner.

Read about our mission here.

Chapters

SPJ's lengthy roster of chapters provide its backbone. Locate, participate in and develop a chapter here.

Find chapters in your state

SPJ's lengthy roster of chapters provide its backbone. The local chapter is the conduit SPJ members require to learn about events in their local journalism community as well as positions that journalists are taking nationwide on topics such as Freedom of Information and First Amendment rights. Locate, participate in and develop a chapter here.

Jump to:
— Region 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Become an SPJ Member

Make a solid investment in yourself and your profession by joining the Society of Professional Journalists. Click here to discover the benefits of an SPJ membership.

Upcoming events and deadlines

– 2/29/20: Google Tools Training, hosted by SPJ Houston Pro
– 3/11/20: Sunshine Week Essay Deadline
– 3/15/20: Sunshine Week
– 3/15/20: Entry Deadline: AGU journalism awards
– 3/16/20: Nomination Deadline: Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award

>> Full calendar

Legal Defense Fund

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.

Explore SPJ's History

Founded in 1909, the Society of Professional Journalists has a rich history, which you can explore in detail here.

The SPJ Foundation

Since its founding in 1961, the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation (formerly Sigma Delta Chi Foundation) has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism.

— About the foundation
— Meet the board of directors
— Bylaws
— Foundation grants
— 1909 Society

SPJ Awards

— National Contests
— Awards, Fellowships and Internships
— SPJ Honors (Public)
— SPJ Honors (Members)
— National Chapter Awards
— Local/Regional Contests

Committees

The work of SPJ is largely done at the national committee level. No matter what your passion, SPJ has an outlet for your talents, passion and energy.

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation's largest and most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

Learn about the many programs and committees that embody this principle. The work of SPJ is largely done at the national committee level. No matter what your passion — freedom of information, legal defense, diversity, ethics, freelance, international journalism, First Amendment rights, journalism education — SPJ has an outlet for your talents, passion and energy.

SPJ Communities

Touch base with fellow SPJ members and meet like-minded journalists by joining one or more of SPJ's communities. Open to all members, so get involved today!

Bylaws, Meeting Archives, Resolutions and more

– Bylaws
– Resolutions
– Meeting Stream Replays
– Meeting Minutes
– Meeting Materials
– SPJ/SDX Annual Reports
– White Papers
– Legal

Jobs at SPJ

Work at SPJ! All job openings, when applicable, are posted here.

Tools for SPJ Leaders

Reports, resources, reminders and more for chapter and committee leaders.

Chester C. Wells: His True Life Story

Journalist Gordon Govier set out to discover the story of Chester Wells, who was elected president at the second national convention of Sigma Delta Chi, held in Madison, Wisc., in May 1913. This is what he found.

Chester C. Wells, Sigma Delta Chi’s second national president, is remembered today through the Wells Memorial Key, which is the highest honor SPJ can bestow on a member. But little else about his legacy has been documented.

Journalist Gordon Govier set out to discover the story of Chester Wells, who was elected president at the second national convention of Sigma Delta Chi, held in Madison, Wisc., in May 1913. This is what he found.

Related
— SPJ History: Timeline, milestones, presidents and more
— Wells Memorial Key for Outstanding Service to the Society

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