Society of Professional Journalists
Improving and protecting journalism since 1909
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 nearly 7,500 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.
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.
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.
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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.
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
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/SDX Annual Reports
– Resolutions
– White Papers
– Meeting Minutes
Browse annual reports and an archive of minutes from meetings of the SPJ and SDX boards of directors, executive committee meetings, and joint meetings of the SPJ and SDX boards.
– SPJ/SDX Annual Reports
– Resolutions
– White Papers
– Meeting Minutes
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
SPJ News
– Kansas City Star receives Pulliam First Amendment Award
– Carolyn Lumsden of the Hartford Courant receives $75,000 Pulliam Fellowship in Editorial Writing
– SPJ Letter to the Editor in support of free press
– Ball State University instructor, Colleen Steffen, named outstanding campus adviser
– SPJ selects José Luis Benavides for Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
– 8/18/18: SPJ Georgia Freelance Fair
– 8/23/18: D.C. Pro freelancers' lunch
– 9/27/18: Excellence in Journalism 2018
– 10/31/18: Deadline: SPJ Chapter Grant Applications
– 12/01/18: Nomination Deadline: Fellows of the Society
Copyright © 1996-2018 Society of Professional Journalists. All Rights Reserved.
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Society of Professional Journalists
Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Center
3909 N. Meridian St., Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317-927-8000
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