Communities and Committees
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.
– Freelance Community
– SPJ Digital
– International Community
– Generation J Community
– Community Journalism Community
The work of SPJ is largely done at the national committee and community level. No matter what your passion freedom of information, diversity, ethics, freelance, international journalism, First Amendment rights, journalism education SPJ has an outlet for your talents, passion and energy. Scroll down to learn more about (and get involved with) our committees, and use the links to the right to discover and join any of our growing communities.
Active committees
Awards & Honors
Bylaws
Diversity
Ethics
Finance
Freedom of Information
Journalism Education
Membership
Nominations
Resolutions
Regional Coordinators
Awards & Honors
This committee oversees most of the Society's awards, which are dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievement in journalism. Any changes in guidelines, judging criteria, categories or eligibility are reviewed by this committee.
Related content | Awards Committee Roster
Awards & Honors Committee
Andy Schotz, chair
@spjregion2
Email
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Bylaws
This committee strives to ensure the Society conducts its business and operations according to the Society's bylaws. SPJ's bylaws aim to unite members and promote good fellowship among them.
SPJ Bylaws | Bylaws Committee Roster
Bylaws Committee Chair
Robert Becker
3315 Morrison St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20015
(202) 364-8013
Email
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Diversity
On both chapter and national levels, SPJ provides an open forum for the discussion of diversity issues in journalism. This committee's purpose is to promote a broader voice in newsrooms across the country and expand the depth and quality of news reports through better sourcing. Its ongoing project is the compilation of experts primarily women, gays and lesbians, people of color and people with disabilities through the Society's Diversity Source Book. The Society's relevance to its member is based on inclusiveness.
Diversity Home Page | Diversity Committee Roster
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair
Rebecca Aguilar
E-mail
@RebeccaAguilar
Ivette Davila-Richards, vice chair
Freelance journalist
@IDRichards
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Ethics
This committee's purpose is to encourage the use of the Society's Code of Ethics, which promotes the highest professional standards for journalists of all disciplines. Public concerns are often answered by this committee. It also acts as a spotter for reporting trends in the nation, accumulating case studies of jobs well done under trying circumstances.
Ethics Home Page | Ethics Committee Roster
Ethics Committee chair
Danielle McLean
Email
@DanielleBMcLean
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Finance Committee
The finance committee is chaired by the Society's secretary-treasurer. By authority of that position, the committee reviews the annual budget and sets financial goals. Its recommendations on the budget are forwarded to the SPJ board at its spring meeting.
Finance Committee Roster
Finance Committee Chair
Ivette Davila-Richards
E-mail
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Freedom of Information Committee
This 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.
FOI Home Page | FOI Committee Roster
Freedom of Information Committee Chair
Haisten Willis
Freelance Journalist
Email
@HaistenWillis
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Journalism Education
This committee's purpose is to promote excellence in education programs and practical research. It acts as a clearinghouse for the Society's academic members and students. It also works with annual convention planners on mentor programs both at the college and high school level.
Tools for Students | Tools for Educators | J-Ed Committee Roster
Journalism Education Committee Chair
Yvette B. Walker
SPJ National Board/University of Oklahoma
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Membership
This committee follows membership trends in the Society and recommends membership recruitment drives to the national board and executive director. It is called upon to review chapter requirements, dues, organizational structure and other quality-of-life issues affecting the membership.
Why Join? | Member Resources | Membership Committee Roster
Membership Committee Chair
Emily Bloch
Email
@emdrums
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Nominations
SPJs Nominations Committee is primarily responsible for identifying, vetting and recommending candidates for election to the Board of Directors.
SPJ Election Central | Nominations Committee Roster
Nominations Committee Chair
Patricia Gallagher Newberry
Email
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Regional Coordinators
SPJ's regional coordinators are responsible for organizing, guiding, supervising and stimulating the activity of each chapter in their regions. Meet SPJ's Regional Coordinators
Regional Coordinators Committee Chair
Deb Krol
@Debkrol
Email
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Resolutions
The Resolutions Committee meets annually at the Society's National Convention. The group is charged with presenting timely issues for debate before the Society's voting delegates. Its members serve to keep order at business meetings of the Society and to facilitate thoughtful debate. Drafts of resolutions can be submitted by any member of the Society either prior to, or during, convention.
Committee Roster
Resolutions Committee Chair
Michael Savino
@Reporter_Savino
Email
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