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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!
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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 Nashville for training, networking, workshops and more!
– 2014 Recap
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– Mon, Dec 01, 2014: Fellows of the Society Award 2014 Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Jan 23, 2015: 2014 Mark of Excellence Awards Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Feb 06, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Feb 13, 2015: New America Award Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Sat, Feb 28, 2015: High School Essay Contest Postmark Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Sunshine Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Historic Sites in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Robert D.G. Lewis First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards] [Convention]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Ethics in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Regional Director of the Year Award Nomination Deadline [Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Wells Memorial Key Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Julie Galvan Outstanding Campus Member Award Nomination Deadline [Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: David Eshelman Outstanding Campus Adviser Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Howard S. Dubin Outstanding Pro Member Award Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 24, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Winners Announcement [SPJ Awards]
– Mon, Jun 22, 2015: Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards]
– Mon, Jun 22, 2015: Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing Application Deadline [Awards] [Fellowships]
– Fri, Jun 26, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Banquet [SPJ Awards]
– Spring Conferences
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– Start a Chapter
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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.
– 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
– 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?
Tip: Press the ESC key to instantly call up a feed containing all the newest SPJ news and updates to our social channels.
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
– Training on Demand Videos
– Webinars on Demand
– Spring Conferences
– Journcamp
– For Journalism
– Ted Scripps Leadership Institute
– Online Tips and Tutorials
– On-Site Training
– Sat, Nov 08, 2014: SPJ JournCamp: Miami [Training]
– Fri, Nov 14, 2014: Ted Scripps Leadership Institute: Columbus, Ohio [Training] [Leaders]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Robert D.G. Lewis First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards] [Convention]
– Job Bank
– SPJ Freelancer Directory
– Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships
– Journalist's Toolbox
– SPJ Experts
– Freelancers
– Young Professionals
[Generation J]
– Students
– Educators
– International Journalists
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 Nashville for training, networking, workshops and more!
– 2014 Recap
– 2013 Recap
– 2012 Recap
– 2011 Recap
– 2010 Recap
– 2009 Recap
– 2008 Recap
– 2007 Recap
– 2006 Recap
– National Contests
– Awards, Fellowships and Internships
– SPJ Honors: Public | Members
– National Chapter Awards
– Local/Regional Contests
– Mon, Dec 01, 2014: Fellows of the Society Award 2014 Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Jan 23, 2015: 2014 Mark of Excellence Awards Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Feb 06, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Feb 13, 2015: New America Award Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Sat, Feb 28, 2015: High School Essay Contest Postmark Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Sunshine Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Historic Sites in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Robert D.G. Lewis First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards] [Convention]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Ethics in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Regional Director of the Year Award Nomination Deadline [Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Wells Memorial Key Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Julie Galvan Outstanding Campus Member Award Nomination Deadline [Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: David Eshelman Outstanding Campus Adviser Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Howard S. Dubin Outstanding Pro Member Award Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 24, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Winners Announcement [SPJ Awards]
– Mon, Jun 22, 2015: Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards]
– Mon, Jun 22, 2015: Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing Application Deadline [Awards] [Fellowships]
– Fri, Jun 26, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Banquet [SPJ Awards]
– 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.
Forty-nine states and the District of Columbia provide journalists with a reporters privilege, protecting them if a state government seeks to make him or her reveal confidential information, including the identity of a source. Some states have statutes, known as shield laws, and some provide the protection through case law.
There is absolutely no protection at the federal level. Its time to pass a federal shield law.
Find out more including how you can help us right now to raise the shield by visiting our shield law page.
The Society's Legal Defense Fund is a unique account that can be tapped for providing journalists with legal or direct financial assistance. Application to the fund is approved by either a small committee or the national board, depending on the level of assistance sought. The committee works throughout the year raising funds for LDF.
The primary role of the Legal Defense Fund is to initiate and support litigation that enforces public access to government records and proceedings, which can be the most expensive way to defend the First Amendment. The fund can also be a source of support for FOI hotlines, coalitions and newsletters, as well as for legislative lobbying activities aimed at enforcing public access to government records and proceedings.
More information
How to request an LDF grant
LDF in action
Project Sunshine is most important and visible to the people who need it the most: working reporters and editors. Project Sunshine focuses the attention of SPJ chapters and leaders on Freedom of Information problems, issues, needs and solutions at the local, chapter and state level. State sunshine chairs also are leaders in national access debates.
FOI FYI:
SPJs FOI Committee Blog
Related Articles:
Freedom of Information
See archive for more articles
– Quill: FOI Toolbox
– Quill: Generation J Toolbox
– Quill: Ten with Jason Leopold
– SPJ News: SPJ mourns loss of journalism great Ben Bradlee
– SPJ News: SPJ applauds City of Tupelo, SPJ member, for bringing electronic public records into compliance with law
– Quill: From the President
– SPJ News: SPJ statement about alleged execution of American photojournalist James Foley
– SPJ News: Journalism, science groups decry EPA move to muzzle national science advisers
– SPJ News: Two organizations, two individuals honored by SPJ with Sunshine Award
– SPJ News: Letter urges President Obama to be more transparent
Standing UP for Journalism:
Chronicling SPJ's Mission
Every week I do a roundup of the freedom of information stories around the Web. If you have an FOI story you want to share, send me an email or tweet me.
TOP MUST READ: How an activist journalist’s commitment to a poor Chicago community led to a big FOIA win.
FOIA requests to Federal Election Commission about the Internal Revenue Service Tea Party targeting scandal results in backlogs. What’s more, IRS emails reveal huge loophole in federal open-records practices
Speaking of which: Want public documents from the IRS? >Continue reading Must read FOI stories – 7/25/14
More from FOI FYI:
– Must read FOI stories – 7/25/14
– Must read FOI stories – 7/18/14
– FOIA should be proactive, not reactive
– Must read FOI stories – 7/11/14
– Must read FOI stories – 7/07/14
Ever have a tough time getting public records from schools or universities? We feel your pain and are here to help you. The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act has been twisted beyond recognition, keeping school lunch menus, graduation honors and athletic travel records secret. Take back your right to information with this guide, produced by the Society of Professional Journalists in conjunction with the Georgia First Amendment Foundation.
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.
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
Updated for 2012: Restrictive prison policies continue to be an issue for journalists. SPJ is working to keep prisons accessible, and has developed this state-by-state resource to assist journalists with access and coverage.
Collected Resources
Downloadable State-by-State Access Policies
State-by-State Contact Information
Additional Information
General
Transparency in process
Inmate interviews
Staff Interviews
Online Presence
Related: Behind the wall: Tips on prison reporting [Quill, July/August 2012]
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