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How to become a member

Make a solid investment in yourself and your profession by joining the Society of Professional Journalists. Membership in SPJ is a rewarding experience that puts you at the forefront of industry happenings.

SPJ has been an industry leader for more than 90 years, and some of its activities may surprise you. Although your rights as a journalist are guaranteed under the First Amendment, the Society of Professional Journalists, both nationally and through local chapters, fights and wins battles for Freedom of Information and First Amendment rights that might not otherwise be fought at all. As a result of SPJ’s grass-roots activism, we are able to address vital issues confronting today’s working journalist.


Three Reasons to Join SPJ
Membership Center > Prospective Members > Three Reasons to Join

Continuing Professional Education

  • When you read Quill Magazine, the Society of Professional Journalists’ national magazine, you have your finger on the pulse of American journalism — its challenges, opportunities and responsibilities. For more than 80 years, Quill has been a respected and sought-after resource for journalists, industry leaders, students and educators on issues central to journalism.
  • Professional development has been a long-time cornerstone of the Society's mission. SPJ programs the SPJ National Convention, specialized workshops, regional conferences, local chapter meetings and the Broadcasting Taishoff Seminar provide members with an opportunity to improve their professional skills and to facilitate career development.

Career Services & Support

  • The national Sigma Delta Chi Awards have honored the best in journalism for more than 80 years. The prestigious bronze medallions are presented annually at the Society’s national convention.
  • The Society’s Foundation annually presents the $40,000 Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writers. The fellowship allows writers to increase their understanding of a particular subject so they can better serve the public.
  • The Society’s Mark of Excellence Awards recognize outstanding college journalists at the regional and national levels. The national winners are honored at the Society’s National Convention.
  • The Pulliam/Kilgore First Amendment and Freedom of Information Internships are paid internships that offer students the opportunity to study, research and write about Freedom of Information issues.

Journalism Advocacy

  • The Society’s Freedom of Information Committee coordinates all areas encompassed by our Freedom of Information initiatives, including SPJ’s Legal Defense Fund efforts, the FOI Alert, Project Sunshine and working closely with our legal counsel in the nation’s capital. The committee led the fight to ensure that the Iran/Contra report was made public. Without SPJ’s efforts, the results of seven years and $35 million in taxpayer money still would be secret. Testimony before Congress and amicus briefs work to keep the press unfettered in a world of technological change. It’s no wonder reporters, editors and news directors turn to the Society for advice, assistance and direction.
  • SPJ’s Legal Defense Fund wages court battles across the country to secure First Amendment rights. The fund also supports state Freedom of Information hotlines, computer bulletin boards and organizations that resolve First Amendment conflicts before they require costly litigation. When a reporter or news organization is faced with a legal battle, SPJ’s Legal Defense Fund is ready to help. The First Amendment guarantees Freedom of the Press — SPJ is making sure that our leaders live up to that legacy.
  • Project Sunshine is the Society’s grass-roots campaign to improve the ability of journalists and the public to obtain access to government records and proceedings and to brighten the forecast for open government in the years ahead. The program surveys and monitors newsrooms across the country, publishes guidelines and legal advice for sunshine legislation and provides educational workshops and seminars.

Join Now!
Membership Center > Prospective Members >

For more than 90 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.

REMEMBER YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP DUES
FOR SPJ Keystone ARE ONLY  $12 additional to national dues