Mission Statement
(Note: Greater Oregon is now the Oregon/Southwest Washington Professional Chapter)
Members of the Greater Oregon Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists believe an informed public is the basis of justice and democracy. Oregon SPJ members champion freedom of the press; train journalists; encourage students; recognize excellence; and promote the highest ideals of their profession. View Bylaws.
The Oregon/Southwest Washington chapter of the oldest journalism society in the United States shares the organization’s dedication to the highest ideals of journalism.
Our purpose is to provide an effective means for Northwest journalists to fight for the First Amendment and open government, improve journalistic standards, recognize excellence and encourage the communicators of tomorrow. Activities of the chapter include:
Activism
The chapter takes an active role in promoting open government in Washington and Oregon - even in times of crisis. After Sept. 11, 2001, the “Do You Feel Safer in the Dark?” campaign promoted the importance of the First Amendment. The campaign’s T-shirts and posters have been sold across the country and drawn the attention of famed First Amendment advocate Nat Hentoffand the First Amendment Center. Our members continue to testify before the Oregon Legislature and speak publicly about these issues. The chapter track developments in open government issues through the Open Government Resource Effort.
Honors
Every May, Oregon SPJ awards the best in Oregon non-daily journalism. Working with other chapters in the Northwest, it also recognizes excellence in daily print, radio and television journalism. In addition, the chapter sponsors the First Freedom Award that recognizes individuals and groups who have done something exemplary in the service of the First Amendment. The chapter also honors a talented up-and-comer each year through the Robert Chandler Rookie of the Year Award.
Professional Development
Oregon/SW Washington SPJ offers regular programs that provide new skills and updated insights to editors and reporters practicing journalism in different areas. In additional to regular social hours featuring key speakers on current topics, the chapter hosts an annual training seminar called Building a Better Journalist each fall in Eugene through a partnership with the University of Oregon. Journalists have used these events to train in investigative techniques, interviewing, writing, multimedia skills, business reporting and more. Visit our training section for details.
Networking
Chapter events (and especially their behind-the-scenes planning) give members a chance to make contacts and compare notes with journalists from all disciplines - print, broadcast and new media.
Strength in Numbers
Oregon SPJ is a chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the world’s largest voluntary association of journalists. SPJ has its own wide-ranging array of programs and publications that encourage the free and ethical practice of journalism.
What does it cost?
Membership in Oregon SPJ is free! If you live in Oregon or Southwest Washington, and belong to the Society of Professional Journalists nationally, you are automatically a member of our chapter. National annual dues are $72, or $36 for college students and recent graduates. Visit the Membership section for more information. Download National Membership Form PDF.
Board meetings
The board meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. Call or email the president (below) for the current location. Board elections are held at the May banquet. Contact the president if you are interested in serving.
Board of Directors
Laurent Bonczijk, President/Contest Coordinator, The Newberg Graphic
email: lbonczijk@newberggraphic.com
Direct questions to Laurent about the chapter, upcoming events and campaigns.
Courtney Sherwood, Vice-President/Membership Chair, The Columbian
Direct questions to Courtney about SPJ membership.
email: csherwood@gmail.com
Wendy Culverwell, treasurer, Portland Business Journal
email: wculverwell@yahoo.com
Raymond Rendleman, member at-large, The Clackamas Review and The Oregon City News
email: rrendleman@clackamasreview.com
Christian Gaston, Sunshine Chair, The Forrest Grove News Times
email: cgaston@fgnewstimes.com
Aaron Mesh, member at-large, Willamette Week
email: amesh@wweek.com
Sarah Mirk, member at-large, The Portland Mercury email: smirk@portlandmercury.com
Hannah Hoffman, member at-large, The News Register
email: hhoffman@newsregister.com
