UW-River Falls Journalism

Society of Professional Journalists

What is SPJ?

SPJ, the Society of Professional Journalists, is an organization of 13,000 persons involved in the direction of editorial policy of, the editing of, and the preparation of news and editorial content of independent news editorial products, and teachers and students engaged in the study of those areas.

Our Mission

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, the Society of Professional Journalists is the largest and most broad-based membership organization for journalists in the world. The Society is a not-for-profit, voluntary association with a membership of professionals and students engaged in every area of journalism.

For more than 80 years, SPJ has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism, and perpetuating a free press.

Our Invitation

We invite you to join us at the UW-River Falls Chapter of SPJ. The impact you can make as a member will not only be reflected in your own professional success but in newsrooms and on campuses for years to come.

Your Benefits

The opportunity to meet, talk and network with professionals in your area at your local chapter meetings
Professional development meetings, workshops, and mission committees at the local and national level
Legal advice and support if your First Amendment rights are violated
Information, publications and guidelines concerning Freedom of Information issues, state sunshine laws and ethical standards in journalism
An invitation to participate in one the country's oldest and most prestigious journalism awards programs, the Sigma Delta Chi awards
Quill Magazine
The opportunity to utilize the Society's credit card, travel benefits and insurance program

Membership Requirements

Student

Must be a college or university student in good academic standing
Must be a journalism student or must show an interest in the activities cited under "What is SPJ"
Student members may continue membership after graduation as post-graduate members for up to 2 years or upon entering the work force
Dues: $35/year

Professional

Must be engaged in the activities cited under "What is SPJ" at the time of selection
Rule of thumb: More than 50% of the candidate's working hours must be in this field
Dues: $62/year

Retired

Former professional members who have retired from active journalism
Dues: $31/year

Four Good Reasons for Students to Join SPJ

Learn about journalism issues and ethics at programs sponsored by SPJ
Continue your education by getting involved in the student chapter of a national organization devoted to journalism
Take advantage of National SPJ programs for internships, job searches, and Mark of Excellence Awards
SPJ is an excellent organization to put on your resume

If you are interested in finding out more about the Society of Professional Journalists, send an e-mail to Andris Straumanis, the faculty adviser of SPJ.