Mission Statement
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.
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As the Greater Oregon Professional Chapter of the oldest journalism society in the United States, we share 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's "Do You Feel Safer in the Dark?" campaign promotes the importance
of the First Amendment and open government - even in times of crisis. Our
members have testified before the Oregon Legislature and spoken to churches
and civic groups on this issue. The campaign's T-shirts and posters have been
sold across the country and drawn the attention of famed First Amendment advocate
Nat Hentoff. (Click on "First Amendment Campaign" for more information.)
The chapter is also creating a public records audit of every county in Oregon,
resulting in a "report card" on how well public agencies respond to requests
for records.
We are also putting together a series of training sessions across the state
to teach editors and reporters how to make effective public records requests.
* 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 joins forces
with the American Civil Liberties Union in Oregon to offer a First Amendment
award to high school students.
* PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
Oregon SPJ offers a series of workshops to train editors and reporters how
to make effective public records requests. Contact us for more information.
* 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. Visit
the Membership section for more information. Click here
to access a downloadable membership form.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wendy Culverwell, president. Portland Business Journal. Email: wculverwell@bizjournals.com. Contact Wendy with questions about the chapter, upcoming events and campaigns.
Craig Brown, vice president/contest coordinator. The Columbian. Email: craig.brown@columbian.com. Contact Craig with questions about contests.
Tamara Kent, president-elect. KGW. Email:
Nick Budnick, sunshine chair. Portland Tribune. Email: nickbudnick@portlandtribune.com. Contact Nick with questions about public records.
Courtney Sherwood, treasurer/membership chair. The Columbian. Email: courtney.sherwood@columbian.com. Contact Courtney with questions about SPJ membership.
Lee van der Voo, technology chair. Lake Oswego Review. Email: lvandervoo@lakeoswegoreview.com. Contact Lee with questions about this web site.
Jim Redden, secretary. Portland Tribune. Email: jimredden@portlandtribune.com.
Jan Even, board member at-large. Bend Bulletin. Email: jeven@bendbulletin.com.
Laurent Bonczijk, board member at-large. McMinnville News-Register. Email: lbonczijk@eaglenewspapers.com.
Matt Kish, board member at-large. Portland Business Journal. Email: mkish@bizjournals.com.
Libby Tucker, board member at-large. Daily Journal of Commerce. Email: libby.tucker@djcoregon.com.
Toby Van Fleet, board member at-large. Freelancer. Email: tobyvanfleet@gmail.com.