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.
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 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 Hentoff. 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 Bob Chandler Rookie of the Year Award.
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, 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, typically at the Portland Business Journal, 851 S.W. Sixth Ave., Suite 500, Portland. Call or email the president (below) to confirm. Board elections are held at the May banquet. Contact the president if you are interested in serving.
Board of Directors
Wendy Culverwell, President, Portland Business Journal
Direct questions to Wendy about the chapter, upcoming events and campaigns or call 503-708-0223.
email: wculverwell AT bizjournals.com
Craig Brown, Vice President/Contest Coordinator, The Columbian
Direct questions to Craig about contests.
email: craig.brown AT columbian.com
Tamara Kent, President-Elect, KGW
email: tkent AT kgw.com
Nick Budnick, Sunshine Chair, Portland Tribune
Direct questions to Nick about public records.
email: nickbudnick AT gmail.com
Courtney Sherwood, Treasurer/Membership Chair, The Columbian
Direct questions to Courtney about SPJ membership.
email: csherwood AT gmail.com
Lee van der Voo, Technology Chair, Lake Oswego Review
Direct questions to Lee about this web site.
email: lvdvoo AT hotmail.com
Libby Tucker, Secretary, Freelancer
email: libby.tucker AT gmail.com
Laurent Bonczijk, Board Member At-Large, Newberg Graphic
email: lbonczijk AT eaglenewspapers.com
Hank Stern, Board Member At-Large, Willamette Week
email: hstern AT wweek.com
Toby Van Fleet, Board Member At-Large, Communications
