The Society of Professional Journalists

    While waiting to share my EOTO #1 I heard many different topics that peaked my interest and turned the wheels in my head. The Society of Professional Journalists was the topic that really opened my ears and made me think. It was interesting to hear about an organization that helps students be successful.

    The Society of Professional Journalists is an association dedicated to aiding the production of future journalists. They encourage free practice and stimulate the highest of standards of ethical behaviors through the First Amendment.

     In 1909, SPJ was founded and known as the fraternity, Sigma Delta Chi, at  DePauw University. At first there were six members honored for their contributions to journalism. After a few years the fraternity spread to over a dozen other campuses and became an influential voice in American journalism. 

    The name shifted to The Society of Professional Journalism in 1988 and began to promote the idea of well-informed citizens. With over 300 chapters across the United States, 6000 members stand proud of the organization. 

    SPJ focuses on the importance of their Code of Ethics. According to their website a journalist should "seek truth and report it", "minimize harm", "act independently", and "be accountable and transparent". Each category is followed by specific principles on how to act upon each. This is to encourage accuracy and produce well educated and correct writers.

SPJ is an organization that I am interested in joining. It is a way to elevate any journalist to the next level and give insight into the dos and don'ts of the industry. It also prepares writers to make compelling stories and educates about the First Amendment.