It’s time to start thinking about the leadership of the DC SPJ chapter.
Bottom line: We need a slate of candidates.
Below is a list of the positions that are open in this year’s election along with a brief description of the duties of the jobs.
Think about what the SPJ means to you and how you might be able to help.
The national SPJ has been in the forefront of the fight for a journalism shield law. We have also been one of the fiercest defenders of the First Amendment. The national SPJ has also provided legal assistance to journalists facing prosecution for doing their jobs.
On the local level, the DC chapter is an integral part of efforts in Washington to ensure the passage of a comprehensive sunshine and open meetings law. (Council wants to limit application of open meetings law to itself)
The D.C. chapter celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2011. This makes us one of the oldest chapters in the 101 year history of the SPJ. We have survived and thrived because of the voluntary commitment of journalists just like you.
Serving on the board takes up less time than you might think. (Except for the vice presidency.) Generally the board meets once a month September through June. There is often an August meeting of the new and old boards wrapped around a picnic or other similar casual outing. (And the board meetings are usually at the National Press Club, so opportunities for a decent meal and some drinks also abound.)
As an SPJ member you have already shown a commitment to quality journalism and the defense of the First Amendment. Now, how about showing a willingness to provide leadership in that struggle?
Here are the seats and a brief description of the positions that are open in this election cycle:
President
This officer is the public face of the chapter. He/She proposes an agenda for each monthly meeting, runs the monthly meetings, represents the local chapter to the national SPJ and appoints people to committees as needed. The president also prepares the annual report of chapter activities for the national SPJ.
The term of office is one year.
This is perhaps the most difficult and rewarding job in the whole chapter. The vice-president is responsible for organizing monthly programs. These programs can be seminars, panel discussions, community events or just casual get togethers.
Some past events have included forums with the ombudsman of the Washington Post and the general public to talk about how and why journalists do what we do; a casual gathering that allowed foreign correspondents based in Washington to explain to their American counterparts how they covered and explained U.S. elections to their home audiences and a session on “how to” cover a papal visit.
The job requires that you reach out to other sections of the journalism community in the planning of the events. Talk about a great networking opportunity.
The term of office is one year.
Treasurer
This office keeps track of the finances of the chapter. He/She pays the chapter’s bills, records the income, prepares a monthly report for the chapter board and organizes an annual audit of the chapter finances.
The term of office is one year.
Recording Secretary
This officer takes minutes at the board meetings and submits those minutes to the board for approval at the next meeting. Once approved the minutes get posted on the chapter’s website.
The term of office is one year.
Corresponding Secretary
This officer handles the communication with members and other organizations. For example, once the vice-president sets up a program, the corresponding secretary sends an electronic invitation (usually through Evite) to chapter members and other interested people announcing the event.
The term of office is one year.
Board of Directors
There are six board members. Each member serves a two-year term. Under normal circumstances, the terms are staggered so that only half of the board is elected at one time. (Sometimes a board member will run for an officer’s position or resign. If the seat becomes vacant, the board and officers will name a new board member to fill out the term of the vacant position.)
The board of directors serves as a representative body of the chapter membership. Board members and officers have an equal vote in chapter affairs. Often times board members will be named to run committees to help the chapter better serve the members.
You can see the current officers here. And the current board of directors here.
So that’s about it.
If you have any questions about the positions, please contact nominating committee chair, Dan Kubiske. He can be reached by e-mail at Dan@Kubiske.Org or on SKYPE at DEKubiske. (He lives in Brazil. You really don’t want to call him unless you have an unlimited international calling budget.)