There is a new SPJ student group in the Washington area. The Georgetown University SPJ student chapter is kicking off its second year of official operations. The group was launched last year by a graduate student and has expanded to include three board members and more than 50 student members.
Their goal is promoting ethical and open journalism on campus, along with professional development for students. They say part of their membership strategy has included a social media plan since many of the graduate students don’t attend classes on the main campus. You can follow them on Twitter @GeorgetownSPJ. 
“We are such a diverse chapter with people from so many backgrounds” said DJ Jennings, president of the Georgetown SPJ student chapter. “Our members range from experienced journalists searching for new skills to recent college graduates looking for that first job.”
Hoping to keep the momentum going, the Hoyas say they are planning to add more social and networking events to this year’s calendar. The student group teamed up with the DC SPJ-DC pro chapter at La Tasca in Clarendon Feb. 22.
They also are participating in an upcoming “Jump into Journalism” event with the Georgetown University Alumni Center. The March event will bring together Hoyas working in journalism with students interested in journalism careers.
A silent auction is also in the works to coincide with May graduation festivities. All the money raised from the auction will go to the GU SPJ student group fund. If you are interested in donating anything for the Georgetown University SPJ auction please contact steph.rodrigues5@gmail.com or Georgetownspj@gmail.com.
They are looking for journalism books, tote bags and even tours of your newsroom to auction!