Society of Professional Journalists
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For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.
We invite you to join us today!
– Join Online
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1. Join online
2. Download a form and join by mail or fax [PDF]
3. Request an application by mail
Membership expired? Renew in minutes today.
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The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.
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Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Anaheim for training, networking, workshops and more!
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The work of SPJ, its Legal Defense Fund and the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from journalists and others who support these goals. No matter which recipient you choose, you'll have made a valuable investment in journalism.
SPJ.org
– Home
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Excellence in Journalism 2017: Sept 7-9, Anaheim
EIJ17 Website
Your Donation Matters!
The work of SPJ, its Legal Defense Fund and the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from journalists and others who support these goals. No matter which recipient you choose, you'll have made a valuable investment in journalism.
Member Login | Join SPJ | Benefits | Rates
> Latest News, Blogs and Events (tap to expand)
SPJ.org
– News
– Calendar
– Chapters
– SPJ Blogs Network
– Journalist's Toolbox
– Excellence in Journalism
About SPJ
– SDX Foundation
– Headquarters Staff
– Board of Directors
– Legal Defense Fund
– Awards
– History and Timeline
– Donate
– Advertise
– Merchandise
Missions and Resources
– Journalism Training
– Freedom of Information
– Ethics
– Diversity
– Freelancers
– Students
– Educators
– International
– Generation J
SPJ Members
– Members Home
– Edit Profile
– Renew Membership
– Membership Directory
– Join SPJ
– Why Join?
For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.
We invite you to join us today!
– Join Online
– Benefits of an SPJ Membership
– Membership Fees
1. Join online
2. Download a form and join by mail or fax [PDF]
3. Request an application by mail
Membership expired? Renew in minutes today.
– How SPJ Works for You
– Discounted Services for Members
– Testimonials: Why I'm a Member
– Three Reasons to Join: Education, Support, Advocacy
– Membership Fees
– Join Now!
– FOI Resources
– FOI Committee Blog
– FOI FAQ: Pros | Students
– Shield Law
– News/Articles
– Find FOI Locally
– Ethics Resources
– SPJ Code of Ethics
– Ethics Committee Blog
– Committee Position Papers
– News/Articles
– Answers/Get Help
– Diversity Resources
– Diversity Committee Blog
– News/Articles
– Rainbow Diversity Sourcebook
– Diversity Toolbox
– Resources/Guidelines
Touch base with fellow SPJ members and meet like-minded journalists by joining one or more of SPJ's communities! Open to all members.
– Communities Hub
– Freelance Community
– SPJ Digital
– International Journalism Community
– Generation J Community
– Students Community
– Freelancers
– Young Professionals
[Generation J]
– Students
– Educators
– International Journalists
– Training on Demand Videos
– Webinars on Demand
– Spring Conferences
– Journcamp
– For Journalism
– Ted Scripps Leadership Institute
– Online Tips and Tutorials
– On-Site Training
– Employment and Career Center
– SPJ Freelancer Directory
– Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships
The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.
– Home
– Board of Directors
– Donors Circle
– Give Monthly
– Planned Giving
– Memorial & Tribute Gifts
– Signature Programs
– Grants Information
– Documentation
Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Anaheim for training, networking, workshops and more!
– 2016 Recap
– 2015 Recap
– 2014 Recap
– 2013 Recap
– 2012 Recap
– 2011 Recap
– 2010 Recap
– 2009 Recap
– 2008 Recap
– 2007 Recap
– 2006 Recap
– Sigma Delta Chi Awards
– Mark of Excellence Awards
– New America Awards
– High School Essay Contest
– Awards, Fellowships and Internships
– SPJ Honors: Public | Members
– National Chapter Awards
– Local/Regional Contests
– Spring Conferences
– Find FOI in Your State
– Start a Chapter in Your Area
– SPJ Leaders home
– Leading Edge Blog
– Scripps Leadership Institute
– Downloadable Resources
– Start a Chapter
– Annual Reports, Best Practices and more
– Member Directory Search
– Chapter Directory
– Prospective Members Report
– Members Not Renewing Report
The work of SPJ, its Legal Defense Fund and the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from journalists and others who support these goals. No matter which recipient you choose, you'll have made a valuable investment in journalism.
Grudo is currently the digital platforms editor at Air Force Magazine, a DC-based, independent monthly. He was previously on the board of SPJ DC and on the national SPJ board. Before moving to DC in 2013, Grudo was editor of South Florida Gay News and worked on the board of SPJ Florida, spearheading multiple programs on a national level and helping run related conventions.
Home > Freedom of Information > FOI for pros: A step-by-step guide
FOI for pros:
A step-by-step guide
The Society of Professional Journalists seeks to maintain constant vigilance in protecting the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press and encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced freely. If you're unfamiliar with FOI laws, need help submitting a records request or simply don't know where to start, this guide can help.
Know before you go
Just what does the FOI law say?
Read the complete text of the Freedom of Information Act here. [nfoic.org]
What does it mean?
Federal Open Government Guide [rcfp.org]: Reporting can be greatly enhanced through use of FOIA, FACA and the Sunshine Act and that starts with understanding how each law works.
What is your state law?
The Open Government Guide from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has a complete compendium of information on every state's open records and open meetings laws. View each state's laws individually, or compare multiple states with yours. [rcfp.org]
Write a records request
Letter generators
State Open Records Law Request Letter Generator [splc.org]
FOIA Letter Generator [rcfp.org]
What if they say they cant give it to you because of FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Read the complete text of FERPA here. [ed.gov]
SPJs Reporters Guide to FERPA
Ever have a tough time getting public records from schools or universities? We feel your pain and are here to help you. The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act has been twisted beyond recognition, keeping school lunch menus, graduation honors and athletic travel records secret. Take back your right to information.
SPJ on Demand video: Handling a denial
Don't be bullied by gatekeepers. Recognize the most typical denials to watch for and the best tactics for dealing with agencies that choose to violate the law. You'll also learn about resourceful tips for reducing or eliminating copy fees. Watch in: Flash | HTML5 (SPJ membership required to see On Demand videos.)
Need some help?
Harassed/Arrested?
The Society's Legal Defense Fund is a unique account that can be tapped for providing journalists with legal or direct financial assistance. Application to the fund is approved by either a small committee or the national board, depending on the level of assistance sought. The committee works throughout the year raising funds for LDF. Learn more about LDF by following this link.
Additional free resources
SPJ FOI Toolkit
FOI Audits are a great way to monitor FOI compliance, build a group of journalists who have come up close and personal with FOI laws and demonstrate, once and for all, the weaknesses in state FOI laws. We've compiled everything you need to get started: training, do's and don'ts, document ideas for your requests and lots more.
Find FOI in your state
Get in touch with the Sunshine chair or chairs in your state and find FOI Centers, quotable sources, state FOI hotlines and more.
Open Doors: A guide to accessing government records
What would our profession do without the ability to access information held by government agencies? What would we do without state and federal Freedom of Information laws? SPJ's Open Doors project is a comprehensive guide not only to the Freedom of Information Act, but also to freedom of information in general and how it applies to your work and even your life.
SPJ pro chapters in your state:
SPJ's lengthy roster of chapters provide its backbone. The local chapter is the conduit SPJ members require to learn about events in their local journalism community as well as positions that journalists are taking nationwide on topics such as Freedom of Information and First Amendment rights. Locate, participate in and develop a chapter here.
Your Right To Federal records [publications.usa.gov]
A further explanation of the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act and how to use them.
SPJ eCampus: Acquiring Records
These video training sessions are available to all SPJ members at any time and are included as part of your SPJ membership.
10 Must-Have Documents: Flash | HTML5
Learning FOI Law: Flash | HTML5
Effective Requests: Flash | HTML5
Overcoming Denials: Flash | HTML5
Dealing with Data: Flash | HTML5
Tell us what you think about this page
We want to know so we can make it better for you. Please email SPJ FOI Committee Chair Linda Petersen with any questions or thoughts.