Society of Professional Journalists

About the Society The Society of Professional Journalists champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. SPJ works to improve and protect journalism. As the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Mission The Society of Professional Journalists is dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty. To ensure that the concept of self-government outlined by the United States Constitution remains a reality into future centuries, the American people must be well-informed in order to make decisions regarding their lives and their local and national communities. It is the role of journalists to provide this information in an accurate, comprehensive, timely, and understandable manner. It is the mission of the Society of Professional Journalists: - To encourage a climate in which journalism can be practiced freely and fully - To promote this flow of information - To stimulate high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism - To foster excellence and to encourage diversity among journalists - To inspire successive generations of talented individuals to become dedicated journalists - Finally, the Society must maintain constant vigilance in protection of First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press