Journalism-Related Professional Organizations
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, 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 through the daily work of its nearly 10,000 members; works to inspire and educate current and future journalists through professional development; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press through its advocacy efforts. UW has a student SPJ chapter >>
Online News Association
The Online News Association was founded in 1999 by several working members of the online press. ONA is open to journalists from around the world who produce news on the Internet and other digital platforms, and to others with an interest in online news.
Seattle Association of Black Journalists
The Seattle Association of Black Journalists is an affiliate chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), a group of more than 3,000 African Americans working in the media. We are an organization for journalists, student journalists, journalism professors, advertising and public relations professionals. We are one of the largest and oldest media groups in the Northwest. Our members work in public relations, radio, television, advertising, online and print journalism. They are editors, reporters, television anchors, executives, artists, video and still photographers. SABJ has been the conduit to which many journalists have gained successful employment in the Seattle-Tacoma media market.
National Association of Hispanic Journalists
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. Established in April 1984, NAHJ created a national voice and unified vision for all Hispanic journalists. The goals of the association are:
- To organize and provide mutual support for Hispanics involved in the gathering or dissemination of news.
- To encourage and support the study and practice of journalism and communications by Hispanics.
- To foster and promote a fair treatment of Hispanics by the media.
- To further the employment and career development of Hispanics in the media.
- To foster a greater understanding of Hispanic media professionals' special cultural identity, interests, and concerns.
NAHJ programs include:
- Internship and fellowship listings
- Student journalism workshops
- Newsletter
- Scholarships
National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association
Founded in 1990, NLGJA is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students that works within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members.
Asian American Journalists Association
Founded in 1981, the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) is a non-profit professional and educational organization with more than 2,000 members today. AAJA serves Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by encouraging young people to consider journalism as a career, developing managers in the media industry, and promoting fair and accurate news coverage.
AAJA uses the term "Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders" to embrace all Americans--both citizens and residents -- who self-identify with one or more of the three dozen nationalities and ethnic groups in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific Islands. We use this term to refer to our communities at large, as well as to our membership which includes representatives from all these regions.
Native American Journalists Association
The Native American Journalists Association serves and empowers Native journalists through programs and actions designed to enrich journalism and promote Native culture. NAJA recognizes native Americans as distinct peoples based on tradition and culture. In this spirit, NAJA educate and unifies its membership through journalism programs that promote diversity and defends challenges to free press, speech, and expression. NAJA is committed to increase the representation of Native journalists in mainstream media. NAJA encourages both mainstream and tribal media to attain the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and responsibility.
Public Relations Student Society of America
In 1968, 20 years after its own establishment, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) founded the Public Relations Student Society of America. The declared purpose of PRSSA is to cultivate a favorable and mutually advantageous relationship between students and professional public relations practitioners. The student society aims to foster the following:
- Understanding of current theories and procedures of the profession
- Appreciation of the highest ethical ideals and principles
- Awareness of an appropriate professional attitude
- Appreciation of Associate Membership in PRSA and eventually accredited membership
Today the Public Relations Student Society of America has more than 9,600 members in 284 universities across the country.
UW has a student PRSSA chapter >>
