The Society of Professional Journalists · 2019-02-01 · The Society of Professional Journalists...
Transcript of The Society of Professional Journalists · 2019-02-01 · The Society of Professional Journalists...
TheSocietyofProfessionalJournalists
BoardofDirectorsMeeting
Feb.2,2019Noon–3p.m.EST
ZoomConferenceCall
STREAMEDLIVEATWWW.SPJ.ORG
ImprovingandProtectingJournalismSince1909
TheSocietyofProfessionalJournalistsisthenation’slargestandmostbroad-basedjournalismorganization,dedicatedtoencouragingthefreepracticeofjournalismandstimulatinghighstandardsof
ethicalbehavior.
Foundedin1909asSigmaDeltaChi,SPJpromotesthefreeflowofinformationvitaltoawell-informedcitizenry,workstoinspireandeducatethenextgenerationofjournalists,andprotectsFirstAmendment
guaranteesoffreedomofspeechandpress.
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AGENDASOCIETYOFPROFESSIONALJOURNALISTSBOARDMEETING
VIDEOCONFERENCEMEETINGDATE:February2,2019
TIME:Noon–3p.m.Eastern
1.CalltoOrder–Tarquinio
2.RollCall–Hall
a. Tarquiniob. Gallagher
Newberryc. Halld. KopenKatcefe. Bartlettf. Davila-Richards
g. Foxh. Hernandezi. Kisselj. Koretzkyk. Krolll. Meyersm. Radske
n. Reilleyo. Savinop. Schotzq. Southr. Walker
3.ApprovalofMeetingMinutes–Tarquinio
a. March19,2018[Page3]b. Sept.27,2018[Page4]c. Sept.30,2018[Page9]d. Dec.1,2018[Page16]
4.NewStudentChapterApprovalforAnnArbor,Mich.–BethelMcKenzie
5.EIJ19Update–GallagherNewberry
6.SPJ’s110th/50thAnniversaryPlan–BethelMcKenzie,Messing
5.FY2020BudgetPlanning–BethelMcKenzie,Messing
6.PublicCommentPeriod(Thepubliccanmakecommentspriortothemeetingatwww.spj.org/board-meeting.asp.)
EnterExecutiveSession:
7.ContinuationofFY2020BudgetPlanning–BethelMcKenzie,Messing
8.SponsorshipTaskForceReport–GallagherNewberry
9.ExecutiveDirectorReview–Tarquinio,Hall
ExitExecutiveSession:
10.Adjournment
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MINUTES
BOARDOFDIRECTORSSOCIETYOFPROFESSIONALJOURNALISTS
MARCH19,2018ZOOMCALL
MEETINGCALLEDTOORDERThemeetingoftheBoardofDirectorsoftheSocietyofProfessionalJournalistswascalledtoorderat2:03p.m.EDTonMonday,March19,2018,viaZoom.Thosepresentwere:PresidentRebeccaBaker,Secretary-TreasurerPattiNewberry,VicePresidentofCampusChapterAffairsSueKopenKatcef,At-LargeDirectorLaurenBartlett,CampusAdvisorAt-LargeLeticiaSteffen,StudentRepresentativeHaleyHarding,andRegionalDirectorsTomMcKee,KellyKissell,MicheleDay,DonMeyers,JoeRadske,MichaelKoretzkyandAndySchotz.StaffmemberspresentforthemeetingwereExecutiveDirectorAlisonBethelMcKenzieandDeputyExecutiveDirectorTaraPuckey.REGIONALBUSINESSAmotionwasmadebyBartlett,andsecondedbyKoretzky,thattheboardenterexecutivesessionforthepurposeofdiscussionaboutinternalregionalbusiness.UponpropermotionbyBartlettandsecondbyKoretzky,theboardenteredexecutivesessionat2:07p.m.EDT.Discussionlastedapproximately55minutes.UponpropermotionbyKopenKatcefandsecondbyMeyers,theboardvotedtoexitexecutivesessionatapproximately3:03p.m.ET.UponpropermotionbyMeyersandsecondbyHarding,theboardvotedtoadjournthemeetingat3:05p.m.ET.
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MINUTES
BOARDOFDIRECTORSSOCIETYOFPROFESSIONALJOURNALISTS
Sept.27,2018HiltonBaltimore–Baltimore,Maryland
MEETINGCALLEDTOORDERThemeetingoftheBoardofDirectorsoftheSocietyofProfessionalJournalistswascalledtoorderat9:10a.m.EDTonThursday,Sept.27,duringtheExcellenceinJournalismconferenceattheBaltimoreHiltoninBaltimore,Md.Thosepresentwere:PresidentRebeccaBaker;President-electAlexTarquinio;Secretary-TreasurerPattiNewberry;ImmediatePastPresidentLynnWalsh;VicePresidentofCampusChapterAffairsSueKopenKatcef;DirectorAt-LargeLaurenBartlett;CampusAdviserAt-LargeLeticiaSteffen;Region1DirectorJanePrimerano;Region2DirectorAndySchotz;Region3DirectorMichaelKoretzky;Region4DirectorTomMcKee;Region5DirectorMicheleDay;Region6DirectorJoeRadske;Region7DirectorKariWilliams;Region8DirectorEddyeGallagher;Region9DirectorEdOtte;Region10DirectorDonaldMeyers;Region11DirectorMattHallandRegion12DirectorKellyKissel.StaffmemberspresentforthemeetingwereExecutiveDirectorAlisonBethelMcKenzie,JournalistonCallRodHicks,DirectorofDevelopmentLarryMessing,DirectorofFinanceandAdministrationAmyWongandDirectorofCommunicationsandMarketingJenniferRoyer.PUBLICCOMMENTBakerstartedthemeetingwithpubliccomment.StephanieBluestein,LosAngeleschapterpresidenturgedtheboardnottosolicitoracceptconferencesponsorshipsfromtheKochFoundationorothersuchgroupsthathaveintentionsofinfluencingnewscoverageorpoliciesofjournalismorganizations.Shealsoencouragedtheboardtorefrainfromenteringintomulti-yearagreementswithsponsors,workwithotherorganizationsoracampushostfortheconferencethatwouldpotentiallybelessexpensivethanahotelvenue.Thesechangeswouldhelplowertheburdenofraisingmoneyfromsponsors,shesaid.BenMeyersonoftheChicagoHeadlineClubsaidtheirchapterpresidentbroughtuptheissueoftheKochsponsorshipbeforeandtheyaredisappointedKochwasallowedtosponsortheconference.HesaidsomesemblanceofeffortshouldbemadetoupholdtheSPJCodeofEthicswhendecidingonsponsorshipsandSPJisnotobligatedtoaccepteverysponsor.HesaidtheChicagochapterisnotaloneinitsconcern.TheLAandSanDiegochaptersareconcernedaswell.Theyareheartenedbytheboard’swillingnesstoupdateitssponsorshippolicy,buttheyareconcernedtheboardisnotmovingquicklyenough.TakingmoneyfrompoliticalgroupslessensSPJ’strustworthiness,Meyersonsaid.Hehopestheboardwillmovemorequicklytoresolvethis.Bakersaidtheboardhasheardthesuggestionsandwilltakethemveryseriously.EXECUTIVESESSION
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BakeraskedthatsomeonemovetogointoExecutiveSession.Bartlettmoved,McKeeseconded.TheboardwentintoExecutiveSessionat9:15a.m.TheboardexitedExecutiveSessionat11:05a.m.SPJPRESIDENT’SREPORTBakeraskedforaroundofapplauseforKopenKatcefandSchotzfortheirleadershipinthemoneyraisedfortheCapitalGazette.Baker,BethelMcKenzieandSchotzdonatedtheirstipendsforatotalof$3,500andto-date,$6,500wasraisedfromsellingIBacktheFirstAmendmentT-shirts.BakersaidthiswasoneofthebestthingsSPJhasdonethisyearanditisawonderfulthingtheboardandstaffdid.ThereismoretocomeandBakerthankedeveryonefortheirhelp.SDXPRESIDENT’SREPORTSDXFoundationPresidentRobertLegersaidtheFoundationhasnearly$14millioninholdingsanddirectedeveryonetothefullreportintheboardpacket.HesaidtheFoundationisexcitedtohaveRodHicksonboardastheJournalistonCallandcommendedtheeventheorganizedTuesdaynightinBaltimore.HereportedthattheFoundationwouldbevotingonchangingitsnametotheSPJFoundationatitsboardmeetingtomorrow.Hesaidhehasnoideahowitwillgo,butwe’llseewhathappens.Itwouldtake2/3ofboardvotesforittopass,andifitdoespass,SPJhas30daystovoteitdown.APPROVALOFBOARDMINUTESPrimeranosaidtheJuly21minutesshouldbeamendedtoshowshewasinattendance.BartlettmovedtoapproveminutesfromtheAprilandJulyboardmeetings.McKeeseconded.Motionpassed.STAFFREPORTBethelMcKenzieintroducednewstaffHicks,WongandMessing.ShethankedBakeraddingithasbeenafastandfurioussixmonthsinwhichsevennewemployeeswerehired,twokeyassociationclientswerelost,butsheisgratefulforconstructivecriticismandideasforhowweallcanworktogetherasateam.BethelMcKenzieandWonggaveanupdateonthefiscalyear2019budget.Workisalreadyhappeningtoattractmoreassociationmanagementclients,fundraisingstrategyisbeingdevelopedandthereisafocusonstrengtheningcurrentpartnershipsanddevelopingnewones.InadditiontoraisingmoneyforCapitalGazettefamilies,BethelMcKenziespokeontheHillaboutviolencetowardjournalists,theJournalistonCallwashired,sheandMessinghavebeenworkingonfundraisingwithvariousgroups,DayofGivingwashostedinMayandlookingatdoinganotherinNovember.BethelMcKenziesaidsheisworkingonfine-tuningcommunicationswiththenewboardandhasbeenkeepingtheboardinformedonprogresseverystepoftheway,askingforadviceandassistancewhenneeded.ShewantedtopubliclythankthestafffortheirworkonEIJ18.Avastmajorityofthemcamein2/3ofthewayintotheplanningandhustledandlearnedwhattodo.Staffmemberswhowerealreadyinplacewereinvaluabletoherandthenewstaffers.
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Wongremindedtheboardthatthe2019budgetisinadeficit,buttherehasbeen$65,000insavingsacrossSDXandSPJ,expenseswerereducedby$29,000.Sheisemailingtheindividualnumbersforassociationmanagement,awardsrevenueandmembership,etc.,totheboardduringthemeeting.BethelMcKenzieandMessinggaveanupdateonprojects(Google,Facebook,ScrippsLeadershipInstitute).ShesaidWalshhasagreedtooverseetheFacebookproject,whichisaverysimilararrangementtoSPJ’spartnershipwithGoogle.TheytrainedseveraltrainersinNewYorkandFacebookisveryhappywithwhatwe’redoing.WemetFacebook’sgoalofhaving30trainingsandthereismoneyleftinthebudgettodomoretrainings.ThereisawaitinglistforGoogletrainingsandGooglerecentlygaveusanotherprojectrelatedtoelectioncoverageformidterms.ThenewQuilleditor,MonicaWilliams,ismanagingtheGooglepartnership.MessingsaidwesubmittedanewproposaltoScrippsforanewScrippsInstituteprogram.BethelMcKenziemetwithScrippsandreceivedgoodfeedbackontheproposedchanges.MoreinputisexpectedfromScrippsandthenadirectionwillbedecided.Fundingisnotatriskatthispoint,BethelMcKenziesaid.GallagherNewberryaskedwhatthefocusofthenewScrippsInstitutewillbe.Messingsaiditwilllikelybegearedtowardmanagersofstudentnewsroomsandprovidingthemwithleadershipskills.Itwillbetaughtrightbeforetheybeginasstudenteditors,sooncetheystartinthatroletheywillbestrongleadersintheirnewsrooms.GallagherNewberryfollowedupbyaskingwhyweselectedthatfocus?AndwhereintheorganizationwillwenowtrainnewSPJleaders?BethelMcKenziesaidafterseveralconversationswithScripps,theywereinterestedinseeingamoredynamicfocusfortheprogram.Theyhaveakeeneyeonstudents.Thefinalprogrammaybeahybridofwhatwasproposedandwhatwealreadydo.TrainingforSPJleaderscouldhappenatregionalconferencesorwecouldfindawaytotrainincomingleadersattheannualconference.SchotzsaidduringtheRDcaucusmeetingthiswasdiscussedandtheywouldliketodoSPJleadertrainingatregionalconferences.Thequestionis,isthereacurriculumtheycanworkonforthistraining?Koretzkyaskedifacomparativeanalysishasbeendoneofothercollege/universitytrainingsthatothergroupssuchasCMAorACPmightalreadybedoing?Messingsaidthegoalwouldbetotakeasmallprogramandexpandittoasdiverseanaudienceaspossible,takingittolargecampuses,smallerschoolsandHBCUs.AsurveywillbegiventoScrippsgraduatesofthelastfiveyearsorsotogettheirfeedbackontheprogramandmakesureitisasgoodasitcanbe.BethelMcKenziesaideachstudentwouldbematchedwithahigh-rankingmentorfromtheirtownandthatmentorwouldfollowthestudentthroughanentireyearofleadingtheirstaff.TheywouldcometoEIJforafinalmeeting,buthopefullythementor/menteerelationshipwillcontinueafterthat.OtteaskedifthiswouldbeinplaceforregionalsinApril?BethelMcKenziesaidthat’sthegoal.ThereisgoingtobeanothermeetingwithScrippsandthegoalistobeginthenewprograminearlyspring.Hallsaidthesurveywillhavetogooutsoon.MessingsaidthesurveywillgooutwithintwoweeksoftheendofEIJ(mid-October).
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HicksgavetheJournalistonCallreport.Theprimaryroleisforhimtogetinfrontofthepublic,stresstheimportanceofafreepressandhelpthemlearnhowtonavigatethenewseveryday.Hewillalsoserveasamediatorbetweenthepressandthepublic.Explainingtonewsorganizationswhypeopledon’ttrustthemandpossiblymakesuggestionsforhelpingthemgainthepublic’strust.Heisworkingonprojectsthatwillhelpdothat.WehadatownhallmeetingTuesdayinBaltimore,whichisoneexampleofhowwecangetinfrontofthepublicandtalkabouttheissuesoftrustinthemedia.HealsowenttoAnnapolisaftertheCapitalGazetteshooting.HeattendedtwovigilsandspokebrieflywithCapitalGazetteemployeePhilDavisandthechaplainfromthelocalsheriff’sdepartment.InspeakingwithpeopleinAnnapolisheheardwhatwasmaybeexpected:sometrustthemediaandsomedon’t,buttheydotrusttheCapitalGazette.We’vetalkedalotabouthowlocalmediaistrustedmorethannationalmedia.RodhaswrittenacoupleofpiecesabouttheCapitalGazetteandthereismorenewsorganizationscanbedoingtogaintrust.HeservedonapanelattheNABJconferenceaboutrestoringtrustinmediaandheisworkingonaprojectthatwillbringnewsliteracytocommunitiesacrossthecountry,tohelppeoplelearnhowtonavigatealltheinformationthatisoutthere.Hisbigprojectwillbewherewegointoacommunityandstickwiththemforawhile–atleastayear–talkaboutissues,hearingfromthemaboutquestionstheyhaveaboutwhatpressdoes,seeifafterayear’stimeifthesessionshavemadeadifferentonhowtheyviewnewsandunderstandtherolewehaveindemocracy.BakeraskedifwearepartneringwiththeNewsLiteracyProjectandHickssaidyes.Koretzkyaskedwhatpercentageofhistimedoeshethinkwillbespenthelpingjournalistsandhelpingthepublic.Hickssaidmostofthetimewillbespentfocusingonthepublic,soprobably80-20or70-30percent.GallagherNewberryaskedwhowasintheaudiencefortheTuesdaynighttownhall?Hickssaidthetownhallwasalittledifferentthanprobablymostothershe’llbedoing.Itwasbyinvitationandwasacrosssectionofpeople–clergy,activists,businessowners,socialprogramsandtheotherhalfwasjournalists.McClellandsaiditwillbeimportanttohaveagoodmeasureofimpactsohecanquantifytheresults.Hicksagreed.BakerthankedHicksforeverythinghe’sdonesofar.ACTION/DISCUSSIONITEMSBethelMcKenziesaidwelosttwoassociationmanagementclientsandareworkingdiligentlytorecruitnewclients.Apacketwassenttooneorganizationthatisveryinterestedandtherearetwoothersthatmaybeinterested.Wearealsofocusingonmaintainingthegreatrelationshipswehavewiththethreeassociationswecurrentlyworkfor.BarlettthankedmembersoftheChapterFinanceRulestaskforceSchotz,Otte,KoretzkyandKissell.Sheexplainedthatafterthespringboardmeetingwheretheboardadoptednewregionalrules,thechangeinboardstructureandtheregionaldirectorscomingofftheboard,theytookthebestpracticesfromthe2013taskforceandbetatestedthemwithchapters,madechangesandtookthemtochaptersandRDsasecondtime.Theproposednewrulesareintheboardpacket(thecampuschapterreportwasinadvertentlyleftout).
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Bartlettmovedthattheboardapprovethenewrules.Schotzseconded.HallcommentedthatattheRDcaucus,itwasdiscussedthatthe$200limitshouldberaisedto$500.Bartlettsaidthetaskforcebelieves$500istoohighathreshold.Ifexpensesabove$200arehandledinthebudget,theydon’tneedtobeapprovedseparately.Bakerabstained.Gallaghervotedagainst.Motionpassed.Theboardthenvotedonanamendmenttonewrulestoregionalfunds.Therequirementoftransparencywasleftin,butleavesituptoeachregiononwhichmethodtouse.Bartlettmadeamotion,Schotzseconded.Motionpassed.MessingsaidtheFirstAmendmentForeverFundwasfirstintroducedfouryearsago,andisnowreadytobeused.DaveCuilliersaidwecanspendabout$10,000peryearfromthefund.HesaidhopefullyafterEIJwecangetanimblecommitteetogethertosubmitproposalsandgeneratemorefunds,soin20yearsitwillbebuiltupandcandoevenmore.Messingsaidifpeopleseeitbeingused,otherswillwanttocontributetoit,too.Koretzkyaskedwhoapprovestheuseofthefunds?Cuilliersaidunder$5,000thecommitteecanapprove.LargerrequestswillgotothefullSPJboard.CommitteeincludesLDFCommitteeChairHagitLimor,FOICommitteeChairDanielleMcLean,Cuillier,Messingandsomeoutsidefolkswilllikelyalsobebroughtin.ThecommitteewillalsocoordinatewithothergroupssuchasNFOICandFirstLookMediatobemoreeffective.COMMITTEEREPORTSTherewerenotquestionsorcommentsregardingcommitteereports.RECOGNITIONOFDEPARTINGBOARDMEMBERSBakerrecognizedLynnWalsh,RachelMcClelland,LeticiaSteffens,HayleyHarding,RahimChagani,JanePrimerano,TomMcKee,MicheleDay,KariWilliams,EddyeGallagherandEdOtte.PUBLICCOMMENTPERIODBartlettrequestedashortpublicdiscussionaboutthetaskforceonsponsorship.Tarquinioexplainedthatthepresidentappointstaskforces.WhentheissuecameupitwastoolatetoaddressEIJ18sponsorships,sothetaskforcehasbeencreatedandwillbeginworkSundayforguidelinesthatwillbeineffectforEIJ19.WewillhavediscussionswithourEIJpartnersasmuchaspossiblebecauseweproduceEIJtogether.Tarquiniosaidshehasscheduledfullyearofboardmeetingsfornextyear’sboard.NextoneisavirtualzoommeetingonDec.1.GallagherNewberryischairingthetaskforceandshewillgiveanupdateattheDec.1meeting.ADJOURNMENTMeyersmovedtoadjourn.Bartlettseconded.Uponpropermotionandsecondthemeetingwasadjournedat12:01p.m.EDT.
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MINUTESBOARDOFDIRECTORS
SOCIETYOFPROFESSIONALJOURNALISTSSept.30,2018
HiltonBaltimore–Baltimore,MarylandMEETINGCALLEDTOORDERThemeetingoftheBoardofDirectorsoftheSocietyofProfessionalJournalistswascalledtoorderat9:07a.m.EDTonSunday,Sept.30,duringtheExcellenceinJournalismconferenceattheBaltimoreHiltoninBaltimore,Md.Thosepresentwere:PresidentJ.AlexTarquinio;President-electPattiNewberry;Secretary-treasurerMattHall;VicePresidentofCampusChapterAffairsSueKopenKatcef;CampusAdviserAt-LargeJeffSouth;DirectorAt-LargeLaurenBartlett;DirectorAt-LargeMikeReilley;DirectorAt-LargeTessFox;DirectorAt-LargeMichaelSavino;DirectorAt-LargeYvetteWalker;Region2DirectorAndySchotz;Region3DirectorMichaelKoretzky;Region6DirectorJoeRadske;Region10DirectorDonaldMeyers;andRegion12DirectorKellyKissel.StaffmemberspresentforthemeetingwereExecutiveDirectorAlisonBethelMcKenzie,JournalistonCallRodHicks,DirectorofDevelopmentLarryMessing,DirectorofFinanceandAdministrationAmyWongandDirectorofCommunicationsandMarketingJenniferRoyer.WELCOMEANDINTRODUCTIONOFNEWBOARDMEMBERSTarquiniowelcomednewboardmemberstotheboardinthistransitionalyearastheboardmovestowardninemembers.INTRODUCTIONOFSTAFFBethelMcKenzieintroducedstafftothenewboard,includingHicks,Wong,Messing,RoyerandCreativeDirectorTonyPeterson;WebAdministratorBillyO’Keefe;DirectorofConferencesandEventsBasharatSaleem;ManagerofMembershipandChaptersCarolineEscobar;OfficeManagerLindaHall;CommunicationsCoordinatorIsaacTaylorandProjectCoordinator&DigitalMarketingSpecialistMarinaCinami.RATIFICATIONOFSIGMADELTACHIFOUNDATIONBOARDELECTIONSRobertLeger,asoutgoingpresidentoftheSDXFoundationexplainedthattheSPJBoardofDirectorsratifiestheindependentlyelectedofficersanddirectorsoftheSDXFoundation.LegerrequestedtheSPJBoardratifythefollowing:PresidentIrwinGratz;VicePresidentHagitLimor;SecretarySonnyAlberadoandTreasurerHowardDubin;andthereappointmenttotheboardofmembersToddGillman;Gratz;EvelynHsu;AlexJones;BillKetter;Limor;SonyaRoss;DaveCuillierandFrankLoMonte.Bartlettmovedtoapprovetheratification.Newberryseconded.Motionwasapproved.Legersaidtherewasasecondmatter,anothercheckandbalance,fortheSPJBoardtoconsider.TheSDXFoundationboardvotedtochangeitsnametomatchSPJ’snameinthebelief
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thatweoftenhavetobeginourfundraisingtoexplainwhatSDXis.SDXFoundationBoardbylawsrequiretheboardtoapproveanybylawsamendmentbytwo-thirdsvoteandnotifytheSPJBoardwithinfivedays.TheSPJBoardcanvoteitdown;orifnoactionistaken,thebylawsgointoeffectin30days.ThisistheSDXFoundationBoard’snotificationtotheSPJBoard.Noactionisnecessary,unlesstheSPJBoardwantsthenametoremainas-is.LegeraddedthatheandKoretzkydon’tagreeonmuch,buthewasoffendedthatanothermembercalledthequestiononKoretzky’sproposalduringtheClosingBusinessSessionearlierduringEIJ18.Legersaidifhehadnotbeenavotecounter,hewouldhavestoodupandsaidsomething.TheyearhewasSPJpresident,thepresidentrantheentiremeetinganddidn’tturnitovertotheresolutionschair.ThepresidentcanignorecallingthequestionandLegerencouragestheSPJBoardtoreturntothepresidentrunningthebusinessmeeting.Schotzagreedthatactionwasoutofbounds.Whencoveringthelegislatureyoucanquestionssomeone’sproposal,butyoucan’tquestiontheirmotivation,hesaid.Tosaysomeoneistryingtodoaconiscompletelyoutofbounds.
BOARDEXPECTATIONSTarquiniointroducedbothSPJattorneysfromBakerHostetlerwhowerepresent–BruceSanfordandMarkBailen.TarquiniosaidshesentalisttotheboardofallthemeetingsfortheyearthattheboardwillconductviaZoomvideoconference.It’safullcalendarinbetweenthreein-personmeetings,Zoommeetingsforthefullboard,executivecommitteemeetings,andtheawardsdinnerinJune.WewillhaveaZoommeetingtheweekbeforetheawardsbanquet,buttheboardiswelcometoattendthatevent,too.Cometomeetings,bepreparedandTarquiniosaidshehasa“nowallflowers”rule.SherecommendedboardmembersbecomefamiliarwiththeSPJwebsiteandparticipateintheactiveemailexchangestheboardhas.But
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shedoeswantboardmemberstobemindfulthatlegalquestionsarebestkeptoffemail.Iflegalquestionscomeupbetweenboardmeetings,shewillscheduleanotherboardmeeting.Shealsoencourageseveryonetoberespectfulonthoseemailexchanges.Tarquinioexplainedthatbecausethisisatransitionalyearfortheboard,focuswillbeonhowtohandletheculturaltransformationoftheboard.Twoat-largedirectorswillbeappointed.Pastdutiesofat-largedirectorswerelooselydefinedandTarquiniowantstodefinethosedutiesalittlemoreandhaveat-largedirectorsmoreinvolved.Shewantstogivethemalittletimetogettoknowtheboardandhowitworks.Shewillbetalkingtoeachboardmemberaboutprojectstheywouldliketoworkonthisyear.Therearealotofideashere,butwehavetokeepthegoodofthewholeinmind,shesaid.KopenKatcefremindedtheboardthatitalsohasSlackforcommunicatingwithoneanother.Tarquiniosaidiftherearelong-windedmessageaboutthefutureofSPJ,thosediscussionsarebetterhandledonSlack.Butifanissuearisesandsheneedstoscheduleanemergencyboardmeeting,shewillsendanemail.BartlettaskedwhomanagestheSPJLeadersSlackchannelandsaidonlycurrentboardmembersneedtobeonthatchannel.Radskeaskedifregionalcoordinatorswillbeonthatchannel.Tarquiniosaidthathasnotbeendiscussed,butshethinkstheyshouldnotbeonthatchannelsincewearemovingawayfromaregionalmodel.NewberrysaidtheremaybereasontohavearegionalcoordinatorsSlackchannel.Schotzsaidwiththechangestotheboard,theSlackchannelsaregrowingandneedsomepruning.Hehastriedtomovepeoplebutcan’t,sincetheywerecreatedbyaformerstaffer.Herecommendedstartingoverwithnewchannels.Tarquinioagreedandaskedhimtodothat.Schotzalsosaidwhenboardgroupemailsaresent,itneedstobeknownwhoisonthelist,whetheritgoestostaffortheexecutivedirector,ortheboardonly.Tarquiniosaidthereshouldbeaboardonlyemaillistandonewiththeexecutivedirectorandpossiblyotherstaff,andtheSlackchannelshouldbeterminatedfornow,untilnewonescanbecreated.COMMITTEEANDTASKFORCEAPPOINTMENTSTarquinioappointedSchotzaschairoftheAwardsandHonorsCommittee;BobBecker,chairofBylawsCommittee;DanielleMcLean,chairofFreedomofInformationCommittee;HagitLimor,chairofLegalDefenseFundCommittee;BeckyTallentandLeticiaSteffens,co-chairsofEducationCommittee;RebeccaAguilar,chairofDiversityCommittee;LynnWalsh,chairofEthicsCommittee;MichaelArena,chairofMembershipCommittee;EddyeGallagher,chairofNominationsCommittee;MichaelSavino,chairofResolutionsCommittee.SPJPresidentmayappointasmanydirectorstotheSigmaDeltaChiFoundationashe/shedesiressolongasthenumberofindependentlyelecteddirectorsisonemorethantheSPJappointments.TarquiniorecommendedKopenKatcef,Schotz,Newberry,HallandherselftotheSDXFoundationBoard.TheFinanceCommitteeiscomprisedoftheofficersandtwoat-largemembersappointedbythePresidentandratifiedbytheboardofdirectors.TarquiniorecommendtheboardapproveSchotzandBillMcCloskeytojointheFinanceCommittee.Bartlettmoved,KopenKatcef
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seconded.Schotzabstained.Motionpassed.TarquiniorecommendedtotheExecutiveCommitteeBartlettandKoretzky.Schotzmoved,KopenKatcefseconded.Motionpassed.TarquinioannouncedherappointmentofNewberrytoleadtheStrategicPlanTaskForce,whichwillbeginestablishingtheboard’slong-termgoals.ShehopestohaveaframeworkforconsiderationatEIJ19inSanAntonio.NewberrywillalsochairtheSponsorshipTaskForce.TherewasasponsorshippolicywrittenbeforecreationofEIJ.NextyearwearewithRTDNAandNAHJ.Weneedtostrengthenthesponsorshippolicyandstreamlineourprocesses.TarquiniosaidsheaskedNewberrytobringinfotofirstboardZoommeetingDec.1.TarquinioaskedAndrewSeamantoleadthePartnershipsTaskForce,whichwillplanasummitinMay.Seamanisthisyear’sWellsKeyhonoreeandwasEthicsCommitteechairforthelastfouryears.Schotzsaidhewouldliketoaskaquestiononthesponsorshipissue.Hispoint,hesaid,isaprettyimportantpoint.InthedebateaboutKoch,wewentthroughourpolicysayingwefollowedpolicybuttheremightbepartsthatneedtobeupdated.OneofthefundamentalpointswasthatKochdidnotgettoplantheirsessionasasponsor.ButIheardtheydid.Tarquiniosaidtheydidnotplantheprogrammingforthepaneldiscussiontheysponsored.BethelMcKenziesaidKochwasnottheonlysponsorwhogave$25,000tosponsorapanel.TheyhadachoicebetweenthreepaneltopicsandKochchoseFOI.It’stheirpanel,sotheycanplanit.ShecontactedKochtoseeifshecouldbeofassistance.BethelMcKenziesaidshechosethemoderator,changedthedescriptionofthesession,etc.,andwas“prettyheavyhanded”inputtingtheirpaneltogether.It’sherunderstandingthatinthepast,sessionsponsorsdousuallyplantheirsessions.Schotzsaidthatisactuallyagainstourpolicywhichsaystheydonotchoosethepanel.TarquiniosaidtheProgramCommitteeisnotinvolvedinsponsoredpanels.Thecommitteeisjusttoldtheyarehappening.Itwasherunderstandingastafferworkstodevelopthosepanels.BethelMcKenziesaidshespoketoHollyRose,whosoldthesponsorship,andaskedforcontactinformationforKochsoshecouldsteerit.NewberrysaidshehasbeentellingpeopleKochdidnotplanthesessionandnowsheishearingforthefirsttimethattheydid.BartlettsaidthetalkingpointssaidKochInstitutedidnotcontrolthesession–theydidnotpickthetopicorchoosepanelists.BethelMcKenziesaidshepickedthepanelistsandtwodroppedout.Bartlettsaidthatwasnottheinformationgiveninthetalkingpoints.Schotzaddedtheboardtrustedthetalkingpoints.BailenaddedthathewasoneofthepanelistsandtheonlythingKochinstructedpanelistsnottodowasadvocateforlegislation.Thatistheonlythingtheyinstructedpaneliststonotdo.
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Theydidnotpersuadepanelistsonwhatpositionstheyshouldtake.BethelMcKenziesaidKochchosetheFOItopicandoneofthepanelists.TarquiniosaiditsoundslikeKochhadmoreinvolvementthantheboardknew.Schotzsaidhewouldlikeamemoonthis.Koretzkysaidmaybethetaskforceshouldgettothebottomofitsoweknowexactlywhathappened.Tarquiniosaidshe,NewberryandHallhaveameetingrightafterthisonebecausetheyneedtogetaproposaldonebyDec.1.BethelMcKenziesaidthebiggestproblemislettingsponsorshavepanels.They’vebeenpartofEIJforfiveyears.Allsponsoredpanelsshouldbenavigatedbyus,shesaid.Inmypersonalview,theyshouldnotbeofferedasasponsorship,sheadded.TarquinioandNewberryemphasizedthatthematterwouldbehandledquickly.Schotzsaidamemothatexplainswhathappenedandhowtheinformationgotintothetalkingpointsisneeded.HallaskedBethelMcKenzietosendthememototheboardandsheagreed.
AlejandraCancino,PresidentoftheChicagoHeadlineClub,saidsheisdisappointedineveryoneontheboardwhodidnotabidebytheSPJCodeofEthicsandfailedtoupholdSPJ’sownsponsorshippolicy.Non-mediasponsorsarenotsupposedtohavecontrolofpanels,shesaid,addingthatifshewerenotpresidentoftheChicagoHeadlineClub,shewouldquitoverthisissue.Memberswereliedto,openingadoorfororganizationsthathaveaclearpoliticalagendatoinfluenceourmembers,shesaid.Wethemembersofthisorganizationdeservebetter.BethelMcKenziethankedCancinoforhercomments,addingshewantstomakeitclearthatshehadasignificantamountofinputonthatpanel.
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Cancinoaskedwhathashappenedinthepast?Haveotherpoliticalorganizationshadaninfluenceonthemindsofourmembers.SchotzsaidhedisagreeswithallofwhatCancinosaidinherletterandalotofwhatshesaidhere.TheSPJCodeofEthicsisaguidefordoingjournalism.Whatwe’retalkingaboutisaguideforbusinessrelationships.SPJCodeofEthicsdoesnotapply.Ifeltcomfortablewithwhatwedidbasedonthemnothavingcontrolofpanel.We’renowhearingthat’snotwhathappenedandI’mnothappywiththat.IfwefollowourpolicyIthinkwe’refine.Cancinoreadfromthe2003policy:Non-mediacontributorswillnotbecalledsponsors.SPJwillcontrolallaspectsofconventionprogramming.Violatingownpolicy.Koretzkysaidnoneofusknewaboutthatpolicyuntilaformerpresidentdugituponhispersonalcomputer.ThisisastructuralproblemwithSPJ.It’snotapresidentproblemorEDproblem.Wepassalotofpoliciesthatyearslatergetlost.Hopeweactuallywriteitdownthistime.Andputitsomewherewheresomeoneelsecanfindit.Tarquiniosaidshewantsthesponsorshippolicytoliveintheboardmaterialsofthewebsite.Bartlettsaidthereisadocumentationsectiononthewebsite,butit’smissingtwo-thirdsofthedocumentsthatshouldbethere.Bailensaidhewasonpanelandagreeswiththeissuewithrespecttopolicy,buthecansayfromhisperspectivethatthesponsorwasnottryingtoinfluenceattendees.Theydidnottrytocontrolanythinganyonesaid.Theylefttopaneliststospeakhowtheywantedtospeak.KathyBurns,immediatepast-presidentoftheDCChapter,saidshesupportsCancino’sstatements.WhenshewalkedintotheexhibitionhallandsawSinclairwasasponsorshewasastounded.Thisisawonderfulthingthatwe’retakingalookataproblemandlookingtosolveit.Shewasdisappointedthattheconventionprogrameliminatedlistingallthepeopleonpanels.Sheusuallypickssessionsbasedonwhowasspeaking,soshewouldliketoseeinfutureprogramsalistofspeakers.Shewouldalsoliketoseemapsthatarenotinmicroscopicprintandbringingbackthemeetingofchapterleaders.Needbettersignageforpanels.Speakersandawardwinnersshouldbeinvitedtobemembers.StreamlinetheSDXFoundationBoard,followingtheexampleoftheSPJBoard.Createacircleofadvisersratherthanaboardforthosepeople.ThePresident’sBanquetisoneofthemostpowerfulthingswedoatconvention.Thesearepeoplemakingarealdifference,doingrealthings.Weneedtostopworryingaboutwhatwecallourselves.Wecallourselvesjournalistsandthatwasaproudmomentformembers.BethelMcKenziesaidtherewasquiteabitofnot-so-positivefeedbackaboutSinclairatEIJ.TheboardhadaveryrobustdiscussionaboutitinApril.TheyareamemberofourpartnerRTDNA.Thetaskforcewillbeaddressingthat.MessingandBethelMcKenziereachedouttoNYTimes,LATimesandinvitedtheexecutiveeditorstojoinSPJandtheyarenowmembers.Thegoaloverthenextsixmonthsorsoistoremindthemofwhoweareandwhatwedo.HazelBeckersaidshehasverydifferentkindofinput.ThishasbeenaninterestingyearforSPJandwe’remakingtransitionupontransition.Shecommendstheboardandstaffforsomehow
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gettingusthroughthistransitionandbringingusanincredibleEIJ.Ihavecriticismstoo,butIseeSPJsteppingupandgoingtothenextlevel.Wearejustgoingtokeepgoingup.OLD/NEWBUSINESS(EXECUTIVESESSION)Tarquinioexplainedtheboardwouldgointoexecutivesessiontodiscussaproposalonapartnerproject;apersonnelmatter;boardorientationandtheexecutivedirector’ssix-monthevaluation.Newberrymadethemotiontogointoexecutivesession.Hallseconded.Motionpassed.Theboardwentintoexecutivesessionat10:43a.m.ADJOURNMENTUponpropermotionbyMeyersandsecondedbyFox,theboardvotedunanimouslytoexitexecutivesessionat12:10p.m.EDT.UponpropermotionbyMeyersandsecondedbyFox,themeetingwasunanimouslyadjournedat12:11p.m.EDT.
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MINUTESBOARDOFDIRECTORS
SOCIETYOFPROFESSIONALJOURNALISTSSATURDAY,DEC.1,2018
VIDEOCONFERENCEMEETINGMEETINGCALLEDTOORDERThemeetingwascalledtoorderat12p.mEST.Memberspresent:PresidentJ.AlexTarquinio;President-electPattiNewberry;Secretary-TreasurerMatthewHall;VicePresidentofCampusChapterAffairsSueKopenKatcef;directorsat-largeLaurenBartlett,TessFox,MikeReilley,MichaelSavinoandYvetteWalker;Region2DirectorAndySchotz;Region3DirectorMichaelKoretzky;Region6DirectorJoeRadske;Region10DirectorDonMeyers;Region11DirectorDebKrolandRegion12DirectorKellyKissel.Membersabsent:CampusAdvisorAt-LargeJeffSouth.OtherspresentwereDirectorofCommunicationsandMarketingJenniferRoyer,fortheopeningpublicsession,andSPJFoundationpresidentIrwinGratz,foraportionoftheexecutivesessionrelatedtotheexecutivedirector’sannualreview.PRESIDENT’SREPORTTarquiniopresentedherlatestreport;seebelow.Therewasnodiscussion.PROCESSTheboardvotedtokeepcommentsotherthanreportstotwominutes.Motion:Schotz.Second:KopenKatcef.Vote:unanimous.Theboardvotedtosuspenddiscussionat1p.m.orassoonasGratzjoinedthecalltodiscusstheexecutivedirector'sannualreview.Motion:KopenKatcef.Second:Bartlett.Vote:unanimous.Abstentions:Tarquiniobecauseshewasleadingthemeeting.MINUTESTheboardvotedtoapprovetheminutesofitsOct.28videoconferencemeeting.Motion:Newberry.Second:Reilley.Vote:unanimous.Abstentions:Bartlett,KrolandSchotzbecausetheydidnotattendthemeeting.EXECUTIVESESSIONTheboardvotedat12:09p.m.ESTtoenterexecutivesessiontodiscusspartofthepresident’sreport,anupdateonannualconferences,asponsorshiptaskforcereportandtheexecutivedirector’sannualreview.Motion:Krol.Second:Bartlett.Vote:unanimous.Theboardvotedat2:33p.m.toexitexecutivesession.Motion:Newberry.Second:Reilley.Vote:unanimous.SPONSORSHIPTASKFORCEREPORT
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Theboardvotedtoapprovetherecommendationsofitssponsorshiptaskforceasmodifiedinexecutivesession.Motion:Newberry.Second:Krol.Vote:unanimous.Theboardapprovedthefollowingrecommendations:●Bothmediaandnon-mediaentitieswillbeallowedtosponsorsessions/events,andproposesessionideas.ProposalswillbevettedbytheEIJPlanningCommittee.Onceproposalsareaccepted,theCommitteeanditsdesignatedproducerwillassumefullresponsibilityforparticipants,topics,times,places,etc.●Neithermedianornon-mediaentitiesmayproposespeakersforthesessions/eventstheysponsor.●Neithermedianornon-mediaentitiesmaycoverexpensesforsessions/eventstheysponsor.SPJ,itsEIJpartnersortheEIJPlanningCommitteemaychooseincertaincircumstancestousesponsororgrantmoniestodefrayexpenses.●Neithermedianornon-mediaentitiesmayofferspeakingfeesforsessions/eventstheysponsor.●EIJpartnerswillretaintherightofrefusaloverallsponsors,exhibitorsoradvertisers,withcontractsreviewedbytheexecutivedirectorsofpartnergroupsbeforeaccepting.●EIJpartnerswilldiscloseitspoliciesonsponsorshipofsessions/eventstopotentialsponsorsinsalesmaterialsforEIJsandotherappropriatepublicationsorwebpages.EXECUTIVEDIRECTORANNUALREVIEWTheboardvotedtocreateaworkinggroupchairedbythesecretary-treasurertoassistwiththeexecutivedirector’sannualreview.Motion:Bartlett.Second:Fox.Vote:unanimous.Theworkinggroupwaschargedwiththefollowing:●Draftspecificstandardstoevaluatetheexecutivedirectorattheone-yearmark,whichisMarch19.●DraftaquestionnaireforSPJboardandSPJFoundationofficerswithopen-endedquestions.Allresponseswillbeconfidential.●Draftaself-evaluationforexecutivedirectortobecompletedandsharedwithSPJboardbyFeb.15.●Draftaseparatequestionnaireforcurrentandformerstaffwithalltheresponsesconfidential.●Reviewthesix-monthfeedbackfromthepreviousboardandexecutivedirectortomonitorprogress.ADJOURNMENTTheboardvotedtoadjournat2:40p.m.EST.Motion:Bartlett.Second:Meyers.Vote:unanimous.
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DATE:Saturday,Dec.1FROM:J.AlexTarquinio,SPJPresidentFOR:SPJnationalboardPRESIDENT’SREPORTColleagues,WelcometothenewSPJboard.Asweallknow,theboardsizeandstructurewillalterdramaticallynextyear.Towardsthisadmirableend,we’reputtingintoplacethephilosophicalrealignmentthatinspiredthisstructuraltransformation.We’readdressinglong-termquestionsaboutSPJpolicies,partnershipsandvision,whileclarifyinghowwewilloperateinthefuturetoachievethegoalsetbythedelegateswhovotedtoformamorestrategicboard.Thisreportisoneexampleofthisevolvingtransition.Traditionally,theboardhadmetinpersonforfull-daymeetingstwiceayear,inAprilandSeptember,andthepresidenthadwrittenaformalreportforthosemeetings.Underthenewmodel,focusedonlong-termstrategicgoalsetting,I’vescheduledvideoconferencemeetingsforDecember,FebruaryandJune.Iplantotakeeachoftheseopportunitiestoupdateyouaboutouractivitiessincethepriormeeting.Eachofthevideomeetingswillhaveatheme.Todaywe’relookingathowwemanageourannualExcellenceinJournalism(EIJ)conferenceandsponsorships.InFebruarywe’llfocusonmembershipandinJunewe’llspotlightpartnerships.We’respreadingthesediscussionsthroughouttheyearinordertogiveusleewayinourspringmeetingtodebatethebigideasabouthowoursocietycanbetterservetheneedsofjournalistsandpromotethepreservationoffreedomofspeechandofthepressinthisdynamicallychangingnewsecosystem.Muchofmytimeduringthefirsttwomonthshasbeenspentrebuildingcrucialnationalcommitteesandlaunchingnewtaskforces.ThenewDiversitycommitteeisalreadyhavingsomeexcitingconversationsabouthowtostrengthenourannualDiversityFellowsprogram.Anotherwillconnectwithyoungmembers,particularlypost-grads.I’dlikebothtocoordinatewithourmembershipcommittee,whichalsohasanewchair.Allofthesecommitteesarestillbeingcomposed,somembersshouldcontactmeifthey’reinterestedinbecominginvolved.Onthetaskforcefront,Iwouldlikethisboardtothinkofitselfasthe“newbroom.”Foryears,muchofboardpolicyhasresidedinoldmeetingminutes.Theboardwouldpassorreviseapolicy,butlatertherewasnoeasywayforfutureboardmemberstolookthisuportofeelconfidentthatitwasthemostrecentpolicy.President-ElectPattiGallagherNewberrychairedataskforcetobringourEIJsponsorshippolicyintothemodernera,asthelastknownpolicywaswrittenbeforewebeganco-producingourannualconference.TheSponsorshiptaskforcecompleteditsreportatabriskpacefortheboard’sconsiderationintoday’smeeting.I’vealsoappointedSecretary-TreasurerMattHalltoleadanewboardpolicyreviewtaskforcethatwillinventoryoldpoliciesandrecommendupdatesforthosethatappeartobeoutdated.Oncethe
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reviewiscomplete,allofthesepoliciesshouldresideonourwebsite,inaplacethatiseasyforallmemberstoaccess,andabackupcopyshouldbekeptinprintatourheadquarters.Advocacyisanotherkeygoalforthisyear.Oursocietyhastraditionallybeenstronginthisdepartment.OneofthesignatureeventsofthesefirsttwomonthswasthereleaseofanopenlettertotheWhiteHousedemandinganindependentinvestigationofthekillingofJamalKhashoggionOct.19.Furthermore,wemadeorjoinedinotheradvocacystatementssupportingthereinstatementofCNNChiefWhiteHouseCorrespondentJimAcosta’spresspassandinNAJA’surgingofthereinstatementofthefreepressordinance.Atthesametimeandtoitscredit,theLegalDefenseFundsignedeightlegalbriefs.We’vebeenbusymakingstatementstothemediaandpersonalappearances.I’veappearedtwiceasaguestontheNewsBreakfastprogramoftheAustralianBroadcastingCorp.,firsttotalkaboutPresidentDonaldTrump’santi-pressrhetoricafterouropenlettertotheWhiteHouse,then,whileinParisduringtheArmisticeDaycelebrations,totalkabouttheimportanceofreportersinwar,amongothertopics.IalsoparticipatedonapaneldiscussionattheannualconferenceoftheConnecticutBroadcastersAssociation.IgavearadiointerviewtoVoiceofAmerica(VOA)aboutSPJ’sstatementcondemningtherevocationofAcosta’sWhiteHousecredentials.EthicschairLynnWalshwasquotedintheChicagoTribuneandintheUniversityofCincinnati’sstudentnewspaper,theNewsRecord.ExecutiveDirectorAlisonBethelMcKenziegaveinterviewstoSkyNewsofLondon,theVOAandastudentpaperatMaristCollege.WhenIranforthisofficemorethanayearago,IemphasizedthatIwantedtoputthefullweightofourorganizationbehindadvocacyandpartnerships,bothnationallyandinternationally.Withthisinmind,I’vemadetwotripstotheUnitedNationsinNewYork.Atthefirst,alongwithRTDNA’sexecutivedirectorDanShelley,Ispoketoagroupof25top-tierglobaljournalistsaboutdisinformationonOct.5.Atthesecondevent,onNov.2,IattendedUNESCO’s“DayofImpunity,”highlightingtheneedtoendimpunityforthekillingofjournalists.OnNov.11,thecentennialoftheendofthefirstworldwar,IattendedaReportersWithoutBorders(RSF)eventwithinthefirstannualParisPeaceForum.ThepresidentofFranceintroducedthesession,whichwasattendedbymanyheadsofstate.AlthoughI’vedocumentedthiseventthoroughlyinmyQuillcolumn,itisworthnotingsomeofthecontactsthatImade,orremade,whilerepresentingSPJthere,toincludeChristopheDeloire,RSFSecretary-General;AidanWhite,founderandpresidentoftheLondon-basedEthicalJournalismNetwork;BertrandPecquerie,CEOoftheParis-basedGlobalEditorsNetwork;PatrickGaspard,PresidentoftheOpenSocietyFoundation;BrunoStagno-Ugarte,DeputyExecutiveDirectorofHumanRightsWatch;MariaRessa,ajournalistandtheCEOofRappler,anewswebsiteinthePhilippinesthathasbeenharassedbythecountry’spresident;andRobertaAnnan,thedaughterofformerUNSecretary-GeneralKofiAnnanandadevelopmentadvocate,aswellasmanyglobaljournalists.Ithasbeenabusytwomonths,andwe’restillsettingthewheelsinmotiontolaunchsomeofoursignatureprojectsfortheyear.Onward!
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Date: Jan. 30, 2019New Chapter Petition
From: Alison Bethel McKenzie, SPJ executive director To: SPJ Board of Directors
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Feb. 2, 2019 To: Members of the SPJ Board From: Patti Newberry Re: EIJ19 All: With this brief memo, I write to share progress on programming for EIJ19, set for San Antonio, Sept. 5-7. I serve on the EIJ19 programming committee with:
• Larry Messing, director of development, SPJ • Marina Cinami, project coordinator and digital marketing specialist, SPJ. • Terence Shepherd, news director at WLRN public radio in Miami and chair-elect of
RTDNA. • Kate Switchenko, deputy executive director of RTDNA.
We had two brief planning meetings in 2018 and just began twice-weekly meetings this week to review program proposals.
At this date, we have about 160 proposals for workshops and breakout sessions. Our goal is to stage about an equal number of programs in each of four categories: Digital, newsgathering, news management and career development. We aim to have at least three Super Sessions, with one “owned” and largely organized by each of the three EIJ partners.
We are also considering whether to repeat the “SPJ 5” idea from last year, inaugurated to give SPJ a room for five breakouts that would appeal primarily to our members. Last year, the SPJ 5 included Fine Fellows, #PressforEducation, Saving Student Media, Nervous As Hell: Mock (or Maybe Real) Job Interviews For New Grads, and Covering National Security. If we go forward with this concept for EIJ19, I will propose repeating Fine Fellows (in a larger venue, with AV support); and possibly all of the others except for the national security panel. I welcome your ideas on SPJ-centric topics to put before the planning committee.
As we work through the proposals, we are committed to highlighting new takes on favorite topics – mindful of the need to consider the ethical implications of all subjects, with diverse panels of experts and a strong Texas flavor.
I welcome your continued input as we seek to stage a relevant, well-attended EIJ19.
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DATE:Jan.17,2019FROM:AlisonBethelMcKenzie,ExecutiveDirector,SPJFOR:SPJBoardofDirectors
SPJ’s110thDraftAnniversaryPlan
What: SPJiscelebrating110yearsofservingjournalistsanddefendingFirstAmendmentrights.
WhyCelebrate?While110yearsmaynotbeviewedasasignificantanniversary,itdoesprovideasignificantopportunitytocelebrateourhistory,oursuccessesand,moreimportantly,ourfuture.ItoffersuniquemarketingpotentialwhichcanhelpraiseSPJ’sprofileatatimewhenwemustaggressivelyshareourstory/missionandsignificantlygrowoursupportbase.
Ananniversaryprovidesanorganizationwithastartingpointingettingintothedoorwithsupporters(especiallyfoundationandcorporate:“Helpussupport110yearsof…”).Forexample,onemajorfunderiscurrentlyconsideringa$50,000gifttoSPJinhonorofour110years.
Overall,the110anniversaryprovidesanopportunitytoreintroduceourselvestoformermembersandsupportersandtohighlightourlongevity,whileexpandingourbaseofsupporters–withoutmuchoutlayofcostbySPJ.
Nonprofits’useofanniversariestoraisemoneyisnotatallnewandis,infact,standard.
AccordingtoDonorboxNonprofit’sblog,“Anniversariesareimportantforanyorganization,especiallyanonprofit.Anniversariesshowatrackrecordofprovidingserviceanddemonstratethatyouhavegainedthetrustofyourbeneficiariesandprovenachievableresults.
“Celebratingyournonprofit’sanniversaryisagreatopportunitytothankyourstaff,volunteers,andtheboardfortheircontributionandrecognizethemforspecificachievements.Itoffersanopportunityforreflectionandalookingbackatallthechallengesthatyouovercame.Thishelpsinvigoratethestaffandothersupporters.
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“Nonprofitanniversariesarealsoanexcellentwaytoinformthewideraudienceofyourhistory,youraccomplishments,andyourplansforthefuture.Celebratingmilestoneshelpstoincreasethevisibilityofyourmission,allowingyoutohighlightyourhistoryininnovationortraditionofadvocacy,whileatthesametimegivingyouthechancetoarticulateyourorganization’svisionforthefuture.
“Anon-profitanniversarycampaignisnotsomethingyouwanttomissouton!”
AndFundraiserCyberzinemagazineproducedastudythatshowedthattheanniversaryofanonprofit’sfoundingis“anidealopportunitytogalvanizeyouremployees,boardmembers,donors,foundations,governmentandcorporatesponsors,andtore-kindletheircommitmenttotherelevance,importanceandneedsoftheorganization.
“Thisisauniqueopportunity,withthepotentialforayearlongmarketingprogramthat,doneproperly,setsthestageforyourfundraisers,strengthensyourlonger-termbrandimageandimprovestheorganization'sROI,”reportsGaryKullberg,aserialnonprofitboardmemberandchiefexecutiveoftheKullbergConsultingGroup.
“For-profitorganizations,bothlargeandsmall,havelongrecognizedtheimportanceofcompanyanniversarymarketingbecauseitisn'tjustthelatestadvertising,publicrelations,directmail,internetoreventprogram.Rather,itisauniquechanceforanorganizationtolinkthestrengthofitspasttoitsplansforthefuture.Fornonprofitorganizationsthisstorycanbeespeciallyimportantamongnewmembers,volunteersanddonors,”saysKullberg,adding:“And,importantly,anniversariesdonotneedtobecelebratedinmultiplesof25years.Your33rdcanbeaspowerfulasyour75th.”
110AnniversaryLogo• Willbeincludedinallstaffmembers’emailsignaturelines.• Willbefeaturedonthewebsiteformaximumexposure.• WillbeusedonroomsignsandothermarketingatEIJ.
MerchandisingOpportunities• 220lapelpinstobesold(tocelebratethepast110years/tocelebratethe
next110years)• 110-yearribbonatEIJ19• 250brandedscarvestobesoldfor$50each(tocelebrate50yearsofwomen
inSPJ)• SPJ-brandedYogamats(tocelebrate50yearsofwomeninSPJ)FundraisingOpportunities• EncouragegivingtoSPJat$110(highlightedduringApril17thDayofGiving
Campaign).• EncouragebiggerfundingforEIJ• AdvertisingatEIJ,QuillandSDXAwards
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MarketingOpportunities• Website• Logoaddedtolandingpage• Possiblemessaging:HighlightwhySPJisstillrelevant110yearslater• Quill• Secondandthirdissuesoftheyeartofeaturethe110anniversaryand50-
yearmarkforwomenjoining
EIJ• First110SPJregistrantswillreceivesometypeofanniversary-based
premium• Anniversaryadwillbefeaturedintheprogrambook• EIJNewsteamwillwriteastoryabouttheanniversary
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DATE:Jan.17,2019FROM:AlisonBethelMcKenzie,ExecutiveDirector,SPJFOR:SPJExecutiveCommittee
SPJFiscalYearBudget2020:AnInitialOverview
I. Introduction
ThisdocumentservestoprovideinitialthoughtsonFiscalYearBudget2020aswebegin
toreviewgoalsforthecomingFiscalYearandpossibleareasofadjustmenttoensurea
balancedFY2020budget.Itisimportanttonotethatthisisonlyapreliminarylookat
wherewehopetofindsavingsand,ifnecessary,makecutstoachievethegoalofa
balancedbudget.Thisinformationisfluid.Wehavesomesignificantstepstotakebefore
wecanputtogetheradraftbudgetforFiscalYear2020.
Letmenotethatheadquarters’planisonlytosubmitabalancedbudget.
II. FiscalYearBudget2019Overview
TheFiscalYear2019budgetwaspassedin2018withabudgetdeficitof$41,000.
Additionalincomewaslostwiththedepartureofsomeassociationmanagementclientele,
resultinginabout$54,475inlostrevenue.Inaddition,someunexpectedexpenseswerenot
calculatedintotheexpenseportionofthebudgetpresentedinApril2018,includingexpenses
forhiringnewstaffandconsultingfeestotrainnewemployees.Wearecurrentlycalculating
whatthoseexpensesamounttobutcanassumethattheprojecteddeficitof$41,000willbe
higher.So,thepriorityistobringinincometoreduceanypotentialdeficitand–bestcase
scenario-tocloseitcompletelyandendtheyearinblack.Wehavesevenmonthstomakethis
happen.
Whileweareworkingdiligentlytoholddowncosts,therealissueisontheincomeside.
Wearehopingtobringinunrestrictedincomethroughfoundationgrantsandcontributions
fromhighnet-worthindividualstocoverthedeficit.
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Wehopetorecoupsomeincomewiththeadditionofassociationmanagementclients.
Wearecurrentlyinconversationswiththreenonprofitsfortheirassociationmanagement
business.
III. FY2020Income
ForFY2020,weareaimingtobringtheassociationmanagementincomebacktothe
$138,000projectedintheFY2019budget.Thatfigure,however,dependsonthesizeandwork
involvedtofulfiltheworkloaddemandofeachneworganization.Somenonprofitswewillbe
abletochargemoreforservices;someless.
Withafull-timedevelopmentmanagerandhavingbroughtadvertisingsolicitationin-
house,weexpecttoincreaseouradvertisingandfundraising.Theoverallfundraisinggoalat
thismomentisabout$300,000fornextyear,upfromabudgeted$256,000thisyear.Our
targetcouldbemuchhigher,however,than$300,000.Itistooearlytopindownanexact
figure.
Anotherpotentialplacewherewemayseeasmallincreaseinincomeisrent.Ineedto
studythecurrentBoysandGirlsClubrentalagreementandgetestimatesonrefurbishingthe
basementtopotentiallyrentthatoutaswell.
Oneoptionthatleadershipmayconsiderisanincreaseindues.Dueshaveincreased
onlyonceinthepast13years.
Finally,weareexpectinggreaterincomefromEIJ19duetoincreasedparticipationwith
theattendanceofNAHJmembersandincreasedsponsorshipbecauseoftheparticipationof
NAHJ.Havingsaidthat,incomecouldbescaledbackconsiderablydependingontheoutcomeof
anSPJ/RTDNAsponsorshippolicy.Currently,nopolicyhasbeenratifiedbybothparties.
IV. FY2020Expenses
Currently,Ihavenoplanstoreplacethedeputydirectorpositionasanoutsidehire,
whichwouldresultinsomesavings.Todate,theworkofthatposition–whichissignificant–
hasbeenlargelytakenoverbytheExecutiveDirectorwithseveralotherstafftakingonsome
responsibilities.
WewillalsoseesavingsinconsultancyfeesaswenolongerhaveanextraGoogle
consultantandwehavebroughtinhousetheroleofadvertisingsales,whichmeanswewillnot
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havetopaysizeablecommissionfeestoouroutsidevendor.Inaddition,weshouldnothave
costsforconsultantstotrainnewemployees.
Inaddition,wehopetonegotiateamorefavorablecontractwiththeagencythat
handlessponsorshipforEIJ.ThecontractisupinSeptember2019andmustberenegotiated.
NegotiationsonamorefavorablesponsorshipagreementwouldneedtoincludeRTDNA.
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