Like other professionals, journalists have a desperate need to belong to groups.
Spouses, parents, booty calls nor pets can relate to a journalist’s daily woes so journalists must look elsewhere.
Journalists need to connect with others who enjoy long talks about deadlines, ledes and incompetent editors. That is why journalists like professional organizations.
Groups like Society of Professional Journalists and Investigative Reporters and Editors give journalists a sense of community and a place to feel better about the career choices they have made.
Signs of membership are subtle but everywhere – a car decal, a stained coffee mug, and the the always popular tote bag, which has become required attire in some news circles.
These organizations also give journalists the opportunity to attend yearly conferences, which usually end up being a room full of journalists who are all looking for a better gig and hookups.
Membership also allow journalists to maintain their integrity even if they work for a local daily that writes fluff pieces about its advertisers on a regular basis.
There seems to be professional organization for every niche beat and gig – no really. See: Regional Reporters Association, National Society of Newspaper Columnists or the Association for Women in Sports Media.
And journalists “of color” need not to fear – there is a group for everyone – Asian American Journalists Association, National Association of Black Journalists, The National Association of Hispanic Journalists and National Arab American Journalists Association. And for GLBT journalists, there is the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association.
With readership dying off faster than the appeal of Crocs, professional organizations for journalists will soon outnumber newspapers.
Are we missing an obscure or niche journalism group? Let us know at stuffjournalistslike@gmail.com.
More from @JournalistsLike
- Stuff Journalists Like #26 Writing a Book
- Stuff Journalists Like #14 Bylines
- Stuff Journalists Like #29 Exclusives
@JournalistsLike Recommends
- A Great Art Project, Part 1 (High Road Artist)
- Your Website Can Become Green (U.S. Green Technology)
Okay… at the age of 40 and returning to university for my journalism degree, this does not inspire much confidence.
An actual list with links would certainly be handy …
The American Copy Editors Society. Ain’t no party like a copy editor party!
http://www.copydesk.org
Love it. Really miss my SPJ family now that I have graduated and moved to a place with no active pro chapter…
Orgs are great to connect with others who are passionate about the same things you are, especially now that newsrooms are looking a little empty these days.
I’m Scott Leadingham from SPJ. Thanks for the “recognition.” Indeed, though, as you point out, there are many, many journalism organizations from which to choose. SPJ happens to be one of the oldest and broadest based and largest in terms of members. But there are many others that cater to specific beats, interests, ethnicities, or other specialty areas (including position in a newsroom – such as American Society of News Editors). Just two others of note, for example: Online News Association or Radio Television Digital News Association. Also on the list of “minority” organizations (included in the UNITY group): Native American Journalists Association. Indeed, you can find a good list (though not comprehensive of all groups in the U.S.) at the website of the Council of National Journalism Organizations: http://www.journalismassociations.com/