The Society of Professional Journalists is a registered student organization at the University of Texas at Austin. SPJ membership is open to all UT students who have demonstrated an interest in journalism, or want to become involved in journalism.
The Austin Student Chapter gives members the opportunity to make professional contacts, meet fellow journalism students, participate in educational programs and take advantage of internship and job opportunities. Examine the events page to get an idea of the types of programs SPJ hosts. You can also participate in journalism discussions on the SPJ blog.
Joining the Austin Student Chapter of SPJ can provide students with numerous benefits, including the ability to participate in journalism education programs unavailable in the classroom, meet fellow journalism students, network within the professional journalism community and find a job.
The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. The organization is the nation's largest and most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of the press 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.
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 U.S. 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:
