Diversity Leadership Fellows Program DEADLINE June 11, 2012

Diversity Leadership Fellows Program
Application deadline: June 11, 2012

SPJ works to promote a broader voice for diverse journalists in newsrooms across the country, and to expand the depth and quality of news reporting through better sourcing. This mission has been carried out through the SPJ Diversity Committee’s print and online products, including the Rainbow Sourcebook, Diversity Toolbox, Teaching Plan,... The committee also partners with UNITY: Journalists of Color members and ethnic media to offer training programs.

As we face the many challenges of an evolving industry, strengthening SPJ’s diversity efforts is more important now that at any time in our organization’s history. The program is an opportunity for members to learn about the inner workings of SPJ through an immersion into teaching of the Society’s missions, culture and operations. The educational process begins at the SPJ national convention and as a result, the program includes a complimentary registration and paid travel for the event. Fellows are also involved in many aspect of the conference. This program is funded by the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.

Specifically, the fellows program will provide the following:
— A convention registration
— Four night stay at the convention hotel, Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
— Airfare to Ft. Lauderdale (Up to $300)
— Tickets to the convention's 2 ticketed meal events

To be eligible for the scholarship:
— Have at least three years of post-college journalism experience
— Be an active member of SPJ
— Be a person of color or other under-represented group (i.e., LGBT/Disabled)
— Be willing to attend the entire convention and all events/programs planned for the selected Fellows
— Be willing to work on a proposal that will promote diversity in newsrooms and within SPJ
— Be willing to serve on either a SPJ national committee or in a local SPJ leadership role

Applications are due June 11, 2012. The selection of 2012 Fellows will be made by a subcommittee of SPJ’s diversity committee. Applicants will be notified by July 15, 2012. Previous recipients of a Diversity Leadership Grant are not eligible to apply. 

If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Rochester, Awards Coordinator, at lrochester@spj.org

Please Note: Previous recipients of Diversity Leadership Grants are not eligible to apply.