In addition to being honored with two Society of Professional Journalists’ Circle of Excellence Awards for our work on newsroom diversity and First Amendment advocacy, San Diego SPJ was thrilled to receive the Large Chapter of the Year award at SPJ’s 2022 annual conference. Board members Bella Ross and Jakob McWhinney accepted the award on our behalf.

Judges noted SD-SPJs newsroom diversity survey, describing it as “a challenging feat to accomplish because some newsrooms wanted to refrain from participating” and the chapter’s work on open government issues, including board members’ meeting with staff from the San Diego mayor’s office regarding the city’s email retention policy. That advocacy work that led to the city implementing the longest email-retention policy in the state. Also mentioned was SD-SPJ’s new mentorship program (keep an eye on this space for the program’s second round) and the continuation of our annual Wall, Window and Sunshine awards, among other chapter activities.

SD-SPJ wants to thank our members for their continued support. Y’all are the best! Not a member? Join here.