SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTSWHAT'S NEW: HELP SAVE THE EAST JORDAN H.S. DEVIL'S ADVOCATE
We realize we're preaching to the choir on this one, but history has
shown that a vibrant, free press is one of the best ways to ensure a
stable democracy. Getting kids involved and interested in journalism,
therefore, should be a no-brainer. But the administrators at the East Jordan Public Schools
apparently think otherwise. They're proposing to cut their
award-winning high school journalism program, says Alice Perrault,
editor in chief of the school's paper, The Devil's Advocate. She and
other students are prepping to make their case in front of the
district's school board.
The Mid-Michigan Pro Chapter is siding with Perrault and her colleagues. Chapter President Jeremy W. Steele sent this letter
to Principal Tammy Jackson and Superintendent Chip Hansen, urging them
to keep the program and citing studies showing the positive academic
and social impacts of strong journalism programs.
What you can do: Let Ms. Jackson and Mr. Hansen
know how important scholastic journalism programs are. And, if you're
interested, contact us for a way to send your support along to the
students waging the battle to keep journalism in their school.
WHAT'S NEW: REGION 4 CONFERENCE
More
than 200 journalists joined us in Detroit for the 2007 SPJ Region 4
conference at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. The April
13-14 program was sponsored by the Mid-Michigan and Detroit chapters.
Check out the conference Web site
for more information on the event, regional Mark of Excellence award
winners and more!
SPJMI LUNCH SERIES
Join us for lunch to talk about the journalism topic of the day.
THE TOPIC:
Former Newsweek
journalist and Michigan State University graphics editor-in-residence
Karl Gude will share his wisdom on the visual side of the business.
WHEN: Noon
Wednesday, Jan. 31
WHERE: Creole
Gallery, 1218 Turner St. in Lansing's Old Town
COST: $2
WHAT'S FOR LUNCH?
Bring your own or get a sandwich, wrap or soup from Portable Feast next
door - nothing on the menu over $6.85.
RSVP:
Requested, but not required, to Christie Bleck at
christieb7(at)msn(dot)com.
AFTER DEADLINE: JOIN US AFTER WORK
After you file your stories,
join the SPJ Mid-Michigan Chapter at a
local watering hole in Lansing for guaranteed interesting conversation
and drink specials. You need not be an SPJ member, but we'll quit
asking you to become one if you are.
WHEN: 6 p.m. to ? Wednesday, Jan. 24
WHERE: Cadillac Club, 1115 S. Washington
Ave. in Lansing's REO Town. We'll be on the east side of the bar.
SPECIALS: Happy hour drink specials are $2.50 Bud Light drafts and
Miller Light bottles.
RSVP: Requested, but not required, to Noelle at
nbowman(at)gannett(dot)com.