North Central Florida Professional Chapter Bylaws
ARTICLE I - Name & Status
Section 1: The name of the Chapter shall be the "North Central Florida Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists" (referred to hereafter as "North Central Florida SPJ").
Section 2: North Central Florida SPJ is a professional, non-profit organization. The Internal Revenue Service classifies the national SPJ organization, and all of its chapters, under Internal Revenue Service code section 501 (c) (6). Thus, North Central Florida SPJ is exempt from federal income taxes.
Section 3: North Central Florida SPJ shall operate on a fiscal year that begins July 1 and ends on June 30 the following year.
Section 4: Because North Central Florida SPJ is part of the national organization of the Society of Professional Journalists, all membership guidelines, dues and standards of the national organization shall also pertain to North Central Florida SPJ and its members.
Section 5: North Central Florida SPJ is part of Region 3, which includes chapters in Florida, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.
ARTICLE 2 - Mission & Purpose
The objectives of North Central Florida SPJ shall reflect those of the national SPJ organization.
Section 1: To perpetuate a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty.
Section 2: To ensure that the concept of self-government outlined in the United States Constitution remains a reality, Americans must be well informed in order to make decisions regarding their lives, and those of their local and national communities. It is the role of journalists to provide this information in an accurate, comprehensive, timely and understandable manner./p>
Section 3: It is the mission of the Society of Professional Journalists:
- To promote this flow of information.
- To maintain constant vigilance in protection of the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press.
- To stimulate high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism.
- To foster excellence among journalists.
- To inspire successive generations of talented individuals to become dedicated journalists.
- To encourage diversity in journalism.
- To be the pre-eminent, broad-based membership organization for journalists.
- To encourage a climate in which journalism can be practiced freely.
- To serve all journalists, whether members of the Society or not.