The Sunshine Project

Last week, we introduced you all to basic FOIA and state Sunshine law information as well as the growing problem of getting public records from Ohio University.

This week find out what we're going to do to educate our administration and help create a stir to ensure compliance with the Ohio Open Records Law.

If you've ever wondered just what SPJ does and how YOU can get involved more, this is the meeting to be at! Come and join us as we start to make some waves!

We'll see you in Scripps 111 at 5 p.m. on Tuesday for our first service project meeting of 2009. This is YOUR chance for hands-on experience and YOU chance to make a difference in FOIA and Sunshine Law education and compliance at Ohio University.

Aimee Edmondson on the Freedom of Information Act and Sunshine Laws

At last week's meeting, Assistant Scripps Professor, Aimee Edmondson gave us a basic overview of FOIA and Sunshine laws as a precursor to our spring service project. If you missed last week's meeting or need more clarification about open record laws, check out our snipets from our interview with Edmondson below.

Open Record Laws 101


What is Ohio's Open Record Law and what should you remember when requesting a document?


Dr. Edmondson gives an example of an open record law scenario and provides tips about how to ensure you get your request.

Exclusive Internship Meeting

From Scripps:

There will be an Exclusive Internship Information Session on Thursday, February 19th from 6-8 PM in Scripps 111. All Scripps College of Communication Students are welcome. The meeting will cover application requirements and deadlines. Past interns from the Today Show, Procter & Gamble Productions, and The Miss Universe Organization as well as last year’s recipients of the Don Perris Scholarship will give testimonials and answer questions.

Questions or more info? Contact Tina Stewart (we met her fall quarter, remember?) at 740.593.9994 or stewart1@ohio.edu

See you there!

Know Your Rights!

Team -

This week's meeting is of utmost importance to anyone studying journalism at Ohio University and anyone who cares about First Amendment rights.

We will first be educated on all things FOIA (at least the basics, haha) by professor Aimee Edmondson.

Then, OU SPJ will release details about our 2008-2009 service project and how YOU can get involved in what may be the most ambitious project this organization has undertaken on our campus.

Check back here for more details later this week!

We'll see you there at 5 p.m. in Scripps Hall 111.

P.S. as a reminder, there is a great networking opportunity this Thursday in Cincinnati where we can mix and mingle with University of Cincinnati SPJ members and faculty as well as Cincinnati pro chapter members and working journalists in the Tri-State area. Please email Evan at em176906@ohio.edu or come to the meeting and sign-up tomorrow if you are interested. We would be leaving Thursday at about 2:30 p.m. from Athens and at least one car would be returning by about midnight.

Thanks!

Still Need an Internship?

Each year, the Society of Professional Journalists sponsors internships for 12 bright, motivated and hard working SPJ student journalists to staff The Working Press, a daily tabloid newspaper that covers the SPJ National Convention. Student writers, photographers and designers are invited to apply for these select positions.

This year's convention is set for August 27-29 in Indianapolis. Interns will need to arrive in Indianapolis by noon Wednesday, August 26 and the internship ends Sunday, August 30.

To apply, send 2 sets of the following (submissions will not be returned)

— Cover letter
— Résumé (include summer contact information)
— Three clips, layouts or published photos (relevant to your area of expertise). Please send copies of clips on letter or legal-size paper.

Postmark deadline: April 17, 2009

You provide:

— Energy, talent, great ideas and a good attitude
— Your transportation to and from Indianapolis
— Photographers: bring your own gear (digital)

The Society provides:

— Complimentary convention registration
— Complimentary accommodations at convention hotel
— Mentoring by professional journalists
— Networking venues
— A place to showcase your talents in front of many professionals

Mail applications to:
Society of Professional Journalists
Attn: The Working Press
3909 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208

Or e-mail your application to Heather Porter.

Questions about The Working Press?
Contact Heather Porter, Professional Development Coordinator, @ 317/927-8000 ext. 204 or via e-mail.

Note: As a Working Press intern, the Society retains all rights to the work you produce during the convention as part of your internship.

Headquarters Makes Waves

This email was sent to all members of national SPJ this evening - proving once again just how important this issue of transparency and open records is. This can work to our advantage here at OU - it is time the administration got tuned in to the national movement! Enjoy:

Dear SPJ Member:

We're delighted to announce that the Free Flow of Information Act, more commonly referred to as the Federal Shield Law, was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today as H.R. 985.

You're probably aware that the Society of Professional Journalists has been actively urging Congress and President Obama to pass and sign into law a bill that will protect journalists who refuse to reveal their confidential sources. Because you are a member of the largest journalism association in the country, your voice and opinion matter in this extremely important process.

Today, we are asking you to join the fight to improve and protect journalism. Please contact your representative and voice your support for this measure that is essential to upholding a free and independent press. A list of current contact information for U.S. Representatives can be found here.

When you contact your representative, please tell him or her about your SPJ membership - and that our organization (some 9,000 strong) supports this vital piece of legislation.

In closing, thank you for all that you do for SPJ and for making this organization an industry leader in fighting for the First Amendment rights of journalists.

Yours in the profession,

Dave Aeikens,
SPJ President

Special Thanks!

Thanks to all members who attended the Valentine's Day Shuffle this evening!

Hope everyone had a great time socializing with other Scripps students while helping make Valentine's Day special for some very deserving ladies!


Stay tuned to our blog as we begin the greatest journey our chapter has ever taken beginning NEXT WEEK! We'll keep you updated!