SPJ Florida wins Circle of Excellence Awards, up for Chapter of the Year

SPJ Florida is proud to be the winner of two awards from the Society of Professional Journalists — the Circle of Excellence award in diversity and communication.

On top of that, the national board announced the chapter is a finalist for large Chapter of the Year.

The national journalism organization recognizes both small and large chapters every year for their work in chapter communication, campus relations, diversity, the First Amendment and FOI, and professional development. This year, the Florida chapter was recognized for its work in communicating with its members and creating programs that emphasize diversity.

“We are constantly striving to be the best resource for journalists, both young and old, new and veterans.” said Dori Zinn, SPJ Florida past president. “It’s always gratifying to be recognized for our work in trying to make journalism better.”

The chapter uses Twitter, Facebook, the website, and email blasts to communicate with its members and other journalists, keeping them abreast of educational opportunities, networking events, speaking engagements, and conferences. For diversity, this past year, the chapter’s Muslimedia event with SPJ Region 3 brought together the Muslim community and journalists together at a mosque for a candid discussion on reporting on Islam. It also teamed up with a number of journalism organizations to get together for a diversity mixer.

Finally, the chapter is up for the coveted Chapter of the Year award — the winner will be announced at the Excellence in Journalism conference in Anaheim, California this month. The chapter was a co-winner alongside the Press Club of Long Island in 2016, and also won in 2013 and 2010. Should the chapter win this year, it will be the fourth time in less than 10 years.

See our full list of accolades.

The chapter with its award for Chapter of the Year in 2016.