SPJ Florida Designates Proposed New Orleans Chapter its ‘Sister’
Sergy Odiduro, one of SPJ Florida’s long time board members, recently moved away to New Orleans. And one of the first things she did when she learned she was moving was, of course, look up the SPJ New Orleans chapter. Except there was one problem, there was no New Orleans Chapter. In fact, Louisiana has no professional SPJ chapters. So Odiduro did what any dedicated SPJ member would do – she decided to start her own chapter.
“This is an excellent opportunity to take SPJ into an area where I am confident that I will meet journalists who demonstrate SPJ’s code of ethics on a daily basis and who consistently show their dedication to our craft,” Odiduro said. “Together we will form a new chapter, forge ahead and create a supportive network for professionals and aspiring journalists in the Big Easy.”
But starting a chapter from scratch isn’t an easy task – especially for a newcomer to the city. In order to help her out Region 3 director Michael Koretzky decided to host his annual Region 3 spring conference, in the fall, in Region 12. The event will consist of one program called, Zombie Stories: Interviewing the Undead.
“SPJ Florida is committed to helping SPJ grow, and we’re excited that one of our former members is stepping up to the plate to launch a new chapter,” said Jason Parsley, SPJ Florida president. “Besides logistics we wanted to also show our support by designating the proposed chapter as our ‘Sister.’ We’ll do whatever we can to help Sergy launch a ‘Nawlins Chapter.’”
In order to assist the Odiduro SPJ Florida is co-sponsoring the convention and sending a delegation to assist with running Zombie Stories.
“I am excited to learn that SPJ Florida has designated our upcoming New Orleans chapter as their sister chapter,” Odiduro said. “The South Florida group has a proven record for launching innovating programs to engage local professional and students and I intend to shamelessly piggyback on their ideas. I am truly honored.”
Sergy Odiduro can be reached at Sergy.Odiduro@gmail.com. Jason Parsley can be reached at Jeparsley@gmail.com.