The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) announces its finalists for Student Chapter of the Year - The University of Georgia Chapter of NABJ (UGA-NABJ), the Howard University Association of Black Journalists (HUABJ) and the Carolina Association of Black Journalists, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (CABJ). The winner will be revealed during NABJ's 37th Annual Convention and Career Fair in New Orleans.
"These three chapters represent the best NABJ has to offer when it comes to community service, campus involvement and programming," said Wesley Lowery, NABJ's student representative. "The leaders of each of these chapters have worked tirelessly to advance the goal of newsroom diversity at the collegiate level and represent the bright future of this great organization."
The University of Georgia Chapter of NABJ
Led by President Crissinda Ponder, UGA-NABJ has sponsored relevant and diverse workshops to help its members prepare for graduation, including: "A Competitive Journalists Guide," "Landing a Job in Sports Journalism" and "Scoring Your Dream Internship."
These workshops emphasized what NABJ is all about - preparing members to thrive in the journalism industry. The chapter called upon seasoned journalists to help inspire students to achieve their future career goals. The Chapter also volunteered with after-school programs, donated school supplies, tutored and assisted the American Red Cross.
"The University of Georgia Student Chapter of NABJ is overwhelmingly excited about being a finalist for the Student Chapter of the Year award. Throughout the 2011-12 academic year, we have been working hard to provide valuable resources, quality programs and community outreach efforts to the UGA and Athens, Ga., community," Ponder said. "I am delighted that we are being considered for this honor and I understand it would not be possible without the commitment of my fellow executive board members and the dedication of our general body.
Visit UGA-NABJ's site here.
Howard University Association of Black Journalists
Under President Denise Sawyer, HUABJ has implemented innovative methods for attracting new members and keeping them engaged. The chapter launched HUABJ radio, HUABJ tv and HUABJ video, and a multiplatform newsletter that doubles as a training ground for students to practice their writing, editing and production skills.
The chapter leveraged its relationships with professional journalists through two new initiatives - a mentoring program and mini-workshops that send students into the field with working journalists. For aspiring sportswriters, the chapter established agreements with Comcast SportsNet, ESPN and Howard University's Athletic Department that allow students to practice game coverage, participate in reporting boot camps and shadow professional beat writers.
HUABJ also created a multimedia archive for chapter events, lectures and workshops. The HUABJ Library, as it is called, provides journalism tips at the "click of a mouse." The chapter even started emailing welcome letters to freshmen before they arrive at campus. The letter includes a schedule of HUABJ programs for the coming school year. Additionally, on the first Thursday of each month, the HUABJ Street Team fans out across campus, visiting classrooms and distributing fliers of chapter happenings. HUABJ doubled its membership in 2011.
"Often times when organizations are awarded it's easy to recognize the people on the forefront. However, in this particular instance I can't help but recognize the exceptional talent that immerses themselves in HUABJ," Sawyer said. "HUABJ members exhibit innovation and diligent pursuit of top tier journalism on all platforms. It's an honor to receive this nomination on behalf of HUABJ."
Carolina Association of Black Journalists, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Under the leadership of President Jasmine Nesi, CABJ has had a productive year. The chapter celebrated its 20th anniversary and offered unique programming to keep members engaged and future members informed. The Chapter kicked off 2011 with CNN's Soledad O'Brien as its keynote speaker for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The chapter also had a screening of the series "Black in America."
During the year, the chapter also held true to the mission of NABJ. It gave high school students a crash course in the world of journalism. Students came to the UNC campus and learned about photography, social media, broadcasting and public relations. In 2011, the chapter also had workshops for its members on how to network, a spelling and grammar workshop, and on tips to market themselves. The chapter also held a panel discussion on social media and reinvention. The session was timely as many journalists today are sharpening their skills so they can be competitive and marketable. The chapter also found time to volunteer in elementary and middle schools to spark students' interest in journalism.
"It is such an honor to be considered one of the finalists. It was a feat to organize and celebrate 20 years of excellence through diversity in CABJ and reflect on these amazing 20 years of history with our scrapbook. We look forward to celebrating anniversaries at 25, 35 and 50 years," Nesi said.
Visit CABJ's Website here.
NABJ's Student Chapter of the Year award is based on accomplishments during the eligibility period. The criteria include, but are not limited to, the number of new members who joined the chapter and NABJ, and the chapter's community activities and programs.
NABJ's 37th Annual Convention and Career Fair will take place June 20-24 at the Hilton Riverside Hotel. For additional information, ticket sales and Hilton Riverside Hotel. For additional information, ticket sales, registration, please visit us at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001f2MwwqI0kk-z23rE6XP_LeqTtlHu7eP7Acp577BMqiQVc9_qE8AaVZND4u8B-sovyyTGBbSVHQmTUz1CsVfJu98SViExUWmU6eriPXgwpfs=.
