Let’s face it, while 2020 kept journalists working 24/7, it didn’t pay us that well.  That is why we are offering two ways to join or renew in 2021.  One of them costs less than the other. You will decide which is right for you.

First, you should know that you will actually be joining or renewing in two related organizations. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) was founded in 1909 and is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization. National SPJ is best-known for its Code of Ethics, which is continually updated to give journalists practical ways to cope with changing technology and a changing society.

The New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists (NJ-SPJ) is the “NJ Pro Chapter” of SPJ, but in many ways we function separately, with our own activities, budget and programs.  Created in 1959, NJ-SPJ was the prime mover in creating NJ’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and continues to be the first line of defense for journalists in the Garden State. In cooperation with others, NJ-SPJ is one of two statewide organizations that issues NJ Press Identification Cards.

To join NJ-SPJ—which costs $10—you must have some level of membership in national SPJ. But here is the big change:

• Previously you had to be a Full Member of national. That costs $75, although there are some discounts, as you will see.
• Now you can be a Full Member of NJ-SPJ while merely being an Associate Member of national SPJ. An Associate Membership in national is only $20.

What is the difference between a full membership in national SPJ and an associate membership? Quite a lot, actually. Associate members do not receive most of the benefits listed on SPJ’s “Why Join” webpage, such as a subscription to Quill magazine.

If you can afford it, we strongly urge you to become (or renew as) a full member of both organizations.  You will be supporting other journalists while providing many opportunities for yourself.  However, please choose whatever category is right for your situation.

Now, if you are renewing, please Log In.  If you have not done this before, you will find instructions on the Log In page.

If you are a new member, you need to choose the category of membership that’s appropriate for you. Then, we’ll ask you for your personal contact information. (We do not share your information with anyone, except the SPJ officers who provide your benefits.) Go to the membership categories page.