A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Thank you.
I can think of no better way to begin this message than a note of appreciation for the role you —Chicago’s journalists — have played these past 19 months in providing understanding, uncovering inequalities and wrongdoing, and sharing information with audiences amid the uncertainty of a global pandemic.
Consider the Chicago Headline Club your community of support. We’re here to help you connect with other media professionals, give you opportunities to bolster your skills and celebrate your hard work.
Our collective efforts were also recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists last month: The Headline Club won SPJ’s National Professional Development Award.
Congrats to everyone who put time and energy into planning programming worthy of national attention, including 2020’s inaugural FOIAFest Boot Camp for early career journalists of color. We’re bringing that back this year, as part of what’s sure to be a jam-packed FOIAFest.
While much of our programming will likely continue to be online, we’re hoping to celebrate 100 years (you read that right; the Headline Club is 100 years old) of Chicago’s journalists and journalism at an in-person Lisagor event this spring. Pencil May 13 on your calendar.
In support and appreciation,
Amanda Vinicky
ONE SMALL THING
Right now, our club is assessing how we can best support journalism and journalists in Chicagoland over the next year.
Do you have thoughts on what we should do or do you have five minutes to really help us out? Please complete this (very brief) survey.
EVENTS
We’re back! Join us for an in-person (and outdoor if you prefer) get-together at Ludlow Liquors in Logan Square this weekend and reconnect with colleagues you probably have not seen in months. Or make some new friends!
First ten people to arrive, your initial drink’s on us!
ALSO: We’re building a journalism community calendar which brings together events hosted by a wide range of organizations across the city.
So far… it’s kind of empty. Have something you’d like to promote?
Submit it to us here.
LISAGORS UPDATE
Bravo if you won a 2020 Peter Lisagor Award! Don’t fret if you haven’t received physical proof of it yet; you’re not alone. There’s been a delay in the shipment of winners’ plaques. We’re working on it!
To keep it as cost effective and organized as possible, if you work at a media outlet your award will likely be shipped to your newsroom. (Also, check out the survey if you have ideas for future Lisagor award options).
WAYS TO HELP
Did you know the Chicago Headline Club is completely volunteer-run? This club is truly a labor of love and we could really use your support.
Right now we’re specifically seeking:
- A social media contributor to help with Facebook/Twitter
- Co-organizers to help plan FOIA Fest
- A graphic design wiz, who we can lean on from time to time
If you’re looking to volunteer in any capacity, you can let us know here.
MEMBER SHOUT-OUT
Do you have a piece of work that you’re particularly proud of or are your colleagues doing something which is having a huge impact on the community? Or is just cool and worth highlighting?
We would love to see it! Email us and we may put it in our next newsletter, or at least help spread the word on social media.
We know these past 18 months have been particularly difficult for our colleagues across the industry. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Mike Ewing, VP of Membership