By Betsy Model, President
Mark these dates: Albuquerque – June 9th; El Paso, June 10th
The Freedom of Information Act is one of the most powerful tools that a journalist – reporter, editor, producer or blogger – possesses and is probably the most common denominator in the fact-finding process and creation of award-winning features and news exposés.
SPJ Rio Grande is pleased to announce that nationally recognized FOI expert David Cuillier will be presenting TWO workshops for our chapter in early June on the most successful ways to create FOIA requests and to make use of the law to obtain outstanding results.
Sheraton Uptown, Albuquerque - June 9
Jaxon's Restaurant, El Paso - June 10
On Wednesday, June 9th, Cuillier will lead a two-hour (4:30 pm to 6:30 pm) workshop in Albuquerque at the Uptown Sheraton Hotel.
On Thursday, June 10th, Cuillier will lead the same two-hour workshop (4:30 pm to 6:30 pm) in El Paso at the Mesa Avenue location of Jaxons Restaurant for the benefit of our El Paso, Las Cruces and southern New Mexico members.
In both cases, the venues were chosen in part because of ample free parking and because there was an opportunity for a post-workshop social gathering for those who’d welcome an opportunity to mix, mingle and get to know their colleagues from New Mexico and Texas.
Since we will be opening these two events up to non-chapter members as well, there is a three-tiered workshop fee plus bonus for new members: $10 for SPJ Rio Grande Members, $5 for student chapter members and $25 for non-members. Anyone who is NOT a current SPJ member and joins between now and the event date will receive a free workshop registration at either event. Considering that the annual dues for an SPJ membership is only $72, that’s a heck of a deal! And, as a reminder to everyone, member or not, both your membership and any workshop fees for attending an SPJ educational event is tax-deductable as either a professional fee (dues) or continuing education cost.