The response to this initiative to create a chapter structure within NAHJ has been tremendous!

It is at the local level that we carry out–on a day-to-day basis–our mission to increase the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. It’s also through chapters that networking and information sharing takes place. All chapters will be provisional for the first year as we study and refine the regulations for their operation.

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The steps to becoming an NAHJ chapter are as follow:

Professional Chapter Certification

The approval process begins when a minimum of 10 current dues-paying NAHJ members submit the documents listed below.

As you recruit members they can join online at Join NAHJ, or download a membership application and mail/fax it to:

NAHJ
1050 Connecticut Avenue NW
10th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
fax: 202-662-7144

1. A completed application (PDF)
2. A letter to the Executive Director informing the national association of their desire to establish a chapter. This letter should include the goals and purpose of the group.
3. A letter of recommendation from the regional director in support of the new chapter formation and reasons to support chapter recognition.
4. A membership roster that includes each member’s name, media affiliation, job title and signature to affirm their desire to be part of the chapter.

*Upon receipt, verification and approval of the above-mentioned documents, the prospective chapter should then contact the NAHJ office for further instructions on holding elections.

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Student Chapter Certification

The approval process begins when a minimum of 10 current dues-paying NAHJ student members submit the documents listed below. As you recruit members they can join online at Join NAHJ, or download a membership application and mail/fax it to:

NAHJ
1050 Connecticut Avenue NW, 10th Floor

Washington, DC 20036
fax: 202-662-7144

1. A completed application (PDF)
2. A letter to the Executive Director informing the national association of their desire to establish a chapter. This letter should include the goals and purpose of the group.
3. A letter of recommendation from the regional director in support of the new chapter formation and reasons to support chapter recognition.
4. A membership roster that includes each member’s name, school, major and signature to affirm their desire to be part of the chapter.
5. A letter of nomination from the student chapter adviser, who must be either a full-time journalism professor or a full member of NAHJ.
6. A letter of nomination from the local professional chapter, if there is one nearby. The student chapter should have the support of a nearby professional chapter whenever possible.
7. A copy of the school’s newspaper and or other news media.

*Upon receipt, verification and approval of the above-mentioned documents, the prospective chapter should then contact the NAHJ office for further instructions on holding elections.

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Chapter FAQs

Finances: Members will pay all dues to the national organization. This process will be facilitated through the national office where members indicate (on the online/print membership application) that they want to be considered a member of the chapter. We encourage pending chapters to recruit as many members as possible to grow membership and increase chapter funding. During part of this provisional first year all finances will come through the national office as we refine the procedures for locally-based bank accounts.

Membership Eligibility: Chapters must adhere to the same membership eligibility and voting status requirements as the national organization. If you are unsure of your membership status, please contact membership@nahj.org. In order to bring lapsed members back into your chapter you may request a list of lapsed members in your region by emailing membership@nahj.org.

Leadership/Structure: Minimally, each chapter board must have a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Although associate members are not allowed to hold the elected positions of president, vice president, secretary or treasurer, this does not preclude them from serving in other non-elected capacities. For example, chapters may appoint associate members to conduct outreach to other, often underrepresented constituencies or to oversee events, logistics, etc.

 

 

If you are interested in forming a chapter in your area or to receive more information please email contact@nahj.org.