SEJ Board Election

Judy Fahys
Active Board Candidate

I remember holding the letter forever ago from some guy creating an organization for reporters who cover the environment. I knew instantly I wanted to be a part of it.

Since then, whenever the environment’s been my beat, I’ve been a member. SEJ has helped me understand everything from spreadsheets to climate change. And when my newspaper job evaporated a few years ago, SEJ members at the Chattanooga conference helped me figure out how to keep doing the work I love. SEJ has even smoothed my transition from newspapers to broadcast. Now I’m a reporter-producer for Salt Lake City’s NPR affiliate, KUER News.

It’s my turn now to help this great organization transition and grow. Of course, it’s an especially challenging time for journalists. We’re wrestling with some of the toughest scientific, political and economic issues of our time. But it’s a time of opportunity, too. And SEJ can continue offering the tools — ideas, skills and courage — that can aid reporters and editors who are navigating those challenges. We can build on the good resources already available: the WatchDog tipsheets, topic discussions, accessible conferences and SEJournal. What about hosting demos on Trint, Audiogram and Lexis/Nexis and providing social-media strategy workshops to expand audiences for members’ good work? Adding, perhaps, training webcasts or online tutorials via SEJ’s Facebook page. And stimulating the (virtual and personal) conversations that keep good environmental journalism alive. These are all ways that SEJ can continue to bring value to its members.

There’s other important work to be done, too. Growing SEJ’s funding is crucial to providing the resources we rely on. Implementing a new strategic vision is also essential for positioning us for the future. My varied experience at Salt Lake City’s largest daily newspaper, on the local SPJ board and at a journalism nonprofit has prepped me for a role on SEJ’s Board.

I’m ready now to serve the organization that’s served me so well. Thank you for your vote.

Contact: [email protected]

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