Dear NABJ Members:
I have always believed that our chapters are the heartbeat of this organization. I value every effort they have made toward the fulfillment of our mission and the strengthening of our organization.
Every day, our chapter leaders and members go out into the community putting their best foot forward, carrying the vision of our Founders with them. In 2021, our chapters advocated for transformative change in local newsrooms and media-related companies. And, as we settle into 2022, we are seeing announcement after announcement about new efforts to diversify local news and media staff/coverage. Congratulations on your hard work!
Today, I’d also like to take time to congratulate the chapters, both professional and student, that successfully submitted and completed their annual audits. The checks and balances that are a part of the auditing process help to ensure our chapters are healthy, thriving, and strong. I am pleased to announce that as a “thank you” for their commitment, chapters that met the audit guidelines were awarded grants that we hope can be used to support their upcoming activities. Over the holiday break, we were able to begin disbursing grants of $2,000 to 26 professional chapters and grants for $1,000 to 19 student chapters. That’s 45 total chapters and $71,000 in grants so far! Way to go!
In closing, I want to thank all of our members worldwide for all that they do to move the needle forward. You are valued and appreciated! I would also like to thank all of our Board members for their tireless efforts in 2021. A special shout-out goes to our Regional Directors (Tre’vell Anderson, Eva Coleman, Brie Jackson, and Sia Nyorkor), as well as VP-Broadcast Ken Lemon and Treasurer Walter Smith Randolph for their leadership in guiding our chapters through the audit process. They will continue to work with other chapters to help them through the process as well.
I am excited about the impact we will make in 2022! Please be safe, take care of yourselves, and take care of each other. We are stronger and better together!
Yours in Service,
Dorothy Tucker, NABJ President