Does your chapter have plans for October? What about Oct. 22 – 28, if we’re going to be specific? Well, maybe you should because it’s the annual celebration of Free Speech Week!

Formerly National Freedom of Speech Week, the event was created in 2005 by the Media Institute and is a non-partisan, non-ideological event that strives to be a unifying celebration of free speech as something everyone can practice and cherish. The Media Institute needs your help to get the word out and celebrate accordingly. They’ve even made a list of some ideas to get you started.

The Institute is encouraging organizations to display the FSW logo on their website, and to let them know of any activities your chapter might plan for the week. They’ll help promote them on the website and through social media. Speaking of social media, connect with them on Twitter.

Don’t forget about letting HQ know about the great event your chapter might hold in connection with Free Speech Week! We’d love to highlight the inspiring things you’re doing around the world.

Congratulations to the Rio Grande and University of Miami SPJ chapters! Check out the programs listed below that they’ll be hosting with the help of funds from a SPJ Chapter Grant. If you’re interested in applying on behalf of your chapter, the next cycle deadline is September 5. Apply online today!

Rio Grande Chapter

The Rio Grande Chapter of SPJ was awarded a chapter grant to hold the program “Simplifying Science” in September.

Bringing together scientists, reporters and the public, the event will discuss better ways of communicating complex, important scientific research. It will feature a panel of four scientists and four experienced science writers, each offing tips about how scientists can communicate more effectively with the media and vice versa.

Because New Mexico is home to two national laboratories, Intel and three top research universities, the chapter realized the complexities that some reporters face when covering entrepreneurs developing cutting edge robotics, renewable energy systems, software and much more.

The chapter plans to webcast the event for members who can’t attend and will post tips and video to their website as well.

University of Miami Chapter

An August Chapter Grant was also awarded to the University of Miami SPJ chapter for their program, “Miami Representative on the National Stage.”

The chapter will invite Pia Malbran, current president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists South Florida Chapter, to speak on television production. Her vast experience in investigative broadcasting, both on the local Miami scene as well as national outlets, will provide students and faculty with great tips of the trade and solid advice.

Today is the deadline for the first round of SPJ Chapter Grants. So if you don’t get on the ball, you’ll have to wait until the next round, which ends Sept. 5.

Remember:

• Apply online
• Have plans for a unique, cool or amazing program
• Proposals should be submitted for programs occurring within 90 days of the cycle deadline
• Grant proposals must be submitted for each deadline, they do not automatically rollover
• Chapters selected will receive funds AFTER the chapter submits the required grant program recap, along with receipts, within 15 days of the completion of the program

Want some inspiration from the past? Check out what past grant recipients have done with their cold, hard cash.

Questions? Email Tara Puckey, Chapter Coordinator.

Check out what the University of Iowa came up with to promote the chapter (and their 100th anniversary) this year! Kudos to the chapter and graphic designer Ron McClellen for a job well done!

Do you have a great SPJ ad? Share it with us!