By Mia Moody-Ramirez
United we stand. Birds of a feather, flock together. Membership has its privileges. Strength in numbers. These are just a few of the phrases that come to mind when one considers joining a group.
Whether it is the Society of Professional Journalists or Public Relations Student Society of America, club membership provides participants with invaluable opportunities to discuss issues of common interest, meet professionals, cultivate and share ideas and network.
However, when you are a racial or ethnic minority student considering a profession that is predominantly Caucasian, being a member of mainstream association can sometimes leave one feeling left out or alone in a crowd. That is one reason many journalists of color also belong to minority associations.
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is an organization of journalists, students and media-related professionals that provides quality programs and services to and advocates on behalf of black journalists worldwide. Founded by 44 men and women on December 12, 1975, in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization of journalists of color in the nation.
Many of NABJ's members also belong to one of the professional and student chapters that serve black journalists nationwide.
According to its website, NABJ is committed to the following:
• Strengthening ties among black journalists;
• Sensitizing all media to the importance of fairness in the workplace for black journalists;
• Expanding job opportunities and recruiting activities for veteran, young and aspiring black journalists, while providing continued professional development and training;
One of the biggest benefits of belong to the organization is the opportunity to network with other minority journalists locally and on a national level. Being involved with a minority association allows journalists of color from all over the country to discuss unique issues that may not be at the top of the agenda at majority associations, such as cultural competency, racial/ethnic health disparities and discrimination in the workplace.
Belonging to a minority association also provides an opportunity to come together with other students who share the same culture, values and traditions.
Members can expand their network within the journalism industry; gather with colleagues at NABJ Media Institute programs and regional events; participate in online discussion groups; and benefit from the expertise of seasoned media professionals through year-round fellowships and workshops.
Other benefits include:
NABJ Journal - the organization's official publication presents news and addresses issues about NABJ and the media that affect black journalists and the community. The Journal is a quarterly magazine. Our members only Web access provides portal access to the NABJ Journal online.
NABJobs Online- Online job matching service allows members to post resumes and search for jobs listed by participating organizations and companies. Media companies can post or edit job openings and also review resumes of potential candidates online.
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