Chicago Headline Club starts a new year.

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Odette Yousef (standing, left), Mary Wisniewski, Suzanne McBride, Flynn McRoberts,
Jeff Kelly-Lowenstein, Fernando Diaz and Patrick Boylan,
Susan S. Stevens (seated, left), Molly McDonough, Jon Seidel, Aimee DeBat,
Sheila Solomon and Howard Dubin. Not included: Kristen Schorsch. 

Chicago (July 12, 2014 )--On this rainy Saturday morning, some of Chicago's most formidable journalists gathered to discuss how they together--along with others who also care about the health and well-being of news gathering and its professionals--can best lead the Chicago Headline Club during this era of turmoil within the industry. 

Dedicated to the professional development of current and future journalists and protecting the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press through its advocacy efforts, CHC is the the largest local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists in the country. 

A big tent organization (my words, not the board's), its numerous initiatives include assisting journalists looking for ethics advice, a new job or public records; supporting fledgling careers and new investigative projects through mentoring, scholarships and grants; and recognizing excellent in journalism through the annual Peter Lisagor Awards. 

Beside bringing back Burger Nights on the second Friday of the month, one of CHC's newest initiative, is FOIA Fest. In March more than 120 journalists attended a day-long observance of Sunshine Week that provided training that ranged from the pros and cons of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act to how to find data and use it to tell stories most effectively.

The success of the Chicago Headline Club's work not only hinges on its board's leadership, but the continued support of other journalists, industry professionals and stakeholders.  To learn more about how you can help CHC support robust journalism and its practitioners, contact Executive Director Aimee DeBat at 312-553-0393.

If you get the chance, ask anyone you know in the picture about the 10th man rule.

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