The Society of Professional Journalists Rio Grande Chapter exists to improve the state of journalism in New Mexico and West Texas. We also offer lots of benefits to our members. This page explains how to join, and why you should.

To become a member of SPJ Rio Grande, you must join the national SPJ organization. Membership is $75 annually for those who spend more than half their time practicing or teaching journalism. When you join, you must specify you want to be part of the Rio Grande Chapter. We have no additional dues beyond your national membership.

Why should YOU join?

  • You can tap into the resources and 100+ years of expertise of the nation’s oldest, largest and most broad-based journalism organization.
  • You can network and, sometimes, commiserate with journalists right here in New Mexico and West Texas.
  • You’ll get discounted admission to many of our chapter events, including awesome training opportunities like this one and the annual conference.
  • We love to give money to journalists.

Other benefits

You’re also eligible for discounts on a range of services that add value to your SPJ Rio Grande membership!

  • GEICO: SPJ members may be eligible for a special membership discount on GEICO auto insurance.
  • Wyndham: As a member of SPJ you will receive up to 20% off the “Best Available Rate” at over 7,500 participating locations worldwide.
  • Hertz: Benefits include everyday savings of up to 25% off for either business or leisure travel and complimentary membership in the award-winning loyalty program, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®.
  • Motel 6: Members receive a 10% discount at any of the 1,100+ pet-friendly Motel 6 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
  • AP Stylebook: Members receive a 20% discount on an AP Stylebook Online subscription.
  • Office Depot and OfficeMax: Members receive exclusive savings online or in-store.
  • LexisNexis: The LexisNexis “All News” package is available to SPJ members for $19.95 per month. It includes 26,000 newspapers, magazines, trade journals, transcripts, legal news and more from around the world, plus free webinars and 24/7 access to librarians to assist your research.

Who are we?

Our board of directors includes independent and staff journalists from news organizations including the Albuquerque Journal, Carlsbad Current-Argus, Las Cruces Sun-News, Native America Calling, The University of New Mexico and NMPolitics.net.  Among our members are journalists working at news outlets including the ABQ Free Press, Alamogordo Daily News, Koahnic Broadcast Corp., KOB TV, New Mexico In Depth, Newscastic, Rio Rancho Observer and Taos News, Santa Fe Reporter and Searchlight New Mexico; plus educators from ENMU, NNMC and UNM.

We’re active and growing, and there’s room for you! Please join us.