NAHJ Joins Google for Journalism Summit in Miami Beach

The NAHJ South Florida chapter partnered with Google on the "Google For Media" summit held at the Fountainebleu Hotel in Miami Beach this January.

The day-long conference focused on the continuing evolution of social media and how it is increasingly a powerful tool for journalists.

with Pilar Portela-Webb & Christine Armario 

NAHJ NYC Chapter Holiday Party

The NYC Chapter celebrated the holidays with a wonderful event at the Mexican Festival Restaurant in Manhattan.

NYC Chapter leadership - December 2013

Jacqueline Baylon, Ivette Davila, Geraldine Azocar

Brenda Kessler (far right)

Washington DC Chapter Hosts Meeting at the White House

outside the White House, October 2013

The meeting at the White House was focused around the new health insurance program launched by president Obama's administration.

More than 30 percent of Latinos – lack health care coverage. A majority of Latinos indicate support for the Affordable Care Act.

But many felt left out because of the massive glitches in the Spanish language website designed to assist them.

White House staff

NAHJ DC chapter president Brandon Benavides

NAHJ Board Votes to Leave UNITY Journalists For Diversity

After much discussion and debate, the national board of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists voted to formally leave UNITY Journalists for Diversity.

Here are some articles written about the decision:
Vote went 13-2 in favor of leaving journalism diversity coalition:
http://www.thewrap.com/national-association-hispanic-journalists-leaves-unity/

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists is the second group to leave UNITY since 2011, raising questions about whether it can survive:
http://www.cjr.org/minority_reports/nahj_leaves_unity.php?page=all

NAHJ leaders cite Unity’s ‘financial disorganization,’ ask board to vote to leave:
http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/225312/nahj-leaders-cite-unitys-financial-disorganization-ask-board-to-vote-to-leave/

NAHJ NYC Chapter Hosts First Event

NAHJ NYC Chapter board

The newly formed NAHJ NYC professional chapter hosted its first event on 10/9 at "La Pulperia" restaurant in midtown Manhattan.

With NYC Chapter VP Brenda Kessler

I was very pleased to be part of the kick-off event that gathered more than 50 people in celebration of the new chapter and our association. NAHJ founding fathers Frank Gomez and Juan Gonzalez were in attendance.

With Celia Mendoza

Frank Gomez

A special thanks to Region 2 Director Yvette Davila who was instrumental in organizing the new chapter. 

And of course un fuerte abrazo to NYC chapter president Geraldine Azocar and the entire chapter board for volunteering to lead. You make us all very proud!

With Region 2 Director Ivette Davila and Kirk Gimenez

Juan Gonzalez

Region 6 conference “Latin America: Coverage and Challenges”

CNN's Ramon Escobar leads panel on challenges of covering Latin America

Congratulations to the NAHJ Chicago chapter for hosting the Region 6 conference “Latin America: Coverage and Challenges.” The October 12th event was very well attended. The guests who I spoke with were pleased with the quality of the programs and panelists.

Region 6 Director Rosa Morales welcomes guests

A special thanks to Region 6 Director Rosa Morales,Chicago chapter president Carolina Cruz, the conference committee, volunteers and staff for their leadership and commitment in realizing the wonderful event. 

Chicago Chapter President Carolina Cruz

And of course un gran abrazo to all of the Ñ-Awards recipients for their outstanding work in their field and for our association.

Proud N-Awards recipients

Speaking with students at Medill, Northwestern University

With NAHJ Student Chapter at Northwestern

I was also given the opportunity to speak with students at Medill School of Journalism AT Northwestern University.The NAHJ student chapter were my gracious hosts. I was happy to lead a lecture on reaching the Latino community in the U.S.

Here is a link to the presentation on reaching Latinos in the US:
http://mediaportal.northwestern.edu/Mediasite/Play/2bbfcfb9fe1c45589a8358e8d6df9c661d 

The Case For NAHJ Leaving UNITY

It's not an easy decision.
It's emotional.
In the end, the NAHJ national board must make decisions that are in the best interest of our association, members and mission.

When you take the emotion out of the equation.
When you study the last 12 months, two years (including reasons why NABJ left UNITY).
When you stop pointing to national conferences (when NABJ was still part of UNITY).
All you're left with are empty promises, lack of vision, inability to evolve, indecisiveness, poor financial practices and a structure that will only setback NAHJ.

On behalf of the NAHJ representatives on the UNITY Journalists For Diversity board and NAHJ executive director Anna Lopez Buck, I began a conversation with NAHJ members about our association taking a new course at the Excellence In Journalism national conference this summer

Here is the case for NAHJ leaving UNITY:
http://www.nahj12.com/nahj-news/nahj-to-discuss-reasons-for-leaving-unity-with-nahj-membership/

Here are articles written about the subject:
-NAHJ leaders cite Unity’s ‘financial disorganization,’ ask board to vote to leave
http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/225312/nahj-leaders-cite-unitys-financial-disorganization-ask-board-to-vote-to-leave/

-Coalition for Diversity in Journalism May Lose Hispanic Members
http://www.theroot.com/blogs/journalisms/coalition-diversity-journalism-may-lose-hispanic-members

-UNITY At A Crossroads
http://www.cjr.org/minority_reports/with_a_new_president_unitys_at.php?page=1

All NAHJ members are welcomed to a virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday, October 16 where the 4 NAHJ representatives and our executive director will answer any questions you have. You should have received an email with the telephone number and time of the meeting. The meeting will be recorded and provided to all via the NAHJ website.

Lastly, I ask that all NAHJ members inform themselves. I've spoken to many of you who have strong opinions about remaining part of UNITY, but it's based on an idea of UNITY that truthfully no longer exists. And not just recently, but certainly after NABJ left. One cannot argue - "just go back and reach an agreement". The NAHJ representatives have tried that for a year now to no end. NABJ before us tried the same. We (NAHJ reps) have work to do for the good of our association. We cannot waste what time we have (because we are all volunteers) on an organization that has lost its way.

NAHJ will continue to work with UNITY once we leave, but it will be from a position to negotiate what we feel is in line with our association's mission and best interest. If and when UNITY does change the existing structure (governance, finance, mission); NAHJ will welcome a proposal to formally return.

Sincerely,

Hugo