If you’re interested in joining our committees or want more information, contact us at aabj.org@gmail.com.
Advisory Board Committee
The Advisory Board Committee is responsible for assembling an advisory board composed of high-profile media professionals, key supporters, and sponsors of the organization. The committee keeps the advisory board informed about the organization’s activities, needs, and key issues. It also explores ways to keep supporters engaged and invested in the organization’s success.
The objectives of the Advisory Board are to:
• Monitor the organization’s long-term progress in relation to its strategic plan.
• Identify funding sources and review grant proposals.
• Assist the Board of Directors in identifying, hiring, and managing the executive director.
• Formalize the organization’s relationships with major corporate sponsors.
Communications/Public Relations/Website
- The Communications Committee The Communications Committee promotes AABJ’s activities to the news media, the community, and its members. It collaborates with other committees to provide external publicity for events and internal communication through the organization’s newsletter, website, television program, and email network. Additionally, it oversees the creation of all marketing and promotional materials.
- The Public Relations Committee The Public Relations Committee consists of AABJ members working in public relations. They ensure that AABJ maintains a positive public image by developing PR strategies, building relationships with media and other organizations, and creating press releases.
- The Website Committee The Website Committee is responsible for the professional production and maintenance of the chapter’s website. Revenue generated from the site supports the organization’s operating budget. The committee also ensures that the website serves as a platform for aspiring new media journalists.
Community Relations – The Community Relations Committee educates the public on their role as media consumers and how to effectively utilize the media to achieve their goals. The committee organizes meetings with newsmakers to foster relationships between them and AABJ members. It also acts as an outreach arm, establishing a strong presence for the organization within the community.
Finance Committee – The Finance Committee collaborates with the president and treasurer to monitor the organization’s financial health and ensure proper financial controls are in place. It develops and implements Board-approved initiatives to raise funds for the organization and its committees. The committee also oversees commercial sales and underwriting for marketable products, including the newsletter, website, and television program.
Membership – The Membership Committee is responsible for recruiting new members, retaining existing members, and re-engaging former members. It also manages the logistics of the monthly general membership meetings.
The Byline – The Byline Committee oversees the professional production, distribution, and marketing of the chapter’s newsletter. It ensures that the publication serves as a developmental tool for aspiring print journalists.
Professional Development – The Professional Development Committee fosters the professional growth of AABJ members. It also nurtures journalistic talent among high school and college students through discussions, training, workshops, seminars, fellowships, and other media-related activities.
Television/IN CONTACT – The Television Committee is responsible for the professional production and broadcast of AABJ’s news and public affairs television program, IN CONTACT. It also serves as a training ground for aspiring broadcast journalists.
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Awards/Scholarships
- The Awards Committee The Awards Committee organizes and oversees the annual Pioneer Black Journalist Awards, recognizing outstanding journalistic talent within AABJ and the broader community. Responsibilities include soliciting and reviewing award entries, coordinating judging, announcing winners, and selecting the Pioneer Black Journalist of the Year and the AABJ Volunteer of the Year.
- The Scholarship Committee The Scholarship Committee promotes and supports Black journalistic talent through scholarship grants for high school and college students. The committee manages the scholarship program and awards financial assistance to students pursuing degrees in journalism and related fields.
Conventions Committee – The Conventions Committee coordinates AABJ’s participation in regional and national NABJ conventions. It ensures that members receive maximum exposure, recognition, networking opportunities, and professional development.
Student Relations – The Student Relations Committee supports AABJ student chapters at colleges and universities in Georgia. It includes an adviser who serves as a liaison between student and professional chapters, offering guidance and assisting in coordinating student activities while maintaining strong ties with the professional organization.