National Conference of Editorial Writers Foundation and the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute at Vanderbilt University present the

2013 SEMINAR: TBA APPLY for next seminar DEADLINE: March 1, 2013

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Association of Opinion Journalists is a nonprofit professional organization that exists to improve the quality of editorial pages and broadcast editorials, and to promote high standards among opinion writers and editors. MORE

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Day 1

Reception and dinner with an address from a nationally recognized speaker

Day 2

Print and broadcast members of the Association of Opinion Journalists talk about the nuts and bolts of opinion writing as well as the institutional voice of a newspaper/station, what editorial writers do and why, and how editorial positions are formed.

Hands-on workshop offers a simulated editorial board meeting and actually writing an editorial. Participants meet in small groups with an outstanding staff of AOJ veterans as group leaders.

Day 3

Critiques of editorials by experienced opinion writers

Getting Your Words’ Worth, an interactive presentation by Rick Horowitz, a writing coach and syndicated columnist

Editorial board meeting/
writing session

Panel discussion on timely topic by minority opinion writers

Dinner with keynote address by a nationally recognized speaker

Day 4

Critique and evaluation session


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Nationally known speakers, veteran faculty set for April 12 seminar

Nationally known speakers and veteran opinion writers will share their experience and knowledge with experienced minority journalists at the 17th annual Minority Writers Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee, April 12-15.

Sponsored by the National Conference of Editorial Writers Foundation in partnership with the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute at Vanderbilt University, the seminar will give 12 participants an opportunity to learn about opinion writing in a nuts-and bolts intensive training session.

Speakers scheduled include:

• John Seigenthaler, award-winning journalist, chair emeritus of The Tennessean, and founding editorial director of USA Today whose presentations are described by previous participants as “inspiring” and “awesome.”

• Dr. Sybril Bennett, a two-time Emmy-winning multimedia journalist who is in demand nationally for her expertise in the digital age. In addition to a rigorous schedule of speaking engagements and conducting seminars, she is associate professor of journalism at Belmont University in Nashville, teaching Mass Media & Society, the Journalism Practicum and courses related to social media, innovation and diversity.

• Rick Horowitz, founder and “Wordsmith in Chief” of Prime Prose, LLC, offering writing, editing, coaching and training services to journalists and other professionals. A weekly commentator for Milwaukee Public TV and former syndicated columnist, he has been a member of the Seminar faculty and/or speaker since 2000.

• Gene Policinski, vice president/executive director, First Amendment Center, who will discuss the power and importance of the First Amendment.

Veteran members of NCEW (now Association of Opinion Journalists) will serve as faculty for two intensive small-group sessions on opinion writing. Each session will include engaging in a simulated editorial board meeting, writing an opinion essay on a selected subject, and a thorough critique of each participant’s submission by the leader. These sessions often rate as the most valuable part of the seminar in surveys each year.

Comprising the faculty under the direction of Tommy Denton, retired editorial page editor, and past president of NCEW/AOJ and the Foundation, are:

• Linda Campbell, editorial writer/columnist, Fort Worth Star-Telegram in Texas, and former NCEW /AOJ board member.

• Vanessa Gallman, editorial page editor, Lexington Herald-Leader in Kentucky, former Seminar director, and past president of NCEW/AOJ and the Foundation.

Ricardo Pimentel, metro columnist for San Antonio Express-News and former columnist and editorial page editor at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He is past president of National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Chuck Stokes, editorial/public affairs director for WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 in Detroit, and past president of NCEW/ AOJ and the NCEW Foundation.

Click here to apply.