Non-profits don’t seem to be weathering the recession very well, in particular journalism non-profits, since we have the added issue of newspapers hemorrhaging jobs. One thing that stunned my friends in particular was that AAJAhad to pony up $30,000 just to reconcile an unfulfilled contract at the Boston convention’s overflow hotel. The other big issue that began making the rounds before I even saw the official proposal sent to AAJA’s chapter presidents was the issue of the convention’s student projects, like Voices. Basically, the issue is AAJA is in the red and some members are thinking that changing the projects to a sort of all expense-paid convention trip/mentorship program to cut down on costs.

I am unabashedly an AAJA cheerleader, especially when it comes to the convention projects. I served on two and got one of my closest friends to apply for another. I’ve also kept in touch with a lot of my Voices pals — who knew just one week could give you an 8-year friendship? So I sent this letter to the discussion thread.
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