Help SPJVA celebrate George Mason’s 290th birthday

We need your RSVP!

Join the Society of Professional Journalists Virginia Pro Chapter in celebrating George Mason’s 290th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Born in what is today Fairfax County on Dec. 11, 1725, Mason helped frame the Virginia Constitution and in 1776 wrote its Declaration of Rights, the forerunner of the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights.

Mason recognized the importance of a press unrestricted by the government, including in the Declaration of Rights “[t]hat the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.”

SPJVA will honor Mason with an event at the George Mason Memorial in Washington, D.C. at 11 a.m. on Dec. 12  followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant.

We’ve invited other SPJ Chapters from the region to join us from around Virginia, D.C. and Maryland – students and professionals alike. This celebration isn’t just for journalists though, it’s for anyone who values the freedom of the press and Mason’s contribution to history. We’re looking forward not only to a great time honoring Mason, but a great time getting to know each other.

SPJVA will coordinate carpooling in the D.C. area for anyone who wants to attend. More information will be announced at a later date.

In order to finalize some details, we need your help. If you’re interested in attending, please fill out the form below. Even if you’re still considering or can’t attend, we’d still love to have an RSVP from you for planning purposes.

Please send any questions to chapter president Robyn Sidersky (rsidersky@freelancestar.com) or programming chair Jordan Fifer (jordanfifer@gmail.com).

We can’t wait to see you!