National Association of Hispanic Journalists Reduces Costs of Convention

With a recession underway, some organizations have taken it upon themselves to assist the unemployed by reducing prices for upcoming events.

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists prides itself on recognizing the professional advancement of Hispanics in the field of journalism. With approximately 2,300 members, professionals and students alike have felt the effects of a declining economy.

This organization hosts a media and career expo annually. This year, the event is taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It will provide training workshops for members in a variety of journalistic sectors, with a focus on multimedia. However, a decline in attendees has forced NAHJ to reduce prices for newly unemployed journalists.

Early bird registration has been extended two times, and hotel rates have dropped from $199 to $150 per night. The organization has also helped potential attendees find roommates to further split the hotel expenses. NAHJ is even going as far as providing some newly laid off journalists complimentary registration and air travel to the expo.

CSULB's very own NAHJ chapter has begun to finalize the university's certification process. However, the possibility of raising money to attend this convention has proven to be quite the feat.

"I am not attending the convention because of cost, but also because I am planning to go to summer school and work in Long Beach," said CSULB NAHJ Chapter President, Jocelyn Gomez. "Maybe if I save up now, I can attend the convention next year."

The chapter's faculty advisor, Danny Paskin, expressed similar sentiments.

"At this point in the economy of the country and our own economy here at CSULB, going to Puerto Rico, paying for the conference, hotel and all other expenses has become quite prohibitive," said Paskin.

The NAHJ CSULB chapter has expressed interest in gaining more members in the upcoming months and working towards their goal of attending future media expos.

"I don't plan on attending the convention in Puerto Rico, although I think it would be a great experience," said Nori Kato, a CSULB NAHJ member. "It would be great if the club were able to fundraise somehow so we could go as a group, but since NAHJ is really new on campus, we don't have the resources. I'm really hopeful for next year though! By that time we'll be a little more on our feet and we'll have a lot more time to prepare."

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