The Society of Environmental Journalists is the only North-American membership association of professional journalists dedicated to more and better coverage of environment-related issues. SEJ’s mission is to strengthen the quality, reach and viability of journalism across all media to advance  public understanding of environmental issues.  

Tim Wheeler, board member and former president, addresses attendees at SEJ' s 18th Annual Conference in Roanoke, Va., Oct. 15, 2008.

SEJ is an independent, nonpartisan grassroots educational group dedicated to the highest standards of public service journalism. By long-standing board policy, SEJ does not accept gifts or grants from non-media corporations, government agencies or environmental advocacy groups. SEJ’s 2008 operating budget of $1,012,213 (audited figure) was underwritten by foundations, universities, earned income, media company contributions and individual gifts.

The organization was founded in 1990 by award-winning print and broadcast journalists on staff with The Philadelphia Inquirer, USA Today, National Geographic, Turner Broadcasting/CNN, Scripps Howard News Service, Minnesota Public Radio and others. SEJ’s membership now includes more than 1,500 highly qualified journalists, editors, educators and students working in print, broadcast and online news media throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and 27 other countries. Members and others who use SEJ services report environmental news and information to millions of readers, listeners and viewers worldwide, on a daily basis.

SEJ staffers (front from left) Beth Parke, Carol Nolen, Chris Rigel, Cindy MacDonald, and (center second row) Joe Davis and member attendees at the 14th Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Photo by Ken Friedman.