Michael A. Rivlin, d. May 31, 2003

Michael Rivlin turned to journalism mid-career as a freelancer. You may have read his stories in Amicus Journal (now On Earth magazine), where he began writing in 1999. He was best known by SEJ members as a frequent contributor to the SEJ-talk discussion list, and as the organizer of SEJ's most ambitious regional conference, the two-day Boston-to-Baltimore Regional Briefing held at Rutgers University in January 2002. As then-SEJ President Dan Fagin wrote of the jam-packed event: "It reflected everything Michael believed: intellectual integrity, substance over glitz, a passion for environmental issues, and a commitment to sharing information among environmental journalists." More about Michael.

To remember Michael, the SEJ Board voted to provide free basic registration for the annual conference to two freelance SEJ members. Winners will be responsible for all other expenses associated with the meeting, such as travel and lodging, tour fees and other fees for events not included in basic registration.

Eligibility
Applicants must be SEJ members — Active, Associate, Academic or Honorary — in good standing. Applicants must also be freelance journalists: writers, editors, producers, photographers, or others who have published or broadcast at least three pieces of journalism in the preceding 12 months and are not employed on staff by a media organization, either full or part-time. Not an SEJ member? Info on joining and the benefits of membership.

Applications
The 2008 deadline has now passed. Applicants were invited to download an application form (requires free Adobe Acrobat ® reader) and send it, along with a letter describing their freelance work, interest in the annual conference and history of prior attendance, and their financial need to: SEJ Rivlin Freelance Fellowships, P.O. Box 2492, Jenkintown, PA, 19046, USA. Applicants must attach at least three clips or other proof of their freelance journalism completed in the preceding 12 months. Letters and proof of recent freelance work had to be received by SEJ by August 1, 2008.

Selection
The SEJ Board membership committee or its designees shall select two winners as well as up to four ranked runners-up. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate how attendance at the annual conference will improve the quality and marketability of their freelance journalism. In addition, preference for one of the two scholarships will be given to applicants who have not yet attended an SEJ annual conference; preference for the second award will be given to members who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to SEJ. Winners will be announced by August 15, 2008. Please note: applicants who are not selected may register for the conference at the early discount rate if their fellowship materials are received by August 1.

The Society of Environmental Journalists
P.O. Box 2492 Jenkintown, PA 19046
Telephone: (215) 884-8174 Fax: (215) 884-8175
sej@sej.org

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