The social side of The National Press Club in the 21st century

Originally posted to www.press.org June 7, 2011

One of the things that makes the National Press Club unique stems from its genesis more than a century ago as a place where journalists shared the company of one another. Many things have changed since those early days. Journalists, and other professionals, face constant pressure to produce. For those with families, there are added demands on time.
With people working hard, it might seem the social activities of the Club stand at risk. My sense, however, is that these challenges demand that we all think more strategically about how we spend our time. And here the NPC presents great value.

An example is the new program begun recently, called "Meet the Press Club", at the suggestion of member Suzanne Struglinski. Having migrated from professional journalist to communicator, she told us that we should provide an informal mixer that brings together members. It would also present an opportunity for participation by those unable to make the kind of investment needed to serve one of our more than two dozen committees.
So, that's what we did in the McClendon Room recently and it appeared to be a great success. There were about 50 people, most of whom didn't know one another before the event. We'll do it again July 13. If you are interested in attending, please drop a line to Sarahanne Driggs of our Membership Department at sdriggs@press. org. There's a cash bar, held during "Happy Hour."
Suzanne brought the idea forward at one of our "Dinner with the President" gatherings earlier this year. That's where NPC members have been providing me with valuable feedback about how they think things are going. It has been helpful for me to break outside our conversations among members of the Board of Governors and our many committee leaders. Thanks for all of our Membership staff, also including Havilah Ross and Melinda Cooke for bringing this together so quickly and effectively.

Another example how this can work was demonstrated this past week with a reception, discussion and meal shared at the Austrian Embassy. Our International Correspondents Committee, led by Club Treasurer Myron Belkind, organized this lovely evening hosted by Dr. Christian Prosl, the Austrian Ambassador to the U.S. Several dozen NPC members were on hand to discuss Austria, the EU, and world affairs. The event, free to members, shows once again that membership provides unique access and experiences.

The committee's next such visit is set for Kazakhstan Embassy Night from 6:30pm to 8pm June 28. These are open to all NPC members, but reservations are required, please.
Another way we're working to affirm the value of membership is through our communications efforts. Our Publications Committee, led by Mark Schoeff, has made a number of improvements to our email product known as "The Wire". With the help of our staff, most notably Ryan Howell, we're also producing a spin-off called "The Weekly Wire" available to members at the front desk of the Club. If you are interested in picking up a copy, be sure to ask one of our friendly staffers at the desk adjacent to the lobby. There are some members who don't use computers on a regular basis and are looking to be kept up-to-date about our many activities. We're grateful for that!

A particularly successful venture this year has been our NPC softball team, which has an 8-2 record after defeating teams from The Washington Post and National Journal. The team, coached by John Domen, competes in the Metropolitan Media Softball League. Thanks to John for bringing new vitality to the co-ed team! That's socializing with an added sweat component!
Also on communications, you'll also find that we're bringing back the dial-up phone line that provides information on upcoming Club events. Our Broadcast Committee will be lending the voice talent for the recording. More information on that later.

Between email, www.press.org, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, the social side of the Club has taken on technological dimensions that couldn't have been foreseen just a few years ago. The electronic aspects of communication supplement, but cannot replace, real world face-to-face interaction.
We're a Club that serves many needs among diverse individuals and personalities. It is that mix that makes us strong and keeps things interesting. Thank you so much for your continued membership and for contributing to the congenial clubhouse spirit that affirms our place as "The World's Leading Professional Organization for Journalists."