The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation calls application for the Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award to honor a person or persons who have fought to protect and preserve one or more of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.

Prizes

Annually at the Society of Professional Journalists National Convention, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation will honor an individual, group of individuals, or organization with a $10,000 cash award and an engraved crystal. The honoree also will receive transportation (airfare and two-night hotel stay) to the national convention. However, additional travel costs are the responsibility of the award recipient.

Eligibility

Nominations are open to any person, persons, or organization in the U.S. or its territories who have worked to protect the basic rights provided by the First Amendment. However, honorees do not have to be journalists. In fact, the Foundation encourages recognition of those outside the journalism profession for their First Amendment efforts and initiatives, such as, but not limited to, public officials, members of the legal profession, scholars, educators, librarians, students, and ordinary citizens. Furthermore, work must have been completed within the 2019 calendar year.

Application Materials 

Anyone inside or outside of the journalism profession can make the nomination. The application must contain the following documents

• Completed entry form
• Three signed letters of nomination or one letter endorsed by three individuals or organizations.
• The nomination letter should detail the specific efforts taken on behalf of the protection of First Amendment rights; obstacles and difficulties encountered, and impact made as a result of those efforts how they have contributed to the protection of the First Amendment.
• Supporting materials may consist of published or broadcast materials, documentation of service or lifetime achievement, or any appropriate materials.

Entries become the property of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation. They may be republished for general distribution or used to publicize the award. There is NO entry fee for Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award 2020.