SPJ partners with Aquiline Coaching to offer self-care and wellness resources to members

Home > SPJ News > SPJ partners with Aquiline Coaching to offer self-care and wellness resources to members

10/30/2024

CONTACT:
Caroline Hendrie, SPJ Executive Director, chendrie@hq.spj.org
Stephanie Cassidy, Aquiline Coaching Founder, stephanie@aquilinecoaching.com
Kim Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS – The Society of Professional Journalists is partnering with Aquiline Coaching to offer self-care and wellness resources to SPJ members. Aquiline Coaching provides professional development coaching solutions for news and entertainment industry professionals, companies, and organizations.

"At a time when being a journalist has arguably never been more stressful and scrutinized, SPJ is pleased to work with Aquiline Coaching to offer SPJ members some much-needed relief,” said SPJ Executive Director Caroline Hendrie.

“Whether coping with the anxiety of industry layoffs, adapting to the rise of AI in news, navigating a toxic newsroom environment, or addressing public mistrust in media, today’s journalists face many daunting challenges that can feel overwhelming,” said Aquiline Coaching Founder Stephanie Cassidy. “Aquiline Coaching is honored to partner with the Society of Professional Journalists, the standard bearer in journalism, as it continues to provide essential, leading-edge resources to its members and empower journalists in their vital work.”

The partnership will include special pricing for all SPJ members on Aquiline’s coaching packages, a monthly “Ask a Coach” column in the SPJ member newsletter, upcoming webinars and a virtual meet up where SPJ members can come to share recent successes, challenges, and best practices with their peers. A journalists’ retreat and convention programming are also in the works.

“Recognizing the need to improve self-care and wellness in our newsrooms, SPJ agrees the time for healthier practices is now, and together we are committed to cultivating a new energy in the field,” Cassidy said. “Aquiline Coaching looks forward to engaging with SPJ members through one-on-one coaching, the newsletter column, virtual meet ups, upcoming events, and webinars. We look forward to supporting SPJ members on their personal and professional journeys.”

A report by Muck Rack released in August found that more than half of journalists in the U.S. have considered quitting their job in 2024 due to exhaustion or burnout. The report also found that less than 25% of journalists have access to mental health services at work.

“The pressure and microscope that journalists are under can feel unrelenting,” Hendrie said. “We are excited to reduce barriers for SPJ members to resources that can help them unwind, share their experiences and know that they are not alone.”

To access these member benefits from Aquiline Coaching and more, become an SPJ member today.

SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member and give to the Legal Defense Fund, First Amendment Forever Fund or SPJ Foundation.

Aquiline Coaching specializes in professional development coaching for all who work in news or entertainment. Aquiline is committed to supporting industry professionals in these fields and pursues partnerships with studios, networks, production companies, publications, and professional organizations to offer coaching as a wellness benefit for employees and members. All Aquiline Coaches are credentialed by the International Coaching Federation. To learn more please visit Aquilinecoaching.com.

-END-