The Society of Professional Journalists is sponsoring its annual award recognizing a champion of First Amendment rights. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash award as well as recognition at the group’s annual meeting. The deadline for submitted applications is JUNE 22.  A memo from SPJ soliciting applications follows:

The importance of the First Amendment is priceless, but at SPJ, we make it worth something extra. Since 2002, the Society of Professional Journalists has awarded $10,000 to a person, group or organization that works to preserve one or more of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. If you, a person or an organization you know fiercely protects these rights, submit a nomination for the 2014 Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award byJune 22. The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation (SPJ’s supporting foundation) dedicates this honor to anyone who upholds this pillar of democracy, not just journalists. Visit SPJ’s website to learn more, see a list of past honorees and submit the nomination materials. Awards Coordinator Chad Hosier, awards@spj.org, can answer any questions you may have. Let us honor those who protect our fundamental rights. Submit a Pulliam First Amendment Award nomination today.