Guidelines for Candidates Guidelines for Candidates Forums at the National Association of Black Journalists Regional Conferences and National Convention Candidates forums are the best opportunity NABJ members have to question candidates for national and regional offices and scrutinize their qualifications and platforms. These public discussions are most effective when they adhere to the same structure and rules regardless of the sponsor or setting.
Uniformity gives all candidates a fair chance to represent themselves and their ideas.
Therefore, the 2001 Elections Subcommittee has established guidelines for all public dialogues between NABJ members and candidates certified to run for office. These rules must be followed at chapter meetings, regional conferences, the national convention and any other event where more than one certified candidate is invited to address NABJ members. A moderator and a timer will supervise each forum. Only candidates who have been certified to run will be allowed to campaign at regional conferences and the national convention and to participate in candidates forums. Candidates may designate representatives to speak on their behalf at regional conference forums.