Fellow IRE Members —



IRE is strongest when members feel welcome, supported and empowered to participate. That doesn't mean we'll always agree. In a community of investigative journalists, challenging ideas, asking tough questions and having difficult conversations are part of who we are. But how we treat one another matters, too.

Last month, I shared that IRE's Board of Directors had unanimously approved a revised Code of Conduct. This month, I want to take a closer look at what those changes mean for you and why they're important as we continue working to better serve our members.

Here are some of the most significant updates:

• Broader Protections: The code now applies to all IRE activities and participants, not just conferences and events. That includes members, guests, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, board and committee members, and staff.
• Clearer Expectations: The revised code more specifically defines unacceptable conduct, including harassment and knowingly false complaints. Importantly, it distinguishes between inappropriate behavior and differing viewpoints. Disagreement and respectful debate remain essential to our community.
• More Accessible Reporting: Anyone who experiences or witnesses potential misconduct can file a complaint, including anonymously. An updated complaint form makes that process easier to navigate.
• Clearer Accountability: The code establishes more defined procedures for acknowledging and reviewing complaints, communicating outcomes and determining who has authority to make decisions. It also outlines an appeals process and strengthens protections against conflicts of interest.
• Stronger Safeguards: IRE representatives have clearer authority to address immediate safety concerns during events, while updated confidentiality, recordkeeping and annual review provisions help ensure complaints are handled responsibly.

These revisions didn't happen overnight. A five-member volunteer task force, which I was honored to chair, spent months reviewing our previous code, gathering input and examining policies from other journalism organizations. The Governance Committee recommended the changes, which underwent legal review before receiving unanimous board approval.

The goal wasn't simply to add more rules. It was to make our expectations clearer, our processes more consistent and our organization more accountable to the people it serves. A strong Code of Conduct should give members confidence that they can participate fully, express different perspectives and raise concerns without fear that those concerns will be ignored or handled unfairly. It also should provide due process for anyone accused of violating the code.

The revised Code of Conduct is now in effect. I encourage you to read it, along with our quick reference guide, and familiarize yourself with the reporting process. Ultimately, this work is about strengthening the trust that makes IRE a community – one where journalists can learn from one another, challenge one another and know they belong.

NICAR27 is headed to Denver

Our next major conference is NICAR27, March 11-14, 2027, in downtown Denver. Whether you're new to data journalism or looking to sharpen your coding and AI skills, NICAR will offer hands-on training, sessions for different beats and experience levels, and opportunities to connect with journalists from around the world.

Early-bird registration starts at $350 for professional, academic, associate and retired members; $199 for early-career professionals; and $125 for students. Remember, your IRE membership must be current through April 1, 2027, to attend. If your membership has expired, please renew before registering.

Fellowship applications are also open, offering complimentary registration, up to $500 in travel support, four hotel nights and a one-year IRE membership or renewal. The deadline to apply for a NICAR27 fellowship is Jan. 4, 2027. Please consider applying or sharing this opportunity with someone who could benefit.

If you're planning to attend, you can also book a room at the Sheraton Denver Downtown for IRE's discounted rate of $249 per night. The deadline is Feb. 15, or earlier if the room block fills.

I hope to see many of you in Denver!

IRE Awards opening soon

The IRE Awards will open for entries next month, recognizing outstanding investigative journalism across print, broadcast and online media.

Beyond honoring exceptional reporting, the contest helps journalists learn from one another. After judging, entries become part of IRE's Resource Center story library, where members can explore the techniques, resources and challenges behind the work.

The contest will close in late January, and we'll have more details to share soon, including some exciting updates. Keep an eye on ire.org for more information.

Join our monthly office hour

One of our priorities is keeping the lines of communication open between IRE leadership and members. Our monthly virtual office hours are an opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and talk about the issues that matter most to you.

Please join Executive Director Jonathan Kealing, Deputy Director Lauren Grandestaff and me for our next conversation. Whether you want to discuss the revised Code of Conduct, upcoming conferences and contests, IRE's direction or anything else, we'd love to hear from you.

Join our next virtual office hour Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m. ET. Register here.

As always, if you have questions or want to share your thoughts about where IRE is headed, please reach out to me at president@ire.org.

Thank you for being part of IRE – and for the work you do to strengthen this community and investigative journalism.