WHY IT WORTH TO BE A MEMBER OF THE FLEMISH JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION

The 

Flemish Journalists Association end of year's end-of-year general meeting at the famous Basilica of Koelkelberg. Behind the table are some of the active leaders, Eric Braeken, Ronald Libin- treasurer, Eric Of Kutsem-Co-chairman, Kristin Spiessens, etc. Photo credit: @JoelSavage

The Vlaamse Journalisten Vereniging (Flemish Journalists Association) is one of the skilled independent journalists' associations in Belgium, for ages improving the working conditions and profession of journalists serving various media in the country.

Kristin Spiessens, Eric Of Kutsem, and Walter Van Den Branden: Photo credit @JoelSavage

The active force behind the association: Raoul Maria De Puydt, Hilde Van Gool, Walter Van Den Branden, Eric Braeken, Ronny Of Kutsem, Ronald Libin, etc, and other members successfully held this year’s general meeting in the magnificent building of the Basilica of Koekelberg, in Brussels, on Saturday, December 3, 2016. 

Joel Savage and sports journalist Dominique Dongo

The Flemish Journalists Association meets twice in the middle and end of the year, but the end of the year’s activities call for the entire members since the main item on the agenda is the discussion of the new statutes and the elections, which were approved by the assembled members.

Members of the Flemish Journalists Association at the Basilica's restaurant: Photo credit @JoelSavage

Every year, new locations are suggested for the general meeting. The venue this year was the famous Basilica of Koelkelberg. The history behind the Basilica is intriguing, like its architecture and paintings. Basilica is a unique and one of the most important tourist attractions in Belgium’s history of tourism.

Joel Savage and members of VJV at the Basilica's restaurant

Some years back, it wasn't in my interest to attend the Flemish Journalists Association end of year's end-of-year general meetings, but things have changed completely as journalism in the country broadens and disciplines. 

The friendly atmosphere and the interaction of the open-minded members are some of the qualities worth make being a member of this journalism group.

BART DE WEAVER AT FLEMISH JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION END OF YEAR MEETING

The mayor of Antwerp, Bart De Wever, and the writer Joel Savage


Saturday, December 4, 2010,  the Flemish Journalists Association held its end-of-year conference at the venue NOVOTEL in Antwerp. 


Present at the conference were various journalists representing different media, including Mr. Bart De Weaver, the president of N-VA, a Flemish Party that strives for independent Flanders in a United Europe.

The conference was officially opened by Mr. Walter Van Den Branden, the current chairman of the Vlaamse Journalisten Vereniging. 

Key members of the association, including the head of the recognition commission, discussed the management and analysis of financial condition and results of operations at the conference. 

The role of journalists in this new environment and the many sacrifices journalists around the world make to do their job well were also discussed.

Members who have been within the association in the past 25 years were rewarded with gifts presented by the chairman for their hard work and dedication to keep the association growing from strength to strength. 

One of such members is the well-known cartoonist Mr. Bob Vincke.

Bart De Weaver's appearance at the meeting generated many questions from some of the members. He patiently answered every question. 

Some of the members had the opportunity to take photographs with him. The meeting finally came to an end after a buffet and drinks for the members.