At the 1969 San Diego convention, Sigma Delta Chi decided to begin admitting women into the society.

[8] It has also drawn up a Code of Ethics that aims to inspire journalists to adhere to high standards of behavior and decision-making while performing their work.

[10] SPJ has had as many as 300 chapters across the United States, which Sarah Scire wonders how well this system is well-suited for the digital age.

[10][11] The society's chapters bring educational programming to local areas and offer regular contact with other media professionals.

SPJ initiatives include a Legal Defense Fund that wages court battles to secure First Amendment rights; the Project Sunshine campaign, to improve the ability of journalists and the public to obtain access to government records; the magazine Quill; and the annual Sigma Delta Chi Awards, which honor excellence in journalism.