National Initiatives Everywhere You Look!
Going to a Regional Activity this spring is your chance to learn more about public relations, get career preparation advice, and network with professionals and peers — all in your area. But in addition to all this, you’ll have a chance to give back to the community and improve the profession through certain PRSSA National initiatives that are incorporated into each Regional Activity.
These National initiatives are a special focus of the National Committee, priorities for the Society’s advocacy efforts, and include promoting ethics, embracing diversity, educating high school students about public relations as a career path and seeking ways to serve the community. You can read about all National initiatives in the Situation Analysis.
Regional Activities have a history of including diversity in their programming, but this year every Regional Activity will include more National initiatives. Below are descriptions of how you can get involved at a Regional Activity this spring.
Region 1
“So You Want To Be a PR Professional,” hosted by California State University, Fullerton (Feb. 25–26)
At this event, the CSU Fullerton Chapter will award a $250 scholarship to a high school senior interested in the communications field.
“The 2011 Mountain West Regional Public Relations Conference,” hosted by Utah State University (March 23–25)
This event will have diversity in public relations as its theme.
Region 2
“The Power of Making PR Connections,” hosted by University of Nebraska at Omaha (April 8–10)
The UNO Chapter will host a jeans drive, “Jeans for Teens,” for Youth Emergency Services of Omaha.
Region 4
“Transforming Traditional Into Digital: The New Ways of PR,” hosted by DePaul University (Feb. 10–11)
Students volunteer with non-profit organizations such as The American Red Cross and Common Threads.
“Get Social: A Blueprint for Social Media Strategy,” hosted by Indiana University (April 8–9)
PRSSA members will engage future leaders through high school outreach by inviting high school students to the event and holding a special high school breakout session.
Region 5
“Find Your Fit: Applying Your Strengths to the PR World,” hosted by Lee University (Feb. 11)
Attendees will work with Simone’s Kids, a non-profit organization started by a Lee University student.
Region 6
“PR Capital: Gateway to a Career as a Young Professional,” hosted by Ohio State University (April 16)
At this event there will be an auction, and the proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Columbus, which provides a safe place for children to learn and grow.
Region 7
“A PR Life Is the Life for Me: A Guide to Becoming Successful in the Professional World,” hosted by East Carolina University (Feb. 25–26)
A High School Media Workshop will teach high school students from North Carolina how to become involved in media outlets at their school.
Region 8
“PR Where U R,” hosted by Georgia Southern University (March 4–5)
The event incorporates diversity by including non PRSSA members and high school students, and by involving domestic and international guest speakers.
Region 9
“PR Advanced: Be the Change,” hosted by Boston University (Feb. 26)
Attendees will have the opportunity to create out-of-the-box campaigns for diverse clients through a case study competition.
Region 10
“The Reality of PR: A Survivor’s Guide to the Public Relations World,” hosted by Pennsylvania State University (March 25–26)
The Penn State Chapter will incorporate community service by working with Operation Shoebox, as well as diversity, high school outreach and networking through other events.
Which National initiatives have you incorporated into your Chapter? How?
This is a guest post from Vice President of Regional Activities Rachel Sprung.
