Prep Yourself and Your Chapter for a New Year in 2013
Welcome to 2013! As we start a new semester here are some tips to kick off a successful 2013 for your leaders, members and Chapters:
Plan to attend National Assembly
Every Chapter should send one delegate to the PRSSA 2013 National Assembly to vote on bylaw changes and elect the 2013-2014 National Committee. This person’s hotel and registration costs are paid for by PRSSA. Additional members of your Chapter can attend Assembly – and participate in the networking and leadership training opportunities – but must cover their own hotel and registration fees. This year’s Assembly is April 4–7 in Albuquerque, N.M. Learn more about Assembly or running for the National Committee. Stay tuned for more info on National Assembly!
Attract new members
Do not forget about untapped audiences in your own major. Get to know as many communication students as possible. Know and share the perks of PRSSA, including: scholarships, hands-on experience, the PRSSA Internship Center, networking, learning from and traveling to national events and much more. Customize your pitch to focus on two or three benefits the specific audience is likely most interested in.
Take advantage of tools for leaders
Where do you start? There is no wrong answer, but we have resources available for almost all situations. Looking to add a few dollars to the Chapter bank account? Check out the FUNdraising Bowl for tried-and-true answers. Want to spice up meetings? Visit the meetings planning page on the PRSSA website or this list of ideas from former National Committee member Ryan McShane. Need a speaker for an upcoming meeting? Tap into the Champions for PRSSA directory to find local professionals. Keep your inspired members productive by creating subcommittees for applying for Chapter awards or encourage them to apply for individual scholarships.
Keep Things Fun
Successful Chapters should aim to help members grow both professionally and personally. Create a pleasant environment for members by avoiding cliques and generating group cohesion. Be open, smile and be flexible.
Speak up
Be active in PRSSA on the local and national level. Share insights, offer opinions and volunteer for activities and responsibilities. If you serve on your Chapter’s executive board, offer opportunities for your members to participate and get involved. Contribute to the PRSSA dialogue on the national level by participating in our #PRSSA Twitter chats and posting comments on Progressions and FORUM.
This is a guest post co-written by Lauren Gray, current National President and Brian Price, current vice president of Chapter development. Follow Lauren at @laurenkgray and Brian at @BrianDPrice.
