Achieving the Recognition Your Chapter Deserves
Your Chapter hosts events, engages with the community and communicates with members on multiple platforms. Isn’t it time you got some recognition for all the hard work?
Through a combination of news announcements and awards, your Chapter has numerous opportunities to obtain the recognition it deserves—whether you have 15 members or 150. Here are the key ways PRSSA Chapters can earn recognition:
Chapter News
If your Chapter has something to be proud of, share it with your PRSSA family. Newsworthy announcements include, but are not limited to: Chapter volunteer work, successful events and student-run firm achievements. Submit your news to chapternews@prsa.org in press release or video release format. It’s that easy!
Monthly Pacesetter Chapter Recognition
In just 300 words, your Chapter can apply for a monthly Pacesetter Chapter Recognition award. To qualify, your Chapter must show how it “sets the pace” for other Chapters by meeting at least one of five requirements during the month the application is submitted. Applications are accepted from September–April.
Annual Chapter awards
PRSSA offers annual Chapter awards in 15 categories. The Star Chapter Award recognizes any Chapter that has met at least eight out of 10 requirements; the Dr. F.H. Teahan Chapter Awards recognize Chapters for excelling in 12 categories; and the Student-run Firm Awards recognize Nationally Affiliated firms. Winning Chapters receive recognition during National Conference and on the PRSSA website.
For tips on applying for Chapter awards, read this Progressions post written by an award-winning Chapter.
Coverage in Student News
If your Chapter has sponsored a major event, won an award or contributed to your campus community, consider sending a press release or pitching a story to student and/or university news outlets. Universities are always looking for stories, especially ones that draw attention to student successes. As an added bonus, securing coverage in the local news meets a Star Chapter Award requirement.
The benefits of achieving Chapter recognition extend beyond feeling a sense of pride. If your Chapter is featured in the news, you can mention the coverage during interviews. If your press release or story idea leads to coverage, you can include the clips in your portfolio. If your Chapter wins an award, you can list it on your resume or LinkedIn.
Don’t let your Chapter’s success go unnoticed. Submit news or apply for awards today.
This is a guest post written by PRSSA 2013-2014 Vice President of Member Services Heather Harder. Follow her on Twitter @HeathHarder.
