Why I Love My Little Chapter
Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter members reap many benefits everyday: enhancing their education, launching their career and broadening their network. Though every member receives the same PRSSA National benefits, each Chapter offers individual members personal experiences. As a senior leader in my Chapter, I have witnessed firsthand how small Chapters can make a big impact. Here are four reasons why I love my little Chapter:
You have more leadership opportunities.
In smaller Chapters, members are more likely to earn a leadership role because there are fewer upperclassmen to compete with. Not only does this build Chapter morale, but it also encourages and prepares underclassmen to someday take on executive board positions, as well as other roles. This way, as your upperclassmen and Chapter leaders graduate, there will always be someone to jump into the empty role as needed.
Networking, connections and relationships mean more.
With smaller programs, you receive one-on-one attention. You receive a Faculty Adviser that you develop a relationship with. You quickly become confident in the PRSSA environment because you know that there is someone there to answer your questions, lend a helping hand or offer support. The sooner you become confident and comfortable, the easier it will be to make stronger connections and leave lasting impressions.
Giving back is personally rewarding.
Most small Chapters reside in little towns. This means that more students have the opportunity to connect with service leaders in a personal way. These students develop a passion for these small organizations through their Chapter service projects and Student-run Firm work. These connections often lead to internship and employment opportunities.
You develop a public relations family.
I am sure that almost every Chapter feels as if it is a family, but this is significantly true with smaller Chapters. I love being able to attend general body and firm meetings knowing everyone’s name, majors, minors and personal things about them. I love that in small Chapters you have to know everyone and have strong communication in order to make things work. You trust your members when you know all of them, making events, tactics and projects even more successful.
Just because your Chapter doesn’t have hundreds of members doesn’t mean that you can’t make a difference. I have witnessed firsthand the impact of a small Chapter, and I wouldn’t trade my members for the world.
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Natalie Gloady is a senior public relations and sports information major at Waynesburg University. She serves as the public relations director for the Waynesburg University PRSSA Chapter, as well as an account executive for the Nationally Affiliated Student-run Firm Red Brick Communications. Follow her on Twitter, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
