1/28/08 - Application deadline for $1,000 PRSSA 40th Anniversary Award (available on www.prssa.org).

1/31/08 - Application deadline for $2,400 Gary Yoshimura Scholarship (available on www.prssa.org).

2/4/08 - Registration deadline for the PRSSA 2008 National Assembly.

Monday, February 4 marks the deadline to register for the PRSSA 2008 National Assembly. Set your sights on San Diego this March 13-16 as our Society elects the 2008-09 National Committee. Check with your PRSSA Faculty Advisor for the latest Assembly mailing. Information is also available on www.prssa.org/assembly.

The University of Dayton is in the midst of a project called PRoject U, an Ohio intercollegiate competition in which members of PRSSA create a tobacco counter-marketing campaign for their campus. The objective of PRoject U is to allow students to become aware of the amount of tobacco on campus. PRoject U will include multiple events, interesting announcements and contests with prizes to increase tobacco awareness.

The campaign will begin Jan. 7 and go until April 7. The PRSSA Chapters will present their campaign in May to the Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation and Northlich, the foundation's public relations agency. The reward is a $2,000 donation to their PRSSA Chapter.

*Share your Chapter's best practices by e-mailing Allison Tomei, Vice President of Member Services. One Chapter will be recognized in each Bi-weekly e-mail for demonstrating and sharing its innovative and creative ideas with the Society.

Melissa Csuhran, National President:

Sunshine, leadership and PRSSA...could life be better? The PRSSA 2008 National Assembly will take place March 13-16 at Paradise Point Resort & Spa in beautiful San Diego.

The Assembly is a unique opportunity for Chapter leaders to shape the future of our organization. Each official delegate will attend leadership training sessions, vote on proposed bylaw changes and elect national officers.

PRSSA National Committee: Do you have what it takes? If you are a determined, hard-working and motivated PRSSA member, you should consider taking your leadership ability to the next level. If you are interested in running for a National Committee position, please review the Committee job descriptions (http://www.prssa.org/assembly/2008/positions.asp) and feel free to contact the National Committee with any questions.

San Diego is famed for having the best climate in the United States, but there is only one way to find out for sure. I hope to see you at the 2008 National Assembly!

Brenda Schulze, Vice President of Public Relations:

In expanding PRSSA's 40th Anniversary Online Media Kit, I am seeking information from Chapters who have celebrated the Society's milestone anniversary in a special way, from an anniversary party or banquet, to a community service initiative or fundraiser. Please submit activity details along with a few photos, if possible, to Brenda Schulze, vice president of public relations. As we look forward to the organization's future, your Chapter's commemorations will be forever remembered as highlights of the Society's success at 40 years.

Denise Kreft, Vice President of Internships and Job Services:

The PRSSA National Assembly is only a few months away. For those who are interested in running for the Vice President of Internships/Job Services, please contact me. Some benefits of this leadership role include: learning more about public relations, developing key business contacts and polishing your networking skills. Separately, the PRSSA JobCenter Sub-committee would like to announce two new states with listings in JobCenter. North Dakota and Rhode Island have new employment opportunities. Look for these and others on www.prssa.org/jobcenter.

Allison Tomei, Vice President of Member Services:

There is still time to apply for the most exclusive award in PRSSA history! Winning the 40th Anniversary Award is the ultimate way to celebrate 40 years of PRSSA. The recipient will receive $1,000 and recognition at the PRSSA 2008 National Assembly in San Diego.

Entries will be accepted until January 28, 2008. Visit the following link to fill out the application: http://www.prssa.org/news/news.aspx?Id=527

Kelly McFall, Vice President of Regional Activities:

Hey PRSSA members, the moment you have all been waiting for has come: the chance to attend the first Regional Activity of the year!

Valparaiso University will kick off the Regional Activity season with their fun and exciting event featuring the "First Lady of PR" Betsy Plank, APR, Fellow PRSA along with Scott Farrell of GolinHarris. "Where Will You be in 5 Years? PReparing You for the Game of Life," will take place in Chicago from Jan. 31 through Feb. 1. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend professional development sessions, including workshops on resume enhancement, interviewing skills and speed networking. In addition, there will be a young professionals panel and members will also take a trip to the Navy Pier. Don't miss this incredible chance to interact with PRSSA members and professionals!

On-site registration will be available. For more information, please visit Valparaiso's Web site at http://www.valpo.edu/student/prssa/, or e-mail their Regional Activity coordinators at prssa.valpo@yahoo.com. If you need further details on Valpo's event, or for general Regional Activity information, please contact Kelly McFall.

Ryan Matejka, Vice President of Chapter Development:

The FUNdraising Bowl is underway! Visit http://prssa.org/fundraising/ for information on how your Chapter can get involved.

Here is how the contest works:

1. Official contest dates are Jan. 1– April 30. All FUNdraising activities must be submitted (fundraisers must be completed before submission, but previous months are not excluded) during these dates in order to qualify for the contest.
2. Once your Chapter has a FUNdraiser, fill out the online “FUNdraising Contest Entry Form.” All entry forms must be submitted before midnight on the last day of the month.
3. Each Chapter may compete more than once throughout the duration of the contest.
4. Monthly winners will receive National recognition, which includes a feature on the Web site and a certificate, for that particular month. Monthly winners are determined by a random drawing.
5. Each month the winning Chapter will be featured on the Web site before the 15th of the following month. For example, if your Chapter won the contest for the month of January, your Chapter will be featured on the Web site on or before February 15. Try to send a few pictures with your entry form, if possible.
6. Once your Chapter wins the honor of being the National FUNdraising Chapter for the month, congratulations! You have made the playoffs and are in the running for the FUNdraising Bowl!

Take advantage of this great opportunity to raise awareness of your Chapter and potentially earn the Grand Prize? TWO FREE registrations for the 2008 National Conference in Detroit, MI!

Send applications (found at http://prssa.org/fundraising/) to Ryan Matejka.

Dwayne Waite, Vice President of Professional Development:

The PRSSA New and Social Media Guide is almost complete! The subcommittee has been working really hard on it, and you will not want to miss the opportunity to learn these new tools from your peers. Also, continue to check the PRSSA Blog for updates and share your comments with the Society.

Brandi Boatner, Vice President of Advocacy:

As the New Year begins, be sure to establish or maintain your Chapter's diverse membership and also familiarize members with the PRSSA Code of Ethics. Chapters should also elect an advocacy chair or advocacy subcommittee to address ethical issues on campus. Additionally, Chapters should utilize the Diversity Toolkit to continue the Society's commitment to diversity. Chapter members are a wonderful resource. Make sure to recognize the potential of the Chapter's membership.

If you have studied abroad, lived abroad or have an interest in international relations? PRSSA has an opportunity for you. The International Coalition initiative is designed to target public relations students from across the globe with the aim of promoting education and awareness of the expanding scope of public relations.

Please contact Melissa Csuhran to learn more.

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