PRSSA News Highlight

The 2006 Commission on Public Relations Education launched its Web site on Nov. 30. Included is the Commission's most recent report, which reflects recent changes in society, public relations and subjects such as ethics, diversity and the global implications of public relations education and practice.

PRSSA Scholarship Spotlight: Gary Yoshimura Scholarship

The Gary Yoshimura Scholarship is open to all PRSSA members who demonstrate a financial need for the pursuit of higher education in the public relations field. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. This scholarship has been developed in memory of Gary Yoshimura, a dedicated leader in public relations. There will be one annual award of $2,400 given to the winner of this scholarship. Applicants will be notified in early April.

National Conference Update

Experience all that the City of Brotherly Love has to offer as you learn from the nation's top public relations professionals! Help PRSSA celebrate its 40th anniversary by attending the PRSSA 2007 National Conference in Philadelphia, Oct. 19-23. Mark your calendars now, and we hope to see you there!

Important Dates for Your Calendar

Jan. 26 - Gary Yoshimura Scholarship applications are due

Feb. 9 - Deadline to register as a Delegate or Non-Delegate for the PRSSA 2007 National Assembly. Candidate Nomination Forms and FORUM Intent-to-Bid Forms are due as well.

Feb. 10 - Regional Activity in Tampa, Fla., sponsored by University of South Florida
Topic: Find Your Fit: Exploring Different Careers in Public Relations

Feb. 17 - Regional Activity in Twin Cities, Minn., sponsored by University of Minnesota
Topic: A Taste of PR

Click here for a complete list of this year's Regional Activities.

Best Practice Showcase: Missouri State University

Missouri State University's PRSSA Chapter recently conducted research to address and solve problems related to Chapter expansion. The research was conducted by Chapter Vice President Jacob Day in his thesis, Growing Missouri State University's Public Relations Student Society of America: Obtaining, Maintaining, and Empowering Members. The report details several methods for encouraging organizational development. Several such methods include chapter marketing, establishing a mentoring program to encourage involvement of younger PR students, involving members in the university's mission of public affairs through volunteering, and appointing a membership committee to assist the executive officer board.

Contact Jacob Day for more information about his thesis and findings.

*Share your Chapter's best practices by posting on the Best Practices Forum or by e-mailing Vice President of Member Services Kimberly Gouz. One Chapter will be recognized in each Biweekly e-mail for demonstrating and sharing its innovative and creative ideas with the Society.

National Committee Updates

Bryan Blaise, Vice President of Regional Activities

Leave the snow (and school) behind to "Find Your Fit" in Florida!

The University of South Florida is pleased to host its first Regional Activity, "Find Your Fit: Exploring Different Careers in Public Relations," on Feb. 10, 2007. It's a single jam-packed day that will include guest speakers, focus groups and a keynote speaker.

This Regional Activity presents to students and members the possible career paths and industries that are often overlooked in the classroom. As we all know, public relations plays a key role in the success of any company or organization, from entertainment to healthcare. USF's PRSSA chapter hopes to provide attendees with some useful information on the many options available for careers and continued education.

USF is located in Tampa, Florida, a booming commercial and residential metropolis with abundant opportunities for mass communications students. It is home to numerous, renowned public relations agencies, including Hill & Knowlton, Roberts Communications and The HLA Group. As your host, PRSSA invites you to visit USF and Tampa for a truly valuable professional experience. It's a big world out there and we're here to help you "find your fit!"

Visit USF Regional Activity Web site: http://www.ctr.usf.edu/prssa/regionalactivity.html

Registration Form (deadline Jan. 29): http://ctr.usf.edu/prssa/registrationformpdf.pdf

Kevin Saghy, President

Attention PRSSA leaders: There is still plenty of time to prepare for PRSSA National Committee elections at National Assembly in Nashville, however nomination forms are due February 9. Take a look at the following steps if you are interested in a National Committee position.

  1. Learn about PRSSA and each National Committee position by reading the Situation Analysis and viewing the national Web site.
  2. Speak with current National Committee members about their positions to determine the best fit for you.
  3. Develop a platform of ideas for your term.
  4. Complete and submit a candidate nomination form, found at www.prssa.org/assembly/2007, by Friday, February 9, 2007.
  5. Run for election before your peers at PRSSA National Assembly.

On behalf of the National Committee, we hope to hear from you soon!

Kimberly Gouz, Vice President of Member Services

Members preparing to head to the National Assembly in Nashville, Tenn. can take advantage of a longtime Assembly tradition - the Day-of-Competition. This hands-on public relations competition challenges teams of four or five Assembly attendees to develop a communications plan for a real-world public relations client.

Team members may bring supplies to assist in presenting before a panel of judges. Members of the winning team will be recognized at the welcome reception and will each receive a plaque and $50. This year's client and sponsor is Allstate Insurance Company.

Jay DeVoy, FORUM Editor-in-Chief

The Winter 2007 Edition of FORUM has been mailed to Chapters; be on the lookout for it in the coming days. If you're interested in writing for or otherwise being involved with FORUM for the Spring 2007 issue, contact Editor-in-Chief James DeVoy.

Also, the bidding process for the 2007 FORUM staff is now open! Contact James DeVoy if you have any interest in running this publication or would like information about the proposal process.

Jessica Randazza, Vice President of Chapter Development

It's time to get the year kicked off by participating in the third annual National FUNdraising Bowl. Please submit your Chapter's best fundraising practices from January through April for your chance to win two free registrations to National Conference in Philadelphia! For more information visit www.prssa.org/fundraising or contact Jessica Randazza.

For more information regarding PRSSA updates, contact:
Kimberly Gouz
Vice President of Member Services
- kimgouz@gmail.com

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The Public Relations Student Society of America
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