Chapter Development Sessions

Chapters can gain national recognition by sharing their best practices in a 2007 Chapter Development Session at the National Conference in Philadelphia. This is a great way to develop members’ leadership skills and show off what your Chapter does best. The deadline to apply to present a Chapter Development Session is May 25. Interested Chapters can download an application on the PRSSA National Web site. For more information, contact Vice President of Chapter Development Jessica Randazza.

National Conference Update

The PRSSA 2007 National Conference Committee invites you to join them in “Ringing in 40 Years of Success” at this year's National Conference. From Oct. 19-23, PRSSA will return to its birthplace, the historic city of Philadelphia, Penn., to celebrate its past and prepare for its future.

Chapters, start your fund-raising now! The registration deadline, Sept. 24, will be coming up soon, and every member should take part in celebrating this outstanding anniversary. Member registration is $275, affiliate registration is $285 and $310 for non-members. Registration forms and updates about the National Conference are available at http://www.prssa.org/conference/2007. In addition, the 2007 National Conference promotional newsletter can be found at http://www.prssa.org/conference/2007/overview/2007confpromo.pdf.

PRSSA’s biggest scholarship deadline is quickly approaching. Make sure to check out all of these amazing scholarship opportunities on the PRSSA Web site:

• Codispoti Technology Grant
• National Gold Key Award
• Betsy Plank/PRSSA Scholarships
• National President's Citation
• Lawrence G. Foster Award
• Hall of Fame Award
• Professor Sidney Gross Memorial Award
• Stephen D. Pisinski Memorial Scholarship

Affiliates are being offered the discounted rate of $285 to attend the 2007 National Conference in Philadelphia! Make sure to take advantage of this new affiliate benefit, and join PRSSA in “Ringing in 40 Years of Success,” Oct. 19-23.

• April 27–29 - Regional Activity in Northridge, California, sponsored by California State University, Northridge
  Topic: Behind the Lens: A Look Into Your Industry

• April 27 - Missouri State University is holding its first annual MSU PRSSA Day Conference! A "celebration of the public relations discipline," PRSSA Day will feature resume/portfolio reviews by professionals, a social-networking lunch, professional panels and a writing/case study competition. All activities will follow the theme, “Expanding the Mind, Strengthening the Profession.” Contact Jacob Day at prssa@missouristate.edu for more information.

• June 1 - Scholarship Deadlines:
  • Codispoti Technology Grant
  • National Gold Key Award
  • Betsy Plank/PRSSA Scholarships
  • National President's Citation
  • Lawrence G. Foster Award
  • Hall of Fame Award
  • Professor Sidney Gross Memorial Award
  • Stephen D. Pisinski Memorial Scholarship

• June 1 - Deadline for Teahan National Chapter Awards submissions

• Oct. 19-23 - PRSSA 2007 National Conference in Philadelphia

The University of Texas at San Antonio participates in a Registered Student Organization Involvement Fair during the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters to help recruit members. The Chapter also maintains a recruitment table in high traffic areas around campus once a week through the semester. Before the semester begins the Chapter president e-mails professors to set a specific schedule to give brief presentations to their classes. These presentations include showing the PRSSA Recruitment DVD and then discussing specific Chapter activities. In addition, the Chapter provides applications, brochures, the Benefits of Membership flier and its meeting schedule for the entire semester.

*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 Bi-weekly e-mail for demonstrating and sharing its innovative and creative ideas with the Society.

Kevin Saghy, President

The PRSSA National Assembly voted on and passed two bylaw amendments in Nashville - one to increase dues and the other to eliminate proxy voting.

The dues increase was the first for the Society in nine years. The increased funds allow PRSSA to maintain current member benefits and while developing new opportunities.

The assembly also voted to prohibit proxy voting at National Assembly, an issue that had not been addressed in PRSSA Bylaws.

For details on these bylaw amendments, please see the news release on our Web site.

Bryan Blaise, Vice President of Regional Activities

Well, it's here -- your last chance this school year to experience a PRSSA Regional Activity! And like the Oscars, we're ending the year with red-carpet style in Hollywood. For those of you who haven't been--and for those of you that have--come see what PR's like "Behind the Lens"!

The California State University Northridge PRSSA Chapter will be hosting, "Behind the Lens: A Look into Your Industry" Regional Activity, April 27-29, at the gorgeous Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood located adjacent to the renowned Hollywood and Highland complex - home of the Kodak Theater and Oscar Awards. The Regional Activity will include a panel of public relations professionals in the fields of entertainment, sports and fashion. Another highlight of the activity is an intensive press kit workshop.

Registration will include a three-day, two-night hotel stay at the exquisite Renaissance Hotel, which is connected to the Hollywood and Highland Complex/Mall. This event gives students the complete experience of a day in the life of an entertainment PR professional. For additional information, visit the Regional Activities page on the PRSSA Web site.

Kimberly Gouz, Vice President of Member Services

The PRSSA International Taskforce is looking for committed public relations students to participate in research with the aim of expanding the Society’s international scope and educating members about international public relations.

Interested members or affiliates should contact Vice President of Member Services Kimberly Gouz.

Lisa Travnik, Vice President of Advocacy

As everyone starts looking for summer internships and post-graduate jobs, it’s important to stay on top of the latest news, especially regarding ethics and diversity. Check out the latest post on the PRSSA blog, and be sure to contact Lisa Travnik, with any advocacy issues of interest.

In addition, if you would like to be in front of continuing PRSSA efforts in diversity and advocacy next year, e-mail the vice president of advocacy to sign up for the advocacy subcommittee.

Jay DeVoy, FORUM Editor-in-Chief

The Spring 2007 edition of FORUM has been completed and will be mailed to Chapters in late April. Please look for the final issue of this publication, and remind your Faculty Advisors or other contacts to distribute them upon receipt.

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