Hoosier PRSA Blog

Nice Overview of Changes to PRSA Bylaws

I'm sure more details will be shared from PRSA in the future, but for anyone interested in an overview of some of the changes, this blog post on PRSAY by Mike Cherenson does a better job than I could do.

If I see a more detailed report, I'll post it to our blog as well. Now, the PRSA staff, lawyer and parliamentarian (who were AMAZING, BTW) will be cleaning up the language and creating templates for local chapters. As promised to you before, we'll be evaluating that template for our own Chapter's adoption consideration. If there are any volunteers who'd like to lead that effort for us, I'd love to have your assistance.

Kind regards,

Jamaison Schuler, APR

Diamond Award Entries Now Being Accepted

Don't miss the chance for recognition (and savings!).
The East Central District of PRSA is recognizing shining examples of public relations campaigns and tactics through its 32nd annual awards competition. The Diamond Awards competition is open to any public relations professional, including members of the 15 chapters in the East Central District or any nonmember whose place of business is within the district boundaries.

The EARLY BIRD deadline for entries is Friday, September 18, 2009.
The FINAL deadline for entries is Friday, September 25, 2009.

More information, including the entry brochure, can be found at:
http://www.ecd-prsa.org/events/diamond.html.

Please contact eastcentraldistrictprsa@verizon.net if you have questions.

Update your member profile and enter to win

Take a few minutes to help PRSA serve you better. Tell them your job title, organizational setting, industry and area(s) of specialization. That's it!

Each month, May through August, PRSA will randomly select five members who update their demographics information to receive gifts, including a $100 Amazon gift card and items from the PRSA Store. You could be a winner! 

Update your demographics information on MemberNet today. If you are renewing your membership by mail or fax, you also can update your demographics on the back of the dues invoice.

December Luncheon Registration Deadline Extended to Monday

Everyone is invited to the December Luncheon: Communication Secrets to the Opening of Lucas Oil Stadium on Wednesday, December 10, 2008. The reservation deadline for the final luncheon of the year has been extended to 5 p.m. Monday, December 8.

Come network with colleagues and join us on the 10th as we hear about the strategies, tactics and messages used to create the communications plan for the opening of the Lucas Oil Stadium. You’ll hear from Bill Benner, associate director of communications for the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association, and David Sease, vice chairman and partner with Sease, Gerig & Associates, who represents the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority.

Plus, our luncheon sponsor Moeller Printing will be giving away a dinner package at St. Elmo's steakhouse in downtown Indy. Don't miss this luncheon, register today!

Sincerely,
Hoosier PRSA

Click here for more details and to register!

What role should PRSA play in establishing practice standards?

I’m writing this column from Detroit, where I just attended the 2008 PRSA National Assembly. A portion of the assembly was dedicated to an interesting discussion about the society’s strategies for advancing the profession.

The fundamental question – what role should PRSA play in establishing practice standards for the public relations profession?

The question seems to stem from a call for PRSA public commentary, member sanctions and even expulsion for practitioners accused of practicing public relations in conflict with the PRSA Code of Ethics. Since 2004, PRSA’s Board of Ethics and Professional Standards (BEPS) has been issuing professional standards advisories to address issues of professional standards as they arise. Establishing practice standards may be another way to address this.

The assembly discussion included the potential of professional licensing or certification for the public relations profession. Space doesn’t allow for me to outline all the considerations and arguments for and against these concepts, but I encourage you to read a white paper on the topic here. (Note: you'll need your MemberNet login info.)

What are your thoughts on licensing or certification of public relations? What are the implications for the current accreditation? What do you think PRSA should do – if anything – to establish practice standards for our profession?

Sonja Popp-Stahly, APR
President, Hoosier PRSA