In advance of PRSA’s upcoming Strategic Communications for Associations and Nonprofits Certificate Program, this post provides an overview of some of the key themes participants will explore.
For associations and nonprofits, communication is not a “nice-to-have.” It’s the lifeline that connects you to your members, donors, policymakers, partners and the public. It advances your mission, builds trust, drives engagement and demonstrates your organization’s value every day.
And yet, for many organizations, communications efforts are under-resourced, reactive or disconnected from strategic priorities. In today’s climate — with rising expectations, heightened scrutiny and an increasingly complex information environment — that gap can be costly.
That’s why PRSA has developed the Strategic Communications for Associations and Nonprofits Certificate Program — a live, instructor-led series designed to help you elevate your communications from tactical to strategic, and from “good enough” to truly impactful.
Who this program is for
If you work in or with an association or nonprofit — whether as a communications professional, an executive, or a program leader with communications responsibilities — this program will equip you with practical tools, relevant case studies and strategies you can put to work immediately. It’s for professionals who want to:
- Demonstrate the value of their communications work in measurable ways
- Strengthen their organization’s reputation
- Align communications with mission and strategic goals
- Communicate effectively across multiple stakeholder groups
- Navigate reputational challenges before they become crises
What you’ll learn
Across six interactive modules, you’ll explore a proven framework for credible, high-impact communication in the association and nonprofit sector. You’ll learn how to:
- Identify the hallmarks of credible, effective communication in your context — and apply them consistently
- Build and execute a communications strategy that supports organizational goals and strengthens stakeholder trust
- Respond to reputational challenges with messages that reflect empathy, clarity and leadership
- Craft narratives that elevate organizational value and resonate with members, donors, media and policymakers
- Measure and report your impact in ways that inspire confidence and secure resources
All sessions are live and instructor-led, but they’re also recorded so you can revisit them anytime — a perfect resource for preparing for the final exam or refreshing your skills down the road.
Why earn this certificate
The course runs Nov. 5 – Dec. 17, meeting on Wednesdays from 3–4:30 p.m. ET (skipping Nov. 26 for the Thanksgiving holiday).
This program isn’t just about acquiring knowledge — it’s about transformation. By the end, you’ll have:
- A Certificate of Completion to validate your expertise
- A digital badge you can share on your LinkedIn profile, email signature and other professional platforms
- Access to PRSA’s exclusive Online Community, connecting you with peers who face similar challenges and opportunities
- A toolkit of templates, examples and strategies you can start using immediately
Plus, you’ll join a network of communicators who understand the unique demands of association and nonprofit work — and who can support you long after the program ends.
Please click here to register for the program. I look forward to seeing you there.
Leonard S. Greenberger, APR, is a vice president at AKCG – Public Relations Counselors. He is the Immediate Past Chair of PRSA’s Association/Nonprofit Executive Committee and co-chair of the National Capital Chapter’s APR Committee.
Illustration: royyimzy
