Ask a public relations professional, “What do you do for a living?” and you may get as many different answers as there are practice specialties and organizational settings. Ironically, defining the discipline can be nearly as tough as combating the persistent stereotypes that denigrate its value and reputation.

To foster more accurate and better-informed perceptions surrounding the value and roles of public relations, PRSA today rolled out “The Business Case for Public Relations™.” This advocacy campaign, which was created with input from senior industry leaders, is intended to drive industry recognition and growth by helping professionals in the field educate key stakeholders about public relations’ functions and outcomes, demonstrate its strategic value and enhance its reputation.

Continue reading " Building a Case for Public Relations "

PRSA officially unveiled its new  Web site , which is something we’ve been eagerly anticipating for more than a year now. Redesigned with the help of extensive member input, the new site is clean, modern and presents information in fresh and easily accessible ways. You should find it a welcome change from our previous site.

What benefits does the redesign offer you?  First, the new site architecture makes it easier to find news, information and learning resources, as well as other PRSA members. Updated navigation categories and submenus are now more logical, context-specific and interconnected; for example, we integrated three previously distinct member directories, so it will be quicker and easier to find someone — or be found.

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Beginning this week, a cross section of PRSA members is being given the opportunity to preview and evaluate the “BETA” version of our new Web site. If you are among those members, we’ve created a short survey to collect your feedback. Please keep in mind, however, that it is a BETA site; while the core design and functionality have been well established, there remains much work to be done, so stay tuned in the weeks and months ahead.

For everyone involved, the process of redesigning and updating PRSA’s Web site has been a bit like remodeling a home. The more deeply we looked, the more practical it became to tear down and rebuild.

Continue reading " The New Face of PRSA "

As professional communicators, we’re keenly aware of the importance of keeping key constituencies thoroughly informed. It’s what we do. In serving our organizations and clients, we all convey messages that at times are complex and challenging to explain. But, of course, best practices call for the professional diligence and creativity to get those messages to audiences. And, it’s no different when those constituents are PRSA members.

That’s why PRSA has employed a variety of communications strategies to engage its members in the process of rewriting the organization’s Bylaws. While the underlying concepts can be complicated, this initiative is critical to modernizing PRSA’s governance structure. PRSA’s bylaws have not been thoroughly revised since they were first ratified more than 60 years ago. The rewrite is intended to bring PRSA in line with current best practices and make the organization nimbler, stronger and better equipped to fulfill its mission of advancing the profession and the professional.

Continue reading " May I Have Your Attention, Please? "

Three months ago, PRSA began communicating with its members about a series of proposed changes to our national Bylaws, which are intended to modernize our governance structure and make us a nimbler and stronger organization.

Our communications outreach started with a simple blog post, but has now broadened to include a leadership briefing, an e-Group discussion forum on Membernet, a Q&A in PR Strategist and Tactics Online and extensive background information in the Bylaws area of PRSA’s Web site. As the process of rewriting PRSA’s Bylaws continues, we’ll make even more information and resources available to our members.

Continue reading " We’re Counting On You "