Last year, PRSA introduced a number of new benefits intended to increase the value that we provide to our members. Enhancing member value, of course, is something we try to do all the time; but during a period of economic recession and high unemployment, these efforts took on added significance and relevancy for our members.

Now that many are predicting brighter days ahead for our industry (a StevensGouldPincus survey, for example, found 64 percent of U.S. public relations agencies expect higher revenues in 2010), it may seem logical that we would start to scale back on some of those benefits. On the contrary, we’re building on those benefits in the belief that they will continue to serve our members well in times of economic recovery.

Continue reading " Helpful in Recessionary Times, New Benefits Remain Relevant in Recovery "

In celebration of Black History Month in February, PRSA invited prominent black leaders in the public relations profession to offer their views on race and public relations and their ideas for achieving greater racial and ethnic diversity in the industry. This is the sixth in the series.

Like many industries, the public relations field has undergone a transformation around diversity over the last several years. Thanks to focused attention on diversity recruiting and the creation of partnerships with select colleges and universities, barriers have fallen. Today, many public relations firms are more diverse than they have ever been.

Continue reading " Public Relations and Diversity: Momentum and Dialogue Are Building "

In celebration of Black History Month in February, PRSA invited prominent black leaders in the public relations profession to offer their views on race and public relations and their ideas for achieving greater racial and ethnic diversity in the industry. This is the fifth in the series.

In our dynamic professional environment, it is crucial for African-American women to understand the history and heritage of their journey as they emerge as leaders in the public relations profession. Not only has this history shaped my personal career choice, but it also has propelled African-American women whose actions and ideas have made significant contributions to the industry.

Continue reading " African-American Women: The Next Generation of Leaders in Public Relations "

 In celebration of Black History Month, PRSA has invited prominent black leaders in the public relations profession to offer their views on race and public relations and their ideas for achieving greater racial and ethnic diversity in the industry. This is the fourth in that series. 

Reflecting on the many contributions of African Americans during Black History Month, it is with shameless abandon that I place the spotlight on the public relations profession. I imagine I’d receive no argument from my peers by saying “embracing diversity represents a way of life for an organization, company or individual to ensure long-term success.” My life is enriched, my community is enriched and our nation is enriched when we view our world through the unique prism of diversity.

When I entered this profession in the early 1980s, I was struck by the lack of diversity across all sectors of the public relations arena. Among organizations created to generate a sense of community and elevate the value of my chosen profession, I found no safe haven. Determined to become an insider and grow as a professional, I sampled several groups, finally choosing the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for its rich resources. In my early twenties, I wasn’t quite sure how to carve out a career path, network with peers or bring more diversity to the profession.

Continue reading " Enriching Public Relations with Diversity "

In celebration of Black History Month, PRSA has invited prominent black leaders in the public relations profession to offer their views on race and public relations and their ideas for achieving greater racial and ethnic diversity in the industry. This is the third in that series.My grandmother use to say, “There’s nothing new under the sun.” Today’s social, political and economic dilemmas are eerily similar to times past, when people were passionate about changing the world through social cause groups. Their strategies included using the newest, most powerful media to get their messages out, influence public opinion and change society.

As PRSA celebrates Black History Month 2010, we pause to reflect, examine and thank the African-American pioneers who enabled today’s practitioners to excel.

Continue reading " A Salute to Public Relations’ African-American Pioneers "