| About Us |
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is an individual membership professional society of nearly 20,000 public relations practitioners. The Connecticut Valley Chapter, with more than 130 members, serves professionals throughout Central, Northern and Eastern Connecticut, as well as Western Massachusetts.
Chapter luncheon or breakfast programs are held each month, including an annual member's summer social each August. The professional development programs feature guest speakers who share insight and experiences on a wide range of topics that relate to public relations.
Board of Directors
Your new PRSA-CVC 2009 Board of Directors meets on a bi-monthly basis, and consists of a very interesting mix of public relations professionals including (in alphabetical order): Nancy Andrews with CBIA; Drew Crandall at Keep In Touch; Endia DeCordova-Murphy at Manchester Community College; Meagan Fazio at the University of Hartford; Gary Griffin with Adams & Knight; Laurel Kelly at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving; Jessica Lyon with Co-Communications; Karen Paterno of Paterno Communications; Phillip Margolis of ING; and Sara Vincent at Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc. The next time you're calling, emailing, or talking directly to these folks, please thank them for donating their time, talent, and treasure to make our Chapter the best it can be in 2010!
Chapter Membership
Membership in PRSA is open to anyone who practices public relations professionally for at least two years. Associate membership is available for those new to the field.
In 2002, 36 percent of the chapter's 130 members work for nonprofit organizations, 27 percent for corporations, 20 percent for advertising/public relations agencies, 10 percent for themselves, 5 percent for a governmental agency and 2 percent for another type of organization.
The range of industry expertise in the chapter includes arts and entertainment, banking/financial/insurance, education, government/public affairs, health care, international business, manufacturing, retail/consumer, social services, special events, technology, travel and tourism, utilities and more.
Code of Ethics
PRSA National revised its professional code of ethics in 2001 and now offers an online resource center dedicated to ethics. The Connecticut Valley Chapter added an Ethics Officer in 2002.
PRSA National
Visit the national organization's web site to learn more about PRSA.
There are many reasons to join a professional society. We've put together a list of the top five that we consistently hear from our members. But don't just take our word for it. Sample the goods before you buy. Non-members are welcome to attend regular Connecticut Valley Chapter programs. Come see the quality programming and hear from the members yourself.
1. Network and Connect
Whether you are looking to learn from experienced PR professionals, to find colleagues to share with or to pass along what you've learned in your career, PRSA offers networking with all levels of practitioners - from those new to the work force to the heads of agencies.
2. Programs/Professional Development
The Connecticut Valley Chapter attracts nationally recognized speakers and capitalizes on local experts and resources. They demonstrate best practices in action, educate about trends in the field and reinforce why what you do everyday is important.
3. Professional Credibility
PRSA is committed to promoting the ethical practice of public relations. The national organization has established the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) distinction to assist in continually raising the bar for the profession.
4. Community Involvement
Interact with colleagues who know what your day is like! Watch your efforts make a difference when you join a committee, mentor a student or help with the chapter's community service project. Most years, the chapter partners with an organization in order to provide free public relations services. Committee members can't say enough good things about this endeavor.
5. Stay Current on Professional Issues
You'll read about the field on the national level and experience the local level like never before. Be on the cusp of what's happening in your profession and influence it locally.
PRSA National also provides a list of membership benefits on its Web site.
How to Join
If you live or work in Central, Northern or Eastern Connecticut, or Western Massachusetts, the Connecticut Valley Chapter is the most conveniently located chapter for you. For information on other Connecticut chapters, click here.
PRSA National processes all applications for membership. Please print out the PDF file, fill out the form and return it with payment to:
PRSA
Membership Department
33 Maiden Lane, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10038-5150
You also may complete an online application through National. Click on membership. The phone number for PRSA National is 212-995-2230.
Membership Dues
The most common question we receive about membership relates to the pricing structure. It works like this:
1. There is either an initiation fee or a reinstatement fee to pay. Those completely new to PRSA pay the initiation fee, currently $65. Those who have been PRSA members in the past pay the reinstatement fee, currently $35.
2. National dues are $225. There are special rates for Associate Members - those who are PRSSA graduates, who are pursuing a master's or doctorate and who have two or fewer years of experience. The initiation fee is waived in these instances:
- PRSSA graduates must have been a PRSSA member at time of graduation and may apply within two years of graduation at an annual rate of $60.
- Full-time master's and doctoral candidates who plan to teach public relations must provide proof of matriculation to obtain the $60 annual rate.
- Those with less than one year of experience may apply at an annual rate of $115.
- Those with less than two years of experience may apply at an annual rate of $155. Those with special situations (such as job loss) should contact PRSA National.
- Local chapter dues are $50.
The total of these amounts is what you should submit to PRSA National with your application.
