A PRSA Delegate’s Role
Author: Ryan Johnson, APR
During a recent PRSA delegate meeting webinar, the National staff provided some clarity about our roles and responsibilities as PRSA delegates. A reminder that Teresa Roof, APR, and I serve our Chapter as delegates. It’s a three-year commitment, and this is year one for me; Teresa is in her second year.
Our primary responsibilities as PRSA Chapter delegates include:
- Serve as a think tank advising PRSA on industry trends and issues.
- Participate in the annual PRSA business meeting.
- Review and vote on amendments to bylaws and elect the PRSA Board of Directors.
The 2022 annual business meeting, also known as Leadership Assembly, is Saturday, Nov. 12, in Dallas, Texas. Teresa and I hope to be there in person after delegates from our Chapter (and many others) have participated virtually during the last two business meetings. We will review any proposals being presented to delegates before the Leadership Assembly. Our role includes gathering feedback about the proposals from our PRSA Iowa board members and Chapter members. We represent the Chapter and our members at Leadership Assembly.
PRSA Turns 75
Dr. Felicia Blow, APR, 2022 PRSA Chair, reminded delegates during the webinar that PRSA turns 75 in 2022. PRSA provides Chapters with toolkits and asks them to help promote the 75th-anniversary website. As much as we celebrate the organization’s history, Dr. Blow and the Board of Directors are planning for the future of PRSA. One of the most important goals that leadership is focused on is membership, and Dr. Blow shared five goals with us. See below for more information.
- Raise awareness about PRSA professional development offerings to attract 350 new members.
- Increase PRSA’s social media footprint and response.
- Actively engage major public relations and marketing agencies to take part in PRSA.
- Engage PRSA Chapters and Districts.
- Engage PRSSA Chapters at the college level.
April is APR Month
Finally, I’d like to recognize our Chapter members who are accredited and earned the prestigious APR designation. Our Chapter has one of the highest percentages of members who achieved their APR. Much of our success can be attributed to past leadership and our APR prep sessions. If you’re thinking about the APR process, please contact Ryan Hanser or Laura Sprague.
