Frequently Asked Questions

What is PRSA?
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) was founded in 1948 and is the largest public relations professional organization in the world. With over 20,000 members, PRSA represents a diverse and broad cross-section of public relations professionals. The Greater Spokane Chapter was founded in 1980 and is one of 116 PRSA chapters in the United States.

What are the top 10 reasons to become a member of PRSA?

1. Develop as a professional - for the highest value at the lowest price, a variety of local, regional, national and web-based professional development opportunities are available to help you become an even better professional.
2. Enjoy and learn from award-winning publications - Members receive The Strategist - the must-read quarterly magazine for all executive-level practitioners and Public Relations Tactics - a wide-ranging, monthly tabloid written by seasoned professionals in a snappy, easy-to-read format.
3. Find a new job - You have job search assistance right at your fingertips through the PRSA website, classified ads and links to public relations resources.
4. Join a nationwide network of chapters and professional interest sections - With a network of 116 Chapters nationwide, you have an unparalleled opportunity to be a pivotal member in your local public relations community. Multiply the effectiveness of your membership by joining one or more of the 17 industry-specific Professional Interest Sections.
5. Use the Professional Resource Center - Find the quick, free-to-members way to start your research. Access to an editorial database that provides you with extensive public relations information from all of our resources, including hundreds of PRSA award winning campaigns. Join PRC Online, an e-community of fellow practitioners, for a challenging exchange of ideas, discussion and advice.
6. Earn awards and recognition - Your skills can be improved and celebrated through the annual Silver Anvil and Bronze Anvil Awards programs, which recognize the best in public relations practices and tactics.
7. Advance the profession - lead through PRSA - Your membership opens effective, challenging and rewarding avenues for leadership, ranging from local hands-on involvement to national visibility.
8. Find a mentor - Need advice from a seasoned professional? The PRSA Mentoring Program, offered through the College of Fellows, provides guidance both online and in person from Accredited professionals with 20+ years of experience.
9. Use exclusive members-only services online - Your membership allows you exclusive access to the entire database of PRSA members, plus members-only services and products. Members can access and change their information online through MemberNet.
10. Access additional members-only rewards - You are eligible for special rates on teleconferencing services, car rentals, office supplies and air freight, plus a member credit card and insurance designed for your and your business.

• Monthly Programs and Networking - Professional speakers, compelling topics, local networking, and breakfast, of course, are offered at monthly meetings from September - June. The meetings are held on the first Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m. on the campus of Gonzaga University. Check the calendar for upcoming meeting information.
• National Professional Development Opportunities - An on-going series of PRSA professional development teleconferences and webcasts are offered to local members at deeply discounted prices. These one-hour sessions bring an unparalleled opportunity for local professionals to access national resources.
• Annual Professional Development Workshop - Every fall, the Greater Spokane PRSA Chapter offers a top-notch, half-day professional development workshop featuring high-level strategic regional and national speakers addressing current issues facing the profession.
• Accreditation for Public Relations Professionals - The Greater Spokane PRSA Chapter provides local support for members pursing their national Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential. Study sessions, mentoring by Chapter APRs and Readiness Review panels help ensure success for members interested in achieve this national mark of professional distinction.
• Opportunity to Support Local College Students - The chapter supports three local student chapters of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) - Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University and Washington State University - through job shadowing opportunities, scholarships and speaking engagements. The gala Holiday Auction provides a networking opportunity with proceeds supporting the chapter's scholarship program. Our chapter's PRSSA Liaison coordinates student activities.
• Ongoing Member Communications - Greater Spokane PRSA Chapter members receive a monthly electronic newsletter featuring chapter news and upcoming events. Chapter members can also log on to www.prsaspokane.org to access information and the members-only listing of local job opportunities and chapter members.
• Leadership Opportunities - Challenging and rewarding avenues for leadership include serving on the Greater Spokane PRSA Chapter's Board of Directors or leading one of the many committees involved in supporting local chapter work.
• Ethics Officer - Membership in the Greater Spokane PRSA Chapter includes the services of our volunteer Ethics Officer. Members facing a tricky ethical dilemma or simply wishing to expand their knowledge of professional ethics can seek confidential guidance from this seasoned professional.
• Recognition - Each year, the chapter honors a local member with the Degerness Award for outstanding service in support of chapter activities and their contributions to the improvement of the public relations profession. Active local chapter members are recognized for their contributions to the organization at the annual membership meeting each fall.

How do I become a member?
Joining PRSA is easy! Simply fill out a membership application form on the national PRSA website www.prsa.org or contact the Greater Spokane PRSA Chapter's membership chair, Christine Varela, by e-mail at VarelaCM@EmpireHealth.org or phone (509) 473-7692. 

Are there any special qualifications for PRSA membership?
To qualify for membership, you must devote a substantial portion of time (at least 50 percent) to the paid professional practice of public relations or to the teaching or administration of public relations curriculum in an Accredited college or university. You must also agree to adhere to the PRSA Member Code of Ethics 2000. Different categories are available to encourage membership among recent college graduates and individuals with less than one or two years of professional experience.

Do you have corporate or company memberships? Can we join as a group?
PRSA is a professional society and membership is by the individual, not organization. Since we are not a trade association, we deliver services directly to the individual public relations professional. As a member, the benefits belong only to you and cannot be transferred to others. Therefore, we do not offer corporate or company memberships.

I already attend my local PRSA chapter functions. Why should I join PRSA on a national level?
In a word ... value! The only way to receive the full benefits of membership - publications, seminars, national networking in professional interest sections, job search assistance and access to the Professional Resources Center to name just a few - is by becoming a member of PRSA. Attendance at your local PRSA chapter functions does not offer you all the benefits you may be able to receive locally and nationally. And, you cannot join the Greater Spokane PRSA Chapter without joining PRSA on the national level.

Do you have special rates for someone who is currently looking for work in the public relations profession?
Since membership is individual, every member receives the same benefits regardless of the individual's work status or type of employer. Although we do not offer special rates, we can arrange to pay dues on a quarterly basis while you are looking for your next job by calling (212) 460-1490. You can also receive assistance in seeking a job in the field from PRSA, so it pays to keep up your membership. Current job openings in the Spokane area and nationally are listed on the local and national PRSA websites, for members-only access.

I've heard about the PRSA Code of Ethics. How does this work?
The PRSA Code of Ethics 2000 sets the industry standard for the professional practice of public relations. All members must adhere to the Code of Ethics, which is based on a set of six core values that guide our professional behaviors and decision making process. The Greater Spokane PRSA Chapter's Ethics Officer works to promote and inspire the highest levels of ethical behavior and performance among chapter members through professional development, education and guidance to individual members with questions about ethical principals, practices and standards of conduct in their day-to-day practice. Contact Chapter Ethics Officer Susan Nielsen, APR, by e-mail at: snielsen@rockwoodclinic.com. 

What is APR?
The Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential is the mark of distinction for public relations professionals who demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice, and who are selected based on broad knowledge, strategic perspective and sound professional judgment. This professional development opportunity is available to all PRSA members with at least five years of public relations experience. APR candidates must first pass the Readiness Review, a portfolio review and assessment of the candidate's readiness to take the Examination, prior to taking the Examination. Study sessions are offered by the Greater Spokane PRSA Chapter to help coach and mentor candidates pursing Accreditation. Watch for news about the next round of APR study sessions to take place in early 2006.

How can members get more involved in PRSA?
There are many ways members can develop leadership skills through volunteerism. Locally, members can serve on committees, the Greater Spokane Chapter board or get involved in special projects. Members can also volunteer to serve on national committees, special section committees, district boards and the national board. PRSA offers its members a wide variety of leadership opportunities locally and nationally. Contact a Chapter board member for more information.

Who is on the Greater Spokane PRSA Chapter's Board of Directors?
The Greater Spokane PRSA Chapter's board includes eight members serving three-year terms. Members interested in serving on the board should contact the Chapter President. Click here for a list of the chapter's Board of Directors.

Would you like to join PRSA and attend meetings with the Greater Spokane Chapter? Learn more.