About PRSA (National)

The Public Relations Society of America, headquartered in New York City, is the world's largest professional organization for public relations practitioners. The Society's almost 20,000 members represent business and industry, counseling firms, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations.

Charter

Since it was chartered in 1948, PRSA has continued to provide a forum for addressing issues affecting the profession, and the resources for promoting the highest professional standards. It offers unequalled opportunities for improvement of skills and advancement of knowledge, as well as for exchange of information and experiences with other public relations professionals. The society also firmly believes that professional integrity is based on sound and ethical practice. Members of PRSA adhere to a Code of Professional Standards for the Practice of Public Relations.

Chapters

PRSA has 116 chapters throughout the United States, grouped into 10 geographical districts. Chapter representatives in each district elect a district chair, who serves as a link among chapters, Board of Directors and staff.

Board of Directors

PRSA's Board of Directors sets the strategic direction and policy for the society and approves budgets and programming. The board also appoints volunteers to national committees, boards and task forces, whose members work with staff to carry out PRSA's mission. The assembly, with delegates representing chapters, sections and districts, sets dues, amends bylaws and elects the officers and directors-at-large. Contact local chapter Board Members.

Professional Interest

PRSA is also composed of 17 Professional Interest Sections. Sections offer members the opportunity to explore issues and concerns unique to their fields of specialization.

PRSSA (Student Association)

Continuing to serve the public relations industry, PRSA extends its services to the student level. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) has more than 6,000 members in 209 chapters on college campuses across the country.

Professional Development Opportunities

PRSA provides an integrated professional development program for its members that includes:

• an annual National Conference
• Professional Development Seminar Series
• Publications
• Home Study Courses
• Audio and Video collections
• and many other materials to help members enrich their careers.

Professional Resource Center

The PRSA Professional Resource Center is PRSA's customer service and information resources group. The center provides a gateway to organizations, individuals, products and services that are relevant to the responsibilities of a public relations professional.

Publications

PRSA produces two publications that keep public relations professionals aware of current trends affecting the industry. Public Relations Tactics is a monthly award-winning newspaper filled with news, trends and how-to information. Members also receive a quarterly publication, The Public Relations Strategist, devoted to the issues and trends that affect senior management, especially as they relate to communication with an organization's publics.

Accreditation

In 1964, PRSA established a voluntary accreditation program to unify and advance the profession by identifying those who have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgment in the field. The Universal Accreditation Program, formed in 1998, now includes nine public relations organizations. The program seeks to improve public relations practice through granting the designation Accredited in Public Relations (APR). 

PRSA Awards

PRSA also host a series of public relations awards. The Silver Anvil Awards, considered the "Oscars" of public relations, are given for excellence in public relations programs in 15 categories. The Bronze Anvil Awards recognize outstanding public relations tactics that are components of public relations programs. The Gold Anvil, Outstanding Educator Award and the Paul M. Lund Public Service Award are granted to public relations practitioners based on their professional achievements and significant contributions to the public relations profession.