For PRSA members who are interested in international public relations, the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communications Management (or “GA”) is an important resource that offers valuable networking, information and learning opportunities.

The Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA) was formed in Chicago on October 25, 2000, after a Public Relations World Congress sponsored by PRSA and the International Public Relations Association. Its main purpose is to serve as an umbrella for the collaboration of organizations public relations organizations, and has “a mission to enhance the public relations profession and its practitioners throughout the world.” PRSA was a founding member of the GA and has remained active ever since, currently serving as Treasurer of the GA.

At present, the Global Alliance is a confederation of many of the world’s major PR and communication management associations and institutions, representing 160,000 practitioners and educators in approximately 50 member organizations, an impressive reach given the Global Alliance’s resources. In addition to a modest cash budget of about $85,000 from membership fees and sponsorship, the GA also receives valuable “in-kind” support from USI (Università della Svizzera italiana), which has an executive MBA program in communications and contributes much needed staff and infrastructure to the GA.

As a practical matter, the GA provides a forum for the sharing of ideas and best practices, providing information, networking, and opportunities for research and inquiry, for example, into ethical standards and accreditation practices worldwide. In addition, members of one GA member organization benefit from being able to purchase services and benefits from other member organizations at the member rate.

Although over 98% of PRSA’s members reside in the United States, global issues affect all of PRSA’s members, regardless of their place of residence. As a result, PRSA has found that the GA is a very cost effective way to assist PRSA in carrying out four objectives:

1. For U.S.-based members, providing them with worldwide resources that make them more effective professionals;
2. For U.S.-members working abroad, keeping them connected to their profession and to their respective international markets;
3. For non-U.S. practitioners, offering a connection to the U.S. profession while understanding cultural differences;
4. Finally, to have a hand in shaping the global profession.

Continue reading " Global Alliance: Connecting PRSA Members with the Public Relations Profession Worldwide "

How are you faring during these challenging economic times? I’d like to hear from you — and to remind you of the benefits you have available. I am hearing that the current economic downturn is affecting PRSA members in different ways and to varying degrees. Practice specialties serving the financial services industry are going through tough times, while members in disciplines influenced by federal regulation are being sought out as clients react to policy shifts being telegraphed by the Obama administration. Regardless of the circumstance, Thomas Carlyle’s description of economics as “the dismal science” is ringing true for far too many people.

Periods of economic uncertainty are an especially opportune time to take stock of the professional resources at your disposal — including those that PRSA offers. Here are a few that you might call upon today or file away for use at a later time:

Learn something new — for free. PRSA will be providing free professional development programming in January and February, the lessons of which apply in good times and bad. “Don’t Be Faceless: Seven Essential Social Media Techniques for PR Success” will be led by Rohit Bhargava, a founding member of Ogilvy PR’s 360o Digital Influence and author of the best-selling book, “Personality Not Included.” In addition, Tom Gable, APR, Fellow PRSA, CEO of Gable PR and author of the popular “PR Client Service Manual,” will conduct a session on “Choosing the Right Agency for Your Public Relations Needs:  Building a Mutually Beneficial Client/Agency Relationship.”

Know who’s hiring, and who’s looking to be hired. PRSA’s Jobcenter matches the resumes of qualified job seekers with agencies that are hiring. You can browse hundreds of postings, review the salary survey and receive timely career advice.

Continue reading " An Ally in Good Times and Bad "