Looking ahead to 2012 (and, might I add, how did THAT happen so fast?), the Greater Salt Lake Chapter of PRSA is seeking PR professionals to volunteer in various board and committee roles.
The last few years of economic turmoil have been difficult for nearly everyone, and PR has hardly been left untouched. As the economy (hopefully) begins to turn for the better, PRSA is taking the opportunity to look for ways to expand our influence, increase our membership, and assist our members in gaining skills, finding new opportunities, and making friends in the profession.
A major goal in 2012 will be the implementation of a new strategic plan, but in order to be successful we need the broad and diverse range of experiences, viewpoints, and skills that come from involving as many of our members as possible. That means we need YOU.
Why should YOU volunteer with PRSA?
We’ve all seen the lists of reasons why you should volunteer in a professional organization, and they generally look something like this:
On an individual level, you will
- Develop and practice important business and leadership skills
- Broaden your professional network
- Gain visibility in your field
Your organization will also enjoy benefits from your volunteer work, such as
- The application of your new management and
- Leadership abilities on the job
- Access to what works in other organizations
- The opportunity to test new ideas with other professionals before implementation.
Those are pretty good lists, and I would say that my experience in PRSA has brought me all of that. But it’s brought me more. Realistically, would I become friends with Scott Trotter, Senior Media Relations Manager for the LDS Church without PRSA? It’s highly unlikely – if only because we have “different interests”. I’m never going to run into him at church on Sunday (unless he hits me with his car while I’m out on my usual Sunday morning bike ride), and I think it’s safe to say I’m not going to bump into him at the State Wine Store very soon (although with his job, I wouldn’t blame him!). Because of my opportunity to work with him in PRSA, however, Scott is now a friend and colleague I can call on.
Volunteering with PRSA will give you the opportunity to lead, showcasing your potential. It will give you the chance to learn from others as role models, learn by doing and improve with practice. You will meet others in the profession and larger community who you may otherwise never get to know.
Look, I understand that we are all busy. Professional, personal and family obligations can more than fill your average week. But making time to participate in PRSA will payoff for you and your career. That’s something I can pretty much guarantee.
So give some thought to joining your friends, co-workers, some strangers and, yes, competitors, who have come together to volunteer in PRSA. You’ll be glad you did.
Take a few moments to fill out the attached form, and please – call me to discuss your interests and needs. I look forward to it.
