The Central Ohio PRSA chapter has long been a leader in supporting public relations education. In fact, last year more members from the Central Ohio PRSA chapter than from any other PRSA chapter in the country contributed to the “Champions for PRSSA” annual funding campaign. The “Champions” is the group that provides funding for many of the awards and scholarships given each year to PRSA students and chapters. Originally known as the “Friends of PRSSA” the success of the annual “Champions for PRSSA” fund drive is critical to PRSSA’s success.
Several of the first PRSSA chapters in the nation – The Ohio State University’s Walt Seifert Chapter and Ohio University’s Hugh Culbertson Chapter – are among the chapters that the Central Ohio PRSA chapter supports. In fact, Walt Seifert, a past president of the Central Ohio PRSA and a long time faculty member at The Ohio State University, was one of the architects of PRSSA and loved to tell the story about making the motion before PRSA’s Assembly to create a “pubic relations student society of America.”
Students and chapters at Otterbein College and Ohio Northern University are frequently recognized at the national level for their accomplishments. Chapters at Capital University, Ohio Dominican University and Marietta College provide the valuable co-curricular opportunities that students must have for success in the field.
This year PRSA is instituting a new approach called the “Champions Challenge.” PRSA Central Ohio’s President Todd Bailey, never one to shy away from competition (and winning), discovered last year that the Central Ohio PRSA chapter had almost as many members who were supporters of “Champions for PRSSA” as some of the nation’s largest chapters. With a few phone calls, Todd soon had the Central Ohio PRSA chapter leading the list of chapters with the most “Champions.”
But this is a new year and through Todd’s idea of a “Champions Challenge” other chapters are being encouraged to increase their “Champion” numbers – for the satisfaction of leading the nation in this important area and for a very practical reason. For 2011/2012 PRSA chapters qualify to receive one free associate membership for a graduating senior for every five “Champions” it recruits. The free membership can be used by PRSA chapters in any way that they wish – for contests, promotions etc. – with the goal of increasing the number of members of the class of 2012 who join PRSA after graduation. That’s something that’s good for everyone.
The time to act is now – the “Champions Challenge” ends Dec. 31. To join the “Champions for PRSSA” download the enrollment form (Word or PDF version) and send in your $50 tax deductible check (credit cards may also be used) made out to the PRSA Foundation noted “Champions.”
I’ve sent my check and I know that Todd has sent his; now is the time to join us and send yours!
Thanks for continuing to make me PRoud to be a member of the Central Ohio PRSA chapter!
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