Going "Two for Two" on April 18 PRSA Member Town Hall

Edward M. Bury, APR

April 19

The Town Hall Team from PRSA during the April 18 Zoom presentation.

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

Okay, I'm not making this up. During the April 18 PRSA Member Town Hall, I had some success. Actually success "doubled."

Let me explain.

I joined the hour-long presentation -- as I had done earlier this year, noted in this February 23 PRDude post -- to gain insight into a range of developments within the organization and have the opportunity to pose a question.

Well, I presented two questions and received a response to both.

First, let me offer a quick recap of sorts. Participants (and there were close to 100 if I recall) heard from elected leadership and staff regarding the upcoming 2024 Icon Conference in Anaheim, opportunities to apply for membership on the Board of Directors, the status of the the Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR) program and more. A member who recently earned the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential shared heartfelt insight on the challenges faced on her journey and the benefit gained.

With around 15 minutes left in the Town Hall, I saw that participants were invited to share a question through the Zoom platform, so I did. The scope of my question: I learned (from a local colleague who participated in a recent PRSA Midwest District call) that the Society was aware a sizeable number of members earned Accreditation over the years, but have not completed the required Renewal procedures. In essence, these members no longer should be recognized as APRs. What was being done to address this issue?

PRSA leadership and staff on the Town Hall noted that the impact of the recent pandemic may have been a factor as to why some Accredited members let their credential lapse. Efforts were underway to contact these "delinquent" APRs and encourage them to complete the Renewal process, which is required every three years. A sound and rational response; perhaps this post will build awareness for the need to renew Accreditation, get members to accept the value behind maintaining the credential, and then completing the process.

Now, onto the second question addressed.

Prior to the Town Hall, participants were invited to pose a question online. My inquiry centered on -- if memory is correct -- what the Society was doing to encourage or inspire honest and accurate communications by members given the assuredly caustic situations that will arise in the upcoming national elections this fall.

The response certainly was understandable: PRSA does not take sides on political issues. Still, I'm pleased that the subject was addressed, as guaranteeing the free flow of information is one of the Society's Code Provisions of Conduct. Well, to be more specific, the Code works to protect and advance "the free flow of accurate and truthful information." Italics are mine.

I look forward to the next Member Town Hall; and rest assured, I will pose questions.