Connecting PRSA to the Community: PR Paid Forward
“I feel like not only are we investing in ourselves and our professional growth, but we’re investing in the community through this program. When we’re volunteering with nonprofits, we’re ultimately helping our community thrive.”
-Rachael Fowler, PR & Special Events Director at The Salvation Army Intermountain Division, PRSA Member
The PRSA Colorado outreach program, formally known as PRSA Boost, has relaunched with a makeover. Under the name PR Paid Forward, the program creates a new opportunity for PR professionals to support local communities by helping nonprofits tackle specific communication-related challenges. While community has always been a top priority for PRSA Colorado, the reimagined program intends to provide PRSA members with a win-win opportunity to grow professionally while assisting a nonprofit. A wide variety of nonprofits will be involved in the program, spanning across the Front Range area.
“We expect to have participation from nonprofits across the spectrum from school foundations to youth empowerment programs to health-related service organizations,” shares Megan Ryan, vice president and corporate communications manager at BOK Financial.
The launch of the new program also adds a new value for participants. This year PR Paid Forward will pair experienced PR pros with newer professionals in hopes of building new relationships and bridges within the chapter. For young professionals, this provides an excellent opportunity to seek mentorship and guidance from a more senior professional. For the seasoned professional, this creates an opportunity to understand trends that younger people are encountering.
“Being able to work in tandem with another PR pro who is not a coworker will be a fun way to get to know another PRSA member on a deeper level, and we will get to collaborate to provide useful advice to an organization that can put our suggestions to work right away and make a difference in our community,” Ryan elaborates.
“PR Paid Forward is a fun way to be reminded about how much expertise we have and to keep our skills fresh. We’re investing in our professional development by participating in something that exposes us to a different industry’s challenges, while giving back to the community,” states Lynn Perez-Hewitt, development coordinator at Empowering Colorado.
The main goal for the program’s kickoff year is to gain participation from 40 PRSA members, with half of the participants being new professionals. Looking forward, the committee aspires for the program to become woven into the fabric of the Front Range nonprofit community for years to come.
“From an agency perspective, this program offers a great avenue to learn about potential pro bono clients. We enjoy giving back in that way, but don’t always have the best luck in finding pro bono clients that jive with our team. This may be a great way for agency pros to get a taste of what it’s like to work with a community organization,” shares Sam Aspnes, PR and communications at CIG PR.
As the program grows, the committee is hoping to see PR professionals become more involved with nonprofits after going through the PR Paid Forward program, whether as a nonprofit consultant, or board or committee member.
“PR Paid Forward is a great opportunity to meet others in the industry who you might not have crossed paths with before,” summarizes Jennifer Dunne, communications and community at Orica North America.
Are you looking to get involved in PR Paid Forward or just want to learn more? Visit the Outreach page on the PRSA Colorado website. You can also engage on social with the hashtag #PRPaidForward.
