Interested in getting more involved in PRSA?
Considering volunteerism for PRSA Colorado
Our Colorado chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – one of the 10 largest PRSA chapters in the U.S. – provides members with the opportunities to broaden their public relations knowledge and strengthen their skills through professional development events like the Chapter Summit, an annual event with keynote speakers, breakout training sessions and case study presentations. Chapter involvement also facilitates giving back through programs like PR Paid Forward, where members provide pro bono counsel to local non-profits in need of communications support.
Through engagement in PRSA Colorado, professionals and organizations like Linhart PR, Novitas Communications and CIG — all of whom sponsored the 2021 Gold Picks — support the Colorado PR community, while giving teammates the chance to hone their talents, network with companies and brands, and forge connections with other local PR professionals.
This year, Linhart PR, Novitas Communications and CIG team members are helping to lead the chapter:
Kiana Stanton, Linhart PR – 2022 Gold Pick Awards Committee Chair This committee organizes the annual Gold Pick awards ceremony to honor the best work of the year in public relations. As chair, Kiana will lead the coordination of Gold Pick award entry submissions and plan the event – from selecting the venue, menu and master of ceremonies to marketing the event to drive attendance – with the help of fellow committee volunteers.
Kiana said: “This is PRSA’s biggest event of the year, and I’m excited to be a part of bringing it to life. I'm looking to build connections with other PR professionals and give back to the local Denver community.”
Sam Aspnes, APR, CIG — 2022 PRSA Colorado Secretary, Community Outreach Committee Liaison
Through PR Paid Forward, the PRSA Colorado pro bono volunteer program, nearly 150 PRSA volunteers have shared their expertise over the past three years, helping more than 75 area nonprofits. Colorado nonprofit organizations are invited to submit their most pressing communications challenge, and volunteer PR pros are matched to consult on how to tackle those challenges.
“We’re all busy,” said Sam, “but lending your communications expertise to small nonprofits is a great way to have a direct, positive, and lasting impact on your community, or even communities around the world. Positive change comes from people like us who choose to get involved.”
We believe that now more than ever, professional organizations have a responsibility to give back to people and organizations who can benefit from our knowledge and experience.
Michelle Lyng, Novitas Communications — 2022 PRSA Colorado Delegate, Student Outreach Committee Liaison
The Novitas team loves volunteering through PRSA’s PR Paid Forward program.
Michelle said: “Not only do we feel great about partnering with nonprofits that seek a PR boost, but it gives some of our less-seasoned staff an opportunity to take a leadership role in advising these amazing organizations with senior leadership’s oversight. It’s a win-win for our communities as well as for us and the PR industry.”
As part of PRSA Colorado’s DEI initiatives, Novitas is also working with PRSA to recruit diverse talent to the public relations industry by visiting high schools to tell them about the PR industry and how they can be part of it — and how much they want students to be part of it. “This is a program I’m really proud of,” said Michelle. “One of my life’s passions is to create greater opportunity for those who might otherwise not have it. My goal is to get students excited about the PR industry early so there is time to build their skills and connections so they can hit the ground running in their PR career. This has been one of my most rewarding professional experiences and I hope that it’s just as helpful to the students with whom we meet.”
Often, PR can be a force for change within organizations and communities, but only if people get involved. Novitas is so grateful for all the opportunities that PRSA and the industry provides to drive good within local communities.
Shannon Hughes, Linhart PR – 2022 Communications Committee Chair
The communications committee promotes all aspects of chapter membership, including events, on PRSA Colorado’s website, social media channels and through weekly e-newsletters. As chair, Shannon will lead the committee and its work to craft and share compelling content that encourages event attendance and participation and fosters a sense of community among chapter members.
Shannon said: “I’d highly recommend other PR professionals get involved with PRSA Colorado. Not only is it a great networking opportunity, but it’s also a chance to build your PR skills and learn about different facets of PR.”
The challenges of the last two years and the evolving workplace environment have demonstrated the importance of finding ways to connect with and learn from your industry peers. If you’re interested in getting involved in the PRSA Colorado chapter by serving as an event speaker, attending an upcoming event or volunteering on a committee, please contact Liz Viscardi at [email protected].
