- To encourage the understanding of current theories and procedures in the practice of public relations.
- To provide students of public relations with the opportunity to become acquainted with their peers and professional practitioners.
- To encourage students to adhere to the highest ideals and principles of the practice of public relations.
- To instill a professional attitude in students.
The PRSSA is the student version of the Public Relations Society of America, a well-known and highly respected organization of individuals who work in the public relations field. With 20,000 members, the PRSA is the world's largest professional organization for public relations practitioners.
"Public Relations is a challenging and very rewarding career. More and more companies and organizations are beginning to see the importance of public relations. Whether you are interested in travel, sports, healthcare, nonprofit, political or corporate public relations, more jobs are available now than ever before. If you are unsure of what area of public relations will best suit you, what better way to define your career goals than to join the Public Relations Student Society of America." - Stahsha J. March, PRSSA President 1999-2000; Director of PR, Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff Co. station WSPC-TV.
There are many benefits to joining the PRSSA. Members gain excellent networking opportunities by meeting other students who can provide valuable information about courses, professors and internships, as well as through being introduced to public relations professionals. The PRSSA regularly hosts guest speakers from across the Central Pennsylvania area, and are always welcome at the monthly PRSA meetings in Harrisburg. There students meet public relations professionals who are eager to talk with students. Many internships and future career placements develop from these important contacts.
The PRSSA also regularly travels to a variety of interesting destinations such as Camden Yards in Baltimore, where students met with the PR Director who showed them the behind the scene action of the Orioles. (Of course, the PRSSA also stayed to watch the game!) Other recent trips include a visit to the "Newseum" in Arlington, Virginia, an interactive museum of news and public relations, and an outing to the National Aquarium in the Inner Harbor.
PRSSA members receive the monthly award wining newspaper Tactics, which is filled with news trends and how-to information for public relations practitioners. They also get the Blue Book that contains a directory of all PRSA members in the community. For further information please visit the national web site at www.prssa.org or contact Robert Carroll, the PRSSA advisor at rcarroll@ycp.edu