Celebrating PRSA Volunteers

By Dr. Felicia Blow, APR, 2022 PRSA Chair

When I reflect on my more than 30 years with PRSA, I feel about it today the exact same way I felt when I first got involved as a member and volunteer. I’m mesmerized by the opportunities the organization has provided me, but more importantly by what I and so many of my colleagues have been able to give back to it. That’s why during National Volunteer Month, it’s important we take a moment to celebrate the contributions of all the individuals who support PRSA’s important mission.

In my role as 2022 PRSA Chair, never have I been more in tune with the magnitude of our volunteers’ efforts. PRSA would not be the organization it is today without the help of the many members who support key initiatives, events, programs and more. We are celebrating the organization’s 75th anniversary this year, a particularly meaningful time to highlight these significant and ongoing contributions.

When I first got involved as a PRSA volunteer in the early 90’s, my intention was to network and learn from my local Hampton Roads, Virginia, community. Since then, I’ve been exposed to opportunities I do not believe I would have had otherwise, and I attribute much of my growth and development as a leader to my many years of service to PRSA.

Even more invaluable are the relationships I’ve been able to develop. The community of PRSA volunteers provides the chance to network with colleagues across the profession, find mentors and improve job prospects. Because of my work with PRSA, I’ve also had the opportunity to engage with leaders across other communications organizations such as the National Black Public Relations Society, the Hispanic Public Relations Association, the Puerto Rico Public Relations Association and many more.

Most importantly, I have had the chance to work on major PRSA initiatives that have an impact on the communications profession at large. To be able to work alongside committees like Voices4Everyone, Diversity & Inclusion, Advocacy, and BEPS (just to name a few) is incredibly rewarding, and I couldn’t ask for better colleagues.

During my first few months as PRSA Chair, there’s already been so much work done that our volunteers should be proud of, and even more to look forward to. Some highlights thus far include launching the 75th anniversary website, initiating a program to provide 350 PRSSA and 350 PRSA membership scholarships and building on our commitment to a diverse and inclusive profession by launching the Black Voices and Hispanic-Latino Affinity Groups.

I’m excited for what’s to come throughout the rest of my tenure this year, and I should be clear that my appreciation for PRSA volunteers isn’t limited to a single month. Our volunteers deserve to be lauded and celebrated every day because they help ensure PRSA members are getting the ultimate value out of their memberships.

If you’re a PRSA member looking to become a volunteer, I encourage you to get involved. Whether at the Chapter, District or National level, there are a number of opportunities to do so. Take it from someone who has been a volunteer for decades, you won’t regret it.

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