Friends and fellow professionals,
It has been almost two months since Governor Wolf issued a statewide Stay at Home Order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Somehow, it seems both shorter and longer than seven weeks. Practicing self-isolation and observing social distancing is a surreal experience; and it’s not even over yet.
I wish I had an answer for when and if life will return to normal, but I do not. Anyone who says they do is probably selling something. What I can tell you is this: We may not be there yet, but we are closer today than we were yesterday.
I, for one, hope we get there soon, wherever “there” ends up being. Until then PPRS is working hard to add value to our membership and offer resources that help communicators and public relations professionals overcome the challenges ahead.
Our new program and reworked meeting format reflect member preferences expressed in a mid-April survey. We will continue to reevaluate and revise our resource offerings based on member needs. For now, we’ve determined the following:
- Monthly Meetings
PPRS will continue to hold monthly meetings on the last Thursday of every month. Two times were identified as preferable by survey respondents – noon or early evening (6:00 to 7:00 p.m.) As a way to thank our members for joining or renewing this year, the registration price for these meetings will be $5 for members. Also keep in mind that, even if you cannot attend at the designated time, meetings are recorded and sent to individuals who register so you can watch them at your convenience.
Registration is now open for the May meeting on communicating in a crisis with speakers Ruth Miller, Director of Communications for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and Nate Wardle, Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, on Thursday, May 28. We are so grateful that such centerstage professionals will make time to share their insights with us. - Candidates for Membership Voting
For the time being, voting on new members will occur following our monthly meetings, in our event recap survey. Please be sure to respond to the survey and cast your vote. We request that non-members who receive the post-meeting survey abstain from the vote. - NEW – PPRS Solution Sessions
Starting this month, PPRS will offer roundtable-like virtual discussions, during which participants will examine challenges that they and other members of the group are facing and brainstorm to find possible solutions. Questions will be submitted by registrants prior to the meeting and moderators will guide the discussion. We are initially offering this free to members and limiting registration to the first 10 individuals who sign up. Because space is limited, we do ask that everyone who registers prioritize attending these meetings. Registration is now open for our first session on Thursday, May 14. - Career Opportunities and Resume Circulation
For members seeking that perfect candidate or looking for their next step, please utilize the Members Only section of our website. The PPRS online database can also help you find freelancers or connect with potential employers.
PPRS is committed to offering value to our members in the wake of this pandemic and we are open to suggestions that could benefit you or your organization. Please contact me if you have suggestions for upcoming programs, new ideas that could help members or general feedback about our response to the pandemic.
I hope you are all staying healthy and sane.
Be well,
Carolyn
Carolyn Simpson
2020 PPRS President