The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), headquartered in New York City, is the world's largest professional organization for public relations practitioners. The Society's almost 20,000 members represent business and industry, counseling firms, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations.
Since it was chartered in 1948, PRSA has continued to provide a forum for addressing issues affecting the profession, and the resources for promoting the highest professional standards. It offers unequalled opportunities for improvement of skills and advancement of knowledge, as well as for exchange of information and experiences with other public relations professionals. The Society also firmly believes that professional integrity is based on sound and ethical practice. Members of PRSA adhere to a Code of Professional Standards for the Practice of Public Relations.
Organization
PRSA has 114 chapters throughout the United States, grouped into ten geographical districts. Chapter representatives in each district elect a district chair, who serves as a link among chapters, Board of Directors and staff.
PRSA's Board of Directors sets the strategic direction and policy for the Society and approves budgets and programming. The Board also appoints volunteers to national committees, boards and task forces, whose members work with staff to carry out PRSA's mission. The Assembly, with delegates representing Chapters, Sections and Districts, sets dues, amends bylaws and elects the officers and directors-at-large.
PRSA is also composed of 15 Professional Interest Sections. Sections offer members the opportunity to explore issues and concerns unique to their fields of specialization.
PRSSA
Continuing to serve the public relations industry, PRSA extends its services to the student level. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) has more than 6,000 members in 209 chapters on college campuses across the country.
Development & Communication
PRSA provides an integrated professional development program for its members that includes an annual National Conference, Professional Development Seminar Series, Publications, Home Study Courses, Audio and Video collections, and many other materials to help members enrich their careers.
The PRSA Professional Practice Center is PRSA's customer service and information resources group. The Center provides a gateway to organizations, individuals, products and services that are relevant to the responsibilities of a public relations professional.
PRSA produces two publications to keep you aware of current trends affecting the industry. Public Relations TACTICS, is a monthly award-winning newspaper filled with news, trends and how-to information for public relations professionals. Members also receive a quarterly publication, The Public Relations STRATEGIST, which is devoted to the issues and trends that affect senior management, especially as they relate to communication with an organization's publics.
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Accreditation
In 1964, PRSA established a voluntary Accreditation program to unify and advance the profession by identifying those who have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgment in the field. The Universal Accreditation Program is newly formed as of January 1, 1998 and now includes eight public relations organizations. The program seeks to improve public relations practice through granting the designation Accredited in Public Relations (APR) to professionals that pass a written and oral examination.
Awards
PRSA also host a series of public relations awards. The Silver Anvil Awards, considered the "Oscars" of public relations, are given for excellence in public relations programs in 15 categories. The Bronze Anvil Awards recognize outstanding public relations tactics that are components of public relations programs. The Gold Anvil, Outstanding Educator Award and the Paul M. Lund Public Service Award are granted to public relations practitioners based on their professional achievements and significant contributions to the public relations profession.
Royal Palm Award
The Public Relations Society of America's Miami Chapter awards the annual Royal Palm Award to a member of our community who demonstrates excellence in communications.
To receive the Royal Palm Award, the winner must be an outstanding professional who has made a significant contribution to Miami-Dade County, while advancing the values and beliefs held in high regard by PRSA and the public relations profession. Past winners have made an important social, political or economic impact in our community.
The Royal Palm Award is presented at the annual EvClay/PRSA Endowment Luncheon held in the fall.
For more information, contact the Royal Palm Award Co-Chairs:
Danixa Lopez
On The Spot Media & Marketing
Mary-Angie Salva-Ramirez, PhD.
Departments of Communications, FLMU
Royal Palm Award Recipients:
1997 Ron Levitt, APR
1998 Hank Meyer, APR
1999 Brian Norcross
2000 M. Anthony (Tony) Burns
2001 Merrett Stierheim
2002 Lynne Cameron
2003 Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin
2004 Michael Aller
2005 Jorge Plasencia
2006 Aida Levitan, PhD., APR
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