Five Easy Ways to Be a WMPRSA Ambassador

by Colleen Gehoski Steinman, APR

WMPRSA Membership & Professional Development Committees

There is no secret sauce enticing people to join an organization like PRSA or the West Michigan chapter. It can be a tough sell, particularly when fewer organizations will pay national membership dues or allow employees to attend luncheons and networking events during the workday. The national downward trend can feel overwhelming at times.

Forget the big picture for a minute, and think about who you know in your immediate circle that would benefit from being a PRSA member? Who is looking for how to stay ahead of the ever-changing trends in this business? Who needs a mentor? Or who would be an amazing mentor to the next generation of PR professionals? Who is looking to make a career move in the next few years?

I bet you know at least one person who would find incredible value in joining PRSA. Your connection to that person could be all that’s needed to bring him or her on as West Michigan PRSA’s newest member.

Being a WMPRSA ambassador is as simple as showcasing the role this organization plays in being the professional you are. Here are a few things you can do today to become an ambassador of WMPRSA and boost our membership:

1) Invite a Colleague: Bring a junior colleague, an intern or even a senior member of your leadership team to our next WMPRSA event. Introduce him/her/them to someone in the organization with a similar background or skill set. Help your colleague experience firsthand the value of networking and learning from someone else’s experiences.

2) Tell Your Story: Have you been invited to speak to a class or to a service organization? Make sure you include your membership information – how long you’ve been involved with PRSA and the value that it brings. I’ve lived and worked in three states. My PRSA membership opened the door in every community and helped me develop contacts when relocating.

3) Write a Blog Post: If you don’t have a speaking engagement or you’re terrified of public speaking, write a blog post about the value of your PRSA membership and why you stay involved in the organization. LinkedIn has a great platform for posting, or consider a guest blog opportunity if you don’t have a blog of your own. 

4)  Walk your Talk: Be the ethical voice in your organization. Talk openly about PRSA ethics and how you use them when making decisions. I use storytelling in fundraising so I follow both PRSA ethics and those of the Association of Professional Fundraisers (AFP). When our team is brainstorming or crafting stories for impact, I talk openly about ethics and why I’m advocating a particular position. The value of your PRSA membership helps cement your organization’s brand among customers.

5) Show Your Accolades: Wear your lapel pin. Display your membership plaques and any award certificates or PRoof trophies proudly. Your accomplishments also reflect on your employer and help establish a culture of excellence and service. Make a PRSA-related goal part of your professional development plan. See if your annual membership dues can be negotiated as part of your compensation package.

Being an ambassador for WMPRSA isn’t about pushing someone to join or delivering a hard sell, it’s about showcasing how you and your organization benefit from your membership and making a personal connection with just one colleague. Each one, bring one.