Change Creates Opportunities to Engage
Summer has barely begun, but for PRSA Oregon leadership it’s time to shift our focus to plans for 2018.
Work planned for consolidating chapter operations in 2017 is nearing completion or well underway.
And we have a clear list of transition activities to guide continued efforts in 2018, for instance completing all of our Policies & Procedures. We’re one of the first chapters in the district to commit to this operational necessity, so we’re figuring it out as we go.
As we fine-tune operations, we also started a second round of Listening Tour sessions to report what we heard. As promised, we’re coming back around to see you in person. To make sure everyone has access to the findings, the report will also be distributed digitally and through the mail.
We hosted a morning session with Portland-area members on June 20; additional sessions will be part of member orientation events in Salem on Aug. 12 and Eugene on Sept. 16. Mark your calendars!
Here’s how we’re already putting your great feedback to work:
- Accommodating travel: This year’s Spotlight Awards will be on a weekend night, Friday, Oct. 20, to allow for travel time. The location, Willamette Valley Country Club in Canby, Ore., was selected because it is central to our region.
- Geographic diversity: A Service Draft, designed to fill board and committee positions with PR pros from throughout Oregon and SW Washington, will launch on July 15.
- Events throughout the region: With eager local volunteer support, Meet the Media events can be hosted in multiple cities. Email events@prsaoregon.org if you’d like to host one. Spotlight Awards and Listening Tour sessions provide event options throughout the region in the last half of 2017.
- Enhanced programming: Members can provide input on a pilot PRSA Oregon “editorial calendar” of programs and activities during upcoming Listening Tour sessions.
We know that members get out of PRSA what they put into it. If you are feeling disconnected given all the changes taking shape, I urge you to learn more about service. As we work on the Service Draft, it will help to know how you’d like to be more involved, so please do reach out to service@prsaoregon.org or complete the form on our website.
We look forward to hearing how you’d like to take part in reaping the benefits of our regional chapter spanning from Vancouver to Medford to Bend to Baker City to Tri-Cities.
Yours in Service,
Julie
Julie Williams, APR, MA
2018 PRSA Oregon President-Elect
Transition Steering Committee Chair
Outreach Task Force Co-Chair