I know what you’re thinking. “Isn’t that overstating it just a little bit?” Actually, no. Let me explain. I became a member of PRSA years ago as part of my organization. But I wasn’t really involved except to attend the yearly ComCon conference in Portland. Then one year, a colleague asked if I would help register attendees. It was a small commitment so I said yes.
Arriving early, I met some truly wonderful and energetic people. Together we had a blast in the mayhem of getting everyone their name tags and marking them off. It was a simple task yet I had so much fun.
I started thinking that PRSA Oregon was perhaps of more value to me than I had considered before. Another colleague, also very involved in PRSA Oregon, suggested I should attempt to get my Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). Had I not had exposure to what a true public relations professional was like, I might not have responded.
As it was, I took up the challenge. After nearly a year, I became a newly minted APR and my professional life was never the same. I learned so many concepts and didn’t know at the time, but my connections through volunteering would come through in a major way during an unexpected job change.
Maybe your life can be enriched by volunteering as well? It can be a small one-time commitment or something ongoing. Take a minute and check out our volunteer page. You can look at current needs or just fill out our simple form so someone can contact you.
Like for me, I know you won’t regret it!
