National

Boston is home to an inordinate number of PR people. If you believe in the value of community on the local level -- peers who can provide career guidance, mentoring and skills development -- then what's the point of having another layer in the organization?

Especially these days, the reasons are numerous. Combining the strengths and contributions of sister chapters all over the country, the national association can develop and offer more professional resources than possible under the finite time and financial assets of any single local group.

Here are just some of the benefits that flow to Boston from PRSA National.

Click image for more information on the 2011 national conference in Orlando. (Opens in new window or tab.)

1. DEVELOP YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE: For the highest value at the lowest price, on-site seminars and conferences, teleconferences, webcasts and conference are available for practitioners at every stage of their careers.

2. STAY CURRENT WITH AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATIONS: The Strategist is a must-read quarterly magazine for all senior practitioners. Public Relations Tactics covers a wide range of professional topics authored by professionals in every PR discipline.

3. OBTAIN CAREER ASSISTANCE: You have job search assistance right at your fingertips through the local and national websites, plus classified ads and links to PR resources.

4. JOIN PROFESSIONAL INTEREST SECTIONS: You have an unparalleled opportunity to add your voice to those people determining the standards or professional norms in one or more of 14 practice-specific groups that focus on specific area of practice.

5. EARN INDUSTRY RECOGNITION: Improve and earn acknowledgment of your skills through the Silver and Bronze Anvil Awards programs, honoring the best in PR practices and tactics in the US.

6. TAP UNEQUALED PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES: Conduct your work-related research with access to hundreds of PR campaign case histories, award-winning PR activity write ups and the latest industry trend data available. Join an online group of fellow practitioners to discuss issues, exchange ideas and offer advice.

7. LOCATE MENTORS: The Mentoring Program, offered through the College of Fellows, provides both online and in-person guidance by individuals with 20 or more years of experience.

8. SNAG MEMBERS-ONLY BARGAINS: PRSA Boston members are eligible for everything from special rates for business expenses like car rentals and overnight shipping to discounts on press release distribution wires and many other PR services.

Learn more PRSA by visiting the national site or contact a Boston colleague about additional benefits.