Should you speak up or stay silent? It’s one of the hardest judgment calls communicators face. The event hosted by PRSA Boston and Yankee PRSA at the Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy (Andover) on Oct. 16, 2025, discussed ways to tackle that very dilemma head-on. It explored the PR profession’s toughest questions: When is it right to make a public statement—and when is silence more strategic?
Expert Panelists:
Key Takeaways:
- Transparency + Action: T.J. Winnick reminded us that effective statements must communicate transparency and accountability. Tracey Sweet added, “If you’re going to make a statement, put action behind it.” Words must lead to measurable steps that demonstrate integrity and follow-through.
- Purposeful Selectivity: The Phillips Academy models intentional restraint – recognizing that not every issue demands a statement. Some topics are best left to subject-matter experts. The school’s media relations guidelines outline a clear, consistent approach to public communication.
- Preparedness + Policy: Credibility begins long before a crisis. Strong hiring, employee, and social media policies ensure fairness, compliance, and alignment with organizational values — essential foundations for ethical communication.
- Relationships + Relevance: Will Katcher underscored that trust is built before the story breaks. Reporters seek credible, timely experts who contribute diverse perspectives — not reactive voices after the fact.
- The Andover Principles: Pause • Purpose • Proportion: Before speaking – or choosing silence – pause to reflect, clarify purpose, and ensure your response is proportional to the moment.
If you’re going to make a statement, put action behind it.
As always, networking also took center stage. The joint event created a welcoming space for attendees to reconnect with longtime colleagues and build new relationships across chapter boundaries.
Cross-chapter events help amplify learning opportunities and broaden one’s professional support network, enabling practitioners to benchmark practices and share resources beyond their immediate communities. Here are upcoming PRSA Boston events:
PRSA Boston 75th Anniversary Celebration & Annual Meeting
- Wednesday, December 17, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Location: ML Strategies, One Financial Center, 41st floor, Boston, MA
- As the Public Relations Society of America’s Boston Chapter kicks off its 75th Year, we invite you to help us celebrate this milestone at our Annual Meeting. You will also toast the recipients of the Chapter’s highest honor, the Diane Davis Beacon Award, and meet the local PRSA leadership team for 2026.
- Guest Panel: 75 Years of Partnerships with New England Journalists: Meet Today’s Editors
Hear from a diverse panel of Boston media. Enjoy the panoramic view of Boston Harbor while networking with PR professionals from across New England!
PRSA Boston & PR Club Holiday Sparkle
- January 13, 2026, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET
- Location: 775 Beacon St., Boston, MA
- PRSA Boston and PR Club are teaming up for a joint winter mixer, bringing together communicators from agencies, in-house teams, nonprofits, startups, and independent practices. This casual, co-hosted event is all about connection — meeting new faces, strengthening existing relationships, and celebrating the work we do to shape stories across the region and beyond.
Keep an eye on PRSA Boston Chapter’s website and social media channels for details on upcoming events. We hope to see you at the next one.
