PRSA Richmond is a professional association serving Central Virginia public relations practitioners. The chapter and the national organization, PRSA, are both marking more than a half-century of bringing professionals together to enhance the practice, to provide an exchange of experiences and ideals, and to promote professional development.
PRSA Richmond was created in 1995 through the merger of two long-established and respected regional organizations, the Richmond Public Relations Association and the Old Dominion Chapter PRSA. The RPRA was a Richmond-based public relations group formed in 1946. The ODC was formed in 1961 serving professionals across Virginia. With the formation of two other PRSA chapters serving Tidewater and Western Virginia, ODC had refocused its group on Central Virginia and found itself sharing many goals and members with RPRA. The two groups united in 1995 to become a single, stronger organization.
Monthly Luncheon Programs
PRSA Richmond hosts a monthly luncheon and professional development or informational program. The chapter issues a newsletter to all members and publishes a directory of all members annually.
Foundation
The chapter has formed a nonprofit foundation in order to offer scholarships to outstanding college students who are majoring in public relations. In addition, PRSA Richmond sponsors public service projects within the Richmond area to help nonprofit organizations in the community with their public relations efforts.
Accreditation
PRSA Richmond supports the national PRSA universal accreditation program, a voluntary certification program that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgment in the field. Those who complete the exam successfully are awarded the designation ‘Accredited in Public Relations’ (APR).
Student Outreach
The Richmond chapter also sponsors a Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University, and works with VCU as well as other area colleges to enrich the educational experiences of those studying to enter the field.
Chapter Awards
Professional accomplishments are recognized through two annual awards programs. The
Virginia Public Relations Awards are given each spring for to honor outstanding public relations campaigns and programs, as well as to recognize excellence in a variety of public relations disciplines. Career achievements are recognized through the chapter’s prestigious
Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Relations.
