PRSA Buffalo/Niagara Chapter - About Our Chapter

With the vision to unify and strengthen the profession of public relations, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has established itself as the pre-eminent organization that builds value, demand and global understanding for public relations.  And the Buffalo/Niagara Chapter, one of the nation's fastest-growing, mirrors the national organization's mission to advance the profession and the professional. 

PRSA National

PRSA is the world's largest organization for public relations professionals. Its nearly 20,000 members, organized into 116 chapters, represent business and industry, technology, counseling firms, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations.

Chartered in 1947, PRSA's primary objectives are to advance the standards of the public relations profession and to provide members with professional development opportunities through continuing education programs, information exchange forums and research projects conducted on the national and local levels.  Click here to learn more about PRSA National.

The Buffalo/Niagara Chapter

One of the fastest growing and most dynamic chapters in the country, the Buffalo/Niagara Chapter celebrated 40 years of excellence in 2005.  Today, the organization boasts close more than 160 members, and is part of PRSA's Northeast District, which also includes: Rochester, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Capital Region, Boston, Southeastern New England and Yankee chapters.

Networking

Our chapter comprises of professionals from various sectors, including corporate, agency, government and non-profit, from entry-level to seasoned practitioners.   Ample networking opportunities exist year-round via monthly chapter-sponsored programs and events.  As a member of the Buffalo/Niagara chapter, you will enjoy the additional privileges of our online job bank and member directory, as well as discounts on chapter programs and invitations to member-only functions.

Professional Development

The monthly professional development programs tackle a wide variety of topics relevant to today's practitioner, including diversity, strategic communication, crisis communication and media relations, just to name a few.  All workshops are designed to help members develop and enhance the skills necessary to practice effective public relations.

Signature Events

Two of the Buffalo/Niagara Chapter's signature events are the Excalibur Awards competition in June, and the Sunrise Seminar Series held each August.  The Excalibur Awards competition, established in 1990, is conducted annually to recognize amd reward outstanding public relations programs and projects developed by practitioners throughout the region.

The Sunrise Seminars Program is a four-week, early-morning professional development initative, which enables related topics to be discussed in-depth.  The series typically appeals to professionals from a wide assortment of disciplines and non-members alike.

Volunteering

Looking to get involved?  In addition to joining, there are many ways to get involved!  Chapter committees include:  Membership, Finance/Sponsorship, Accreditation, Excalibur, Program, Scholarship, E-newsletter and Web Site.  The time commitment varies by committee, and we are happy to accommodate your schedule.  For more information on committees, please e-mail Brenda Schwamborn.

Helpful Links

Join PRSA

PRSA National Official Statement on Public Relations

PRSA National Member Code of Ethics