Reap the Rewards of Volunteering
Posted by David Eaheart, APR on Feb. 14, 2012 / Subscribe 0
I became a member of the Greater Kansas City PRSA about 14 years ago and joined mainly for the study sessions the chapter provided for those preparing to take the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) exam.
Up until 1998, I had been involved with the Agricultural Relations Council, a national organization for ag public relations professionals. However, as a national organization it doesn’t have local chapters, and I hadn’t had much contact with other area PR professionals except my co-workers.
Little did I know what I was missing by not connecting with Kansas City public relations professionals until I joined and became involved in GKC PRSA.
Soon after joining, I served on the PRISM awards judging committee. Since then, I’ve reaped the rewards of volunteer experience with GKC PRSA and have served in various ways from a PRISM judge to coaching APR study sessions to serving on the board. Even as my career advances, I enjoy volunteering with the local chapter and always reap rewards.
I encourage you to get involved with the chapter because I’m confident you’ll discover similar benefits.
Networking—In our day-to-day, crazy schedules, it’s easy to isolate ourselves and focus on getting the job done. Through PRSA, I’ve met Kansas City PR professionals working for different industries, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. If I hadn’t volunteered, more than likely I would have never met some of these people and found out about the great resources they can share that often can help me get the job done.
New Ideas – By volunteering, I pick up new ideas I can use, especially now I’m the sole professional communicator at my company and don’t have a sounding board of other PR professionals near me. I’ve bounced ideas off many of the nearly 20 people I’ve coached through the APR process to get a new perspective on a challenge I’m tackling at work. I would have never have met most of those I’ve coached and been exposed to their great ideas without my GKC PRSA volunteering experience.
Friendships – I’ve made some great friends because of PRSA. In the busy world we live, it’s always good to have friends in which you share a common interest.
Fun – I have had a lot of fun volunteering with GKC PRSA, and you can never have too much fun and enjoyment in your career and life.
Making a Difference – I find personal satisfaction knowing my service to the chapter helps other public relations professionals advance their careers and contributes to building credibility for the profession. No matter how big or small, your volunteer efforts can make a difference and you’ll find personal satisfaction in doing it.
I’m sure you’ll discover these and many other benefits if you get involved in the chapter. If you’re not sure where you can help, let me or any of the board members know, and we’ll find a volunteer activity, small or large, that will fit your schedule and interests.
David Eaheart, APR, serves as president of GKC PRSA and is director of marketing at Seaboard Foods, Merriam, Kan. He can be reached at [email protected].
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