Kicking off 2026
Happy January!
I'm excited to kick off 2026 as president of PRSA WNC! You can expect a monthly email from us during the last week of each month throughout the year.
In December, our board held a virtual retreat to have frank discussions about where we are as a chapter and to cast a vision for the coming year. These discussions identified three areas of focus:
Membership and Outreach: We believe our organization's purpose is to cultivate a supportive community of professionals who network and support each other.
Programming: Our jobs are challenging, and we value opportunities to grow and learn. We have a wealth of talent and knowledge in our chapter (...that means YOU) and through our PRSA networks. We can bring value to our members by tapping into that for programming.
Communication: We need to consistently share opportunities, celebrate successes, and keep our community connected.
In our January board meeting, we agreed to focus on the goals and objectives outlined below. We're sharing these publicly for transparency and accountability, and so you can come alongside us in meeting them.
This is a small volunteer board with jobs, families, and busy lives—which means we do this because we believe in the value PRSA brings to our professional lives and our region. But we can't do it alone. Whether you're brand new to this chapter, have been observing from afar, or were once active and took a well-deserved step back—now's the time to get involved.
I hope you participate in some way this year, even if it's small. We are better because you are part of it, and we need your voice and your talents.
Best,
Tanner Pickett, MPA, APR
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2026 GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 - Membership/Outreach
Create a growing, engaged, and involved community of public relations professionals.
Objectives: By the end of the year, we will
Increase membership by 10%
Contact all new members (new and renewals) within a month of renewal
Provide at least 6 ways for members to actively participate in the chapter
Goal 2 - Programming
Provide relevant and valuable professional development centered on the needs of our region's members.
Objectives:
Establish two target outreach initiatives focused on student chapters, young professionals, underrepresented groups, and other state/nearby related organizations to broaden the diversity of the membership base.
By February 16, 2026, distribute a survey to all current paying members for interests/needs, and ask for completion by March 2, 2026.
Host 4 events in 2026, in person or virtual, that provide professional development opportunities in specific areas as identified by the member survey (e.g., digital and social media, AI, crisis communication, demonstrating reputational value to senior leaders).
Host at least 2 regional meetings in each region in 2026.
Goal 3 - Communication
Provide consistent, reliable communication about chapter news, events, and opportunities.
Objectives:
Send 12 chapter emails in 2026
Open an Instagram account in 2026
