President’s Message: Get Involved

I was reading a recent thread in the PRSA leadership forums about the lack of networking events among local chapters. Some commenters voiced disappointment over a lack of social events at their respective chapters, and others discussed the good old, pre-COVID days, when there was more budget and seemingly more desire to gather in person more frequently. Eventually, as the conversation evolved, some questioned whether the national PRSA office might be partially to blame for this shift.

Reading the dialogue, I found myself agreeing with some of the comments but disagreeing with others. One statement stuck with me most as the volunteer president of this chapter:

"National doesn't create community. Chapters do. National enables community."

Simplistic as that is, it's at the heart of the issue. The PRSA National office may play some role in low participation at the chapter level, but I also doubt anyone would credit it for an active, vibrant chapter — that comes down to local leaders. I've been privileged to work with some talented, dedicated ones during my time on this board, and I challenge you to consider what difference you can make here, in Western North Carolina. Have an idea? Let's hear it. Have a complaint? Help us find a solution. We want you to get involved!

At the end of the year, we'll nominate a new group of leaders to take up the mantle of the board — I encourage you to consider a position. There are several ways you can participate, and we need all of them. Start by checking out our board positions and consider how you'd like to be involved. Over the next month, the nominating committee will be working on recommendations for the 2027 slate, and it'd be great to have more volunteers step up. Email us at connect@prsawnc.org to nominate yourself or a colleague, or to just learn more about a role.

I, for one, am grateful for the community we're building. I hope you are too.