The document summarizes a presentation given by the Canadian Public Relations Society Edmonton Chapter to Grant MacEwan University's Public Relations program. It defines public relations as managing public attitudes and policies in the public interest. It outlines areas of public relations work and benefits of joining the professional organization, including networking, professional development, and awards. It encourages students to take advantage of mentors and join CPRS for additional benefits and resources.

1. Canadian Public Relations Society Edmonton Chapter Presentation to Grant MacEwan University Public Relations program September 28, 2009

2. Background Education Employment Involvement with Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS)

3. What is public relations? CPRS definition : "the management function which evaluates public attitudes, identifies the policies and procedures of an individual or organization with the public interest, and plans and executes a program of action to earn public understanding and acceptance."

4. Public relations practioner CPRS definition : designs public attitude research assists organizations in interpreting and managing their socio/political context designs and implements public affairs programs designs, manages and implements communications programs or parts thereof, which use techniques such as news or trade media contact, newsletters or brochures, audio or audio-visual media, special events, public speaking, or other technical means of reaching and communicating with defined audiences or is a career teacher of public relations/communications at a post-secondary institution.

5. Areas of work Community Relations Fund Development Issues Management Publicity Special Events Employee Relations Consulting Government Relations Marketing- Communications Corporate Communications Investor Relations Industry Relations Media Relations Public Consultation Public Affairs Research Social Media

6. Why join a professional organization? Networking Share ideas/best practices Find out about employment opportunities Professional development Volunteer opportunities

7. About CPRS 16 member societies in Canada National founded in 1948, incorporated in 1953 CPRS Edmonton founded in 1963 Member of the Global Alliance , established in 2000 with 100,000 members on 5 continents

8. CPRS membership Code of Professional Standards , confidentiality/privacy / conflict of interest declaration s & CPRS Policy Statement Communications in Social Media Professional development sessions ( local , provincial, national ) e-newsletter (PR Edmonton) e-Jobline Accreditation (APR) Volunteerism Awards programs ( Ar été & national ) LinkedIn and new CPRSEdmonton.ca site

9. CPRS student membership Benefits of student membership (Sept.-Aug.), student member extension Student professional development sessions Networking benefits Ar eté Student Awards (deadline end of March)

10. Learn from mentors “ You’re more than a just a communicator. If you’re really good, you’re also a coach, counselor, comedian, confessor, and confidant. You’re a critical asset delivering guidance and direction. You’re in there as part of the team, giving all you know and value. And being that total, professional counselor brings a satisfying high that’s difficult to duplicate in any other way. So savor it, and grow as a result of it.” Excerpt from “Ten key lessons I’ve learned during 40 years in PR” Bart J. Mindszenthy, APR, Fellow CPRS

11. Joining CPRS Edmonton Aric Johnson, Membership chair 780.410.4128 [email_address] www.cprsedmonton.ca www.cprs. ca www.twitter.com/cprsedmonton Student membership form www.slideshare.net/dibegin