PRSA

PRSA

National Capital Chapter

April President’s Letter

While colorful spring flowers are brightening our neighborhoods this month, many may not feel as vibrant. For many, we’re addressing upheaval in our workplaces, homes, and communities, whether dealing with job transitions or uncertainties, growing economic pressures on finances and savings, or just trying to keep up with a whirling news cycle. It’s ok to not be ok, and you aren’t alone.   

Our PRSA NCC community is here and ready to support you. Let us know what you need. By early May, we will share a brief member survey via email to get your feedback, interests, and needs as an NCC member. Take a few minutes to tell us how we can best support you. We’re listening and interested in your insights and feedback.

April is APR Month! What is the APR, you ask? Great question! In our industry, the Accreditation in Public Relations, or APR or APR+M, can be one of the most powerful ways to grow your career, deepen your expertise, and elevate our profession. Completing the process and adding APR or APR+M following your name is a mark of distinction that tells employers, clients, and peers that you lead with communications ethics, strategy, and purpose. Whether you’re seeking a new job opportunity, advancement, or just want to stretch yourself as a communicator, the APR can be a game changer.

Curious about earning your APR or APR+M? Join us on Tuesday, April 22 for a free, drop-in style Virtual Office Hours session with me and members of our APR Committee from 12-1:30 pm EDT and bring your APR questions. Ready to jump into the APR or APR+M? Join our virtual APR Jump Start Series—a four-part virtual program designed to guide you through the process with confidence and support. Secure your spot now – our first session is on Friday, April 25, from 9-11 am EDT!

What Else You Need to Know This Month:

  •  Career Support for Challenging Times: Many of you are navigating layoffs, transitions, and uncertainty in today’s job market. We curated an online resource list of job boards, networking opportunities, and mental health and wellness support. Use this resource and share it with others on LinkedIn and beyond. We’re planning to update this resource in May. Share any additional resources with us at info@prsancc.org.
  • How to Transition from Public Service to Private Sector: NCC is partnering with the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) to host a free webinar on May 5 from 12-1 pm EDT for members sharing actionable tips and inspiration from career placement experts and communication peers who have navigated the job market during times of uncertainty and moved from roles in the public sector to new opportunities in the private sector. Register today for “Transitioning From Public Service PR To Your Next Opportunity.”
  • Networking, Networking, Networking: Don’t miss our Spring Networking Happy Hour hosted by APCO on Wednesday, April 30 from 5-7 pm EDT. We will connect and mingle on APCO’s rooftop with amazing downtown DC views. Tip: Dress for those great Insta moments with your new connections. In May, we will gather at Tatte City Center in DC for a free Member Coffee Meet Up on Tuesday, May 13. Networking isn’t easy, and we want to help. Look out for our virtual session on How to Network Effectively In-Person or Online on Thursday, May 22 and reserve your spot now.
  • PRSA Members and Nonmembers Welcome at ICON: Hey, PRSA members! Take advantage of the lower ICON conference registration rate before September. You don’t want to miss the many hours of learning and connections to be made at ICON in DC from October 28-30. Not a PRSA member? Nonmembers who register for ICON receive a free PRSA membership for one full year (regularly $267) with their conference registration. Check out the ICON 2025 website to learn more.
  • Crystal’s Non-PRSA Resource(s) of the Month: I recently attended the National Association of Black Journalists Region 1 Conference at Howard University. During a session on artificial intelligence (AI) tools, panelists shared a few AI tool suggestions for journalists and communicators to increase efficiency and enhance storytelling. Tools like Perplexity and Claude.ai help with research and generating summaries in a more conversational tone than ChatGPT, while Google’s NotebookLM is ideal for analyzing large reports or academic content. Descript can edit video and mimic your own voice for multimedia storytelling. Remember: To practice ethical AI, these tools are best used as thought partners—not final editors—and require our oversight to ensure accuracy and avoid bias.
  • Prioritizing Self-Care and Getting Outdoors: Want to go for a walk with me? I’m planning to mark Celebrate Trails Day on Saturday, April 26, by walking some of the Mount Vernon Trail and  Theodore Roosevelt Island. If you want to join me for a social, relaxing walk, let’s meet near the McDonald’s at Rosslyn Metro Station in Arlington, Virginia at 8:30 AM EDT. I’d love the company, so sign up here: https://forms.gle/LCknAAQA9EoRpt7J7.

Be well, keep in touch, and thank you for being an essential part of PRSA NCC. Onward!

Crystal Borde
President, PRSA National Capital Chapter