March President’s Message by Lisa Kiefer
Dear PRSA National Capital Chapter Members and Community:
As we unite through separation, many members of our professional and personal communities are facing an array of challenges – from remaining productive and finding ways to generate new business while working or managing a team fully remotely, to balancing at-home childcare and education needs, tending from afar to loved ones who need care or medical support, and for some now, being furloughed or even losing their jobs. To say this is a difficult time would be an understatement.
What matters most to our chapter right now is coming together and finding ways to support each other however we can. You will see that sentiment in action from the National Capital Chapter (NCC).
Following our official statement on COVID-19 containment efforts, the NCC Board of Directors and chapter leaders have been hard at work – volunteering hours of their time outside of their jobs and personal responsibilities to ensure the communication, resources and support we provide is meaningful and useful to you during this sensitive time.
The first wave of those efforts include:
- Carefully selected, high-quality free and discounted virtual events that will be rolling out in the coming days (stay updated through the NCC online Events, Facebook or LinkedIn pages);
- A free online library of organizations’ statements, reports and communication to customers, members and / or donors pertaining to COVID-19, to serve as resources to inform and support your efforts;
- A support system for members to submit and receive answers to questions about professional challenges or situations they are navigating during this time;
- An enhanced listing of job opportunities in or available from Washington, D.C.-area organizations to help professionals in need of employment;
- A collection of free professional development and community support forums available to PRSA members;
- Design of a revitalized awards program and gala (the Thoth Awards and National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame) to recognize excellence in strategic communications campaigns and outstanding lifetime achievements of local individuals and organizations; and
- The rescheduling of postponed in-person events from March and April to ensure members have access to those speakers and educational opportunities when daily business functions can safely resume.
All the while, our committees are continuing to provide support and plan programs to support PRSA-NCC members and the broader community. These committees have flexible models for volunteers in terms of time commitment. If you are looking for ways to get more active in a professional sector of interest, advance a personal passion or hone a professional skill, we highly recommend you join one of our many committees. Many current and past NCC members have secured jobs and references; business, speaking, and leadership opportunities; and have even developed genuine friendships through these committees.
Through all of these resources and opportunities, and those yet to come, we remain dedicated to our mission to support local communications professionals by fostering collaboration, enhancing knowledge and skills, and creating connections through robust, innovative and inclusive educational, networking and professional growth opportunities.
As always, I welcome you to reach out to me personally any time, as well as the knowledgeable and dedicated individuals who make up the PRSA-NCC Board of Directors and committee chairs. We are in this together, and we are here for you.
Lisa Kiefer
PRSA National Capital Chapter President