Time To Step Up, NCC

By Samantha Villegas, APR, PRSA-NCC past president and PRSA Board member
In January, a few of my colleagues and I, who are also more senior like me, were recognized by the chapter for our contributions. It was an honor, and something I will always cherish.
My colleagues and I who received these honors do a lot for the chapter and always have. Between us, we have received more than our fair share of these awards, if that’s possible. I think it’s safe to say that service is in our DNA, but also, as senior practitioners, we each feel a deep sense of gratitude and purpose for PRSA and giving back just feels right.
But, I don’t want this award again.
Don’t get me wrong – it’s an incredible honor, and I am humbled by the recognition. Both awards I have received from the chapter have a prominent place on the bookshelf in my family room and I absolutely cherish them. What’s more, I have no plans to stop serving in whatever capacity I can to advance our mission. But, it’s time for others to be recognized.
This is not a comment on the nomination or selection process. I don’t deny we were – and are – deserving of the recognition. This is a comment on the rest of you. I don’t mean to come across harsh here. But, it’s time to step up.
When you do, here’s what I can promise: Succeed or fail, if you try and put some heart into it, you will learn. You will advance. You will make friends. Most of all, you will gain life-long, trusted colleagues who will mentor you, recommend you, and stand by you (or tell you when you need to be told that you are wrong) as my fellow award winners do with me and I love them for it. But, time is ticking, and your chance to make a difference is now.
So, step up, jump in, and really give this organization and its members the same care and attention PRSA has given you throughout your career. And, when you get the award next time, as I will be hoping you do, I’ll be in the crowd clapping loudest!
Samantha Villegas, APR is currently a national PRSA Board member. Sam was 2016 Chair of NCC’s IPRA, 2013 president of PRSA-NCC, and she served in several other capacities over the years including Mid-Atlantic District Chair, District Rep to the National Nominating Committee, Professional Advisor to GMU, Assembly Delegate, and APR Chair. She was the 2015 recipient of NCC’s Platinum Award and the 2017 recipient of the Diamond Award.