UAB Accreditation Tips and Tools — September 2014

Need an expert to speak on APR? Consider inviting someone from the UAB.

Sometimes a person who is not a member of your Chapter or participating organization can offer new perspectives on the APR process. Consider having someone from the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) attend as a guest speaker. UAB members are well versed in APR and are able to answer many different questions about the process, while debunking any myths. Contact Kathy Mulvihill today at (212) 460-1436 or email kathy.mulvihill@prsa.org to find out how you can locate a local UAB member to support your event.

School’s back in session and it’s a great time to socialize APR among students and future professionals.

Most colleges, universities and PRSSA Chapters welcome public relations professionals into the classroom to discuss the profession. Poll your recently Accredited professionals and find out if they are interested in speaking to future practitioners. If you find some interested Accredited professionals, be sure they mention the importance of APR, explain the process and start to socialize the concept. It’s never too early to plant the seed for APR!

There’s still time to celebrate the “big 50.”

• There’s still time to celebrate 50 years of public relations Accreditation. If your Chapter or participating organization has not recognized its APRs in 2014, there are still three months left to host an event. An easy photo op for the local business paper could be a 50^th anniversary cake with people who earned Accreditation in 2014.
• As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, there is a pop-up trade show banner and tabletop exhibit for loan. It’s free for participating organizations and PRSA Chapters to use between now and Dec. 31, 2014, but groups have to pay shipping costs. Reserve the booth for your meeting today! Contact Kathy Mulvihill today at (212) 460-1436 or email kathy.mulvihill@prsa.org.

PRSA 2014 International Conference offers hosts of APR info.

• Encourage Conference attendees to participate in dozens of professional development sessions that include material/subjects covered in the APR examination. Candidates can supplement their studies with presentations that touch on different areas of the APR examination, strengthening their understanding in areas they may be weak in.
• Encourage Conference attendees to visit the APR booth at the Exhibit Hall and chat with an APR.
• Join us for the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) 50th anniversary breakfast on Monday, Oct. 13, 7–8 a.m. Mingle with PRSA leaders from across the country for a complimentary cup of coffee and continental breakfast and learn about the process for achieving APR as well as the value it can bring to your career.

Does your Chapter have APR mentors?

Review the list of recently Accredited members and ask them if they would be willing to mentor candidates through the Accreditation process. Assign one candidate per mentor and make sure they both physically meet at least once. Even better, when congratulating your newly Accredited practitioners, gain their commitment to give back in mentoring. Leverage their enthusiasm!

Incorporate APR into your Chapter’s programming for 2015.

We are about to enter the last quarter of 2014, and many Chapters and participating organizations are developing programming and strategic plans for 2015. Be sure to suggest including APR jumpstarts and related programs in your 2015 plan.