Tuesday, January 31, 2012

2011-2012 PRSSA Chapter Establishes Student Run Firm

Many PRSSA chapters around the country have student-run public relations firms to provide bro-bono services to local clients. Organizations like non-profits and small businesses can benefit from the services provided by student firms because of their minimal cost and large teams dedicated to creating public relations strategies and materials. Students who participate in a student firm benefit from working with clients by collecting real-world experience, portfolio and resume material and establishing professional contacts.

The Waynesburg University PRSSA chapter may only be in its second year, but it’s more than ready to start working with local organizations in the community. Our goal is to use everything that we’ve learned about Public Relations in our coursework to create awareness and better these organizations in Waynesburg. Our starting clientele include:

United Way of Greene County:  The local chapter of one of the largest non-profit organizations in the country.
Objective: Redesign and write their quarterly newsletter for members and donors.

Greene County Historical Society: A local non-profit dedicated to the education and preservation of local and regional history.
Objective: Build and improve relationships between the society and Waynesburg University  through improved public relations tactics and strategies.

Waynesburg Press: A new sole-entrepreneurship in downtown Waynesburg near the university’s campus that sells gourmet (and delicious) coffee to patrons.
Objective: Increase the presence and awareness of the shop through on campus promotions, special events, and direct communication with the student body.

The members of the firm are very excited to be working with these clients. We feel that this will not only be a great opportunity to develop and expand the chapter, but also to prove ourselves as rising PR practitioners, and have an enjoyable time in the process.

-Kevin Conley, Senior Public Relations Major