Membership

Membership

Joining PRSA national and the Blue Ridge Chapter represents one of the best investments communications professionals can make in their careers. Click here for an online membership application.

With PRSA Chapter membership, you will:

• Become a visibly engaged member of your local public relations community while expanding your circle of colleagues and contacts.
• Attend local seminars, meetings, luncheon, receptions and programs.
• Earn recognition through industry awards.
• Step into leadership roles and advocate for the public relations profession.
• Learn about business development and job opportunities in your local
• community.

Dues
National Membership dues are $225 annually, plus a $65 one-time initiation fee.  You must be a national member in order to retain membership in the local chapter. Dues are paid through national. The Blue Ridge chapter can not process membership applications.2011 Membership Promotions

January 2011 - During the month of January, National PRSA will waive the reinstatment fee for any former members who renew their membership. New association members will receive a free new professional section membership when they join National.

February 2011 - New full members will receive a free chapter membership when they join National. New association members will receive a free new professional section membership when they join National.

May 2011 - New members will receive a $25 VISA gift card when they join National. New association members will receive a free new professional section membership when they join National.

July 2011 - The $65 initiation fee is waived for new full members who join National. New association members will receive a free new professional section membership when they join National.

August 2011 - The $65 initiation fee is waived for new full members who join National. New association members will receive a free new professional section membership when they join National.

October 2011 - New full members will receive a free chapter membership when they join National. New association members will receive a free new professional section membership when they join National.

November 2011 - New full members receive a free section membership when they join National. New association members will receive a free new professional section membership when they join National.

To Join
Join online now at www.prsa.org (click on "Membership" in the left column). You can also mail/fax the application posted on their website. Don't forget to check the box to join the Blue Ridge Chapter. 

For More Information
If you have questions, you can e-mail PRSA Member Services at membership@prsa.org or call 212-460-1400. 

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Renew with the Quarterly Payment Plan

Members can renew with quarterly payments. To sign up, contact Jackie Gonsalves, Member Services billing manager, at Jackie.gonsalves@prsa.org or 212-460-1492. The option is for renewing members only and is not available through online renewal.

Hardship Plan for Renewing Members who are Unemployed

This plan - whereby qualified member receive a one-time reduction in their National dues - has been announced to members who are unemployed, are up for renewal, and have been members for five or more years. Chapters who wish to reduce their dues and have not already done so are asked to contact Eileen Lintao, Member Services manager, with their rates or for questions, at Eileen.Lintao@prsa.org or 212.460.1490. Since the plan launched on April 1, 33 members have taken advantage of National's hardship plan.

New and Enhanced Members-only Offers

• Insurance for members and their families, or their businesses,
• FedEx shipping (Replaces DHL offer),
• Budget, and now Avis car rentals, too,
• Office products from Office Depot,
• Bank of America credit card which benefits the PRSA Foundation.
• The Financial Planning Association offers our members free access to financial planning e-hotline, monthly personal finance articles and, for Chapters, complimentary guest speakers for educational seminars on financial planning.