Driven to Distinction- UI PRSSA makes a lasting impression in Detroit
Greetings from the 2008 PRSSA National Conference in Detroit!
We stepped off the plane yesterday but we have already gained a tremendous amount of insight into the field of public relations. The Renaissance Center is a beautiful venue and the atmosphere is contagiously exciting-in the words of Mike Cherenson, Chair Elect of PRSA, “everyone is drinking the kool-aid.”
It has been hard deciding on what workshops to sit in on because they all sound great! So far, we have attended presentations about crisis communication, pitching like pros, global communication, branding, fundraising, how to succeed in the office without really trying, and how to make the most of our resources.
This morning, we attended keynotes by Ofield Duke, fellow PRSA and the “god mother of PRSSA,” Betsy Plank. We couldn’t believe our eyes when Betsy Plank took the podium. As members of PRSSA, we felt privileged to be in the same room as the founder of our beloved organization. After the chapter roll call, we were lucky enough to catch her in between the PRSA conference and luncheon. It was an honor to shake the hand of the woman that made it all possible.
It has been wonderful meeting members from other chapters, including the University of Georgia, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of Southern Georgia, and our fellow Iowans at the University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State.
Stay posted for more updates from the National Conference!
PRSSA Love —Tegan
Improve your writing skills
Sharp Writing: Build Better Writing Skills/ Kaplan Publishing (you can find it at Iowa Book)
This is a really good reference book for those who need to brush up or re-learn writing skills for all formats/types of writing.
The first step of the book is their Building Block Quiz which determines what you know. Step 2 involves lessons where you review your old skills and learn new ones. Building Block 3 puts the new skills to the test. The end of each chapter has a test to assess your knowledge.
The book is divided into sections like Structure, Syntax, Diction, Clarity, Tone, Usage, etc. It also goes through the writing stages: prewriting, writing, revising,editing and proofreading.
Most importantly it discusses resumes, cover letters, proposals, memos, and business letters.
Many PR internships and jobs require a writing test and this book provides great practice so if you need to brush up on your skills, check it out.
PRSSA Nonperishable Food Donation Drive Oct. 15
PRSSA will host a Nonperishable Food Donation Drive Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Kautz Plaza (right outside the Pappajohn Business Building). All items collected will be donated to the Johnson County Crisis Center in Iowa City.
The top 10 suggested donations to food bank include:
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Canned meat
- Peanut butter
- Juice
- Baby formula
- Small diapers
- Baby food (all stages)
- Pasta
- Paper products
Contact Gloria Hurtado with questions, or to sign-up as a volunteer. Hope to see you there!
