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October 2012

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Coffee, conversation and the CPRS Collection
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With public relations ranked as the fourth most caffeinated profession, it was only fitting that Balzac’s Coffee played host to the October 20 “Coffee and Conversation” event, the first Marketing Communications and Education Committee event of the season.

The Saturday morning social brought CPRS members together for a hot cup of coffee, friendly conversation and an exclusive tour of the Toronto Reference Library’s CPRS Toronto Collection.

Led by librarian Peggy Keefe, members were treated to an introduction to the books and journals that make up the CPRS Toronto Collection. A true public relations resource centre, the third floor collection holds volumes dedicated to the foundation of the profession, communication strategies, integrating social media into campaigns and more.

This vast collection is made possible by donations from CPRS Toronto and its members, with over $6,000 donated to date. These funds ensure the continuity and currency of the collection.

Though the books and periodicals of the CPRS Toronto Collection can only be referenced at the library, the newly renovated study areas beckon users to grab a book, a coffee (yes, you can maintain that caffeine fix in the library) and stay for awhile.

Also checkout a few pictures from the tour.

 

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New mandate speaks to our collective corporate social responsibility
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The three pillars of the Melbourne Mandate.

The world of PR will soon have a new mandate to shape the organizational role and responsibilities of public relations professionals. 

As part of the advance preparations, three working groups have been hard at work studying the issues and preparing the draft mandate for presentation and debate at World PR Forum 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.

  1. Organizational character
  2. Listening
  3. Responsibility

The new Melbourne Mandate picks up after the 2010 Stockholm Accords and is expected to be released later this month.

Watch this space for news that the final document is available and be among the first to share this guide to best practice with colleagues.

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Archived presentation: Public Relations Knowledge Exam @PRKexam (42:32)
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Note: This information session is available for public viewing.

Click the arrows in the bottom right corner to watch in full screen.

Research shows that Executives identify a gap between the competencies required by their organizations, and the skill set available within their communications team.

It has also been stated that PR agencies are challenged with the high number of applications received for entry-level positions and internships. They are looking for ways to better assess candidates and junior-level staffers, specifically for individual strengths and capabilities.

In response, the Canadian Public Relations Society is launching the first national entry level exam for the Public Relations profession. The Public Relations Knowledge Exam (PRK)™ is endorsed by the Canadian Council of Public Relations Firms and supported by Cision.

On October 11, 2012 the following three speakers discussed what you should know about the exam and about entering the profession:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Member appreciation event nets largest turnout in recent memory
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How to capture the energy of the 160 CPRS Toronto members who attended our season opener at the historic Enoch Turner Schoolhouse on September 27? Perhaps a few of your stories will do the trick.

CPRS Toronto hosted 160 Members at the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse for it’s season opener on September 27, 2012.

In her follow-up note to the event, Carol Panasiuk, APR, LM, says that she appreciated the opportunity to get together with the senior practice group at our private reception, which took place just prior to the main event with all CPRS Toronto members. She found the reception to be a great opportunity to catch up with her peers and has suggested that CPRS Toronto get the senior practice group together a couple of times each year. We’re planning on it, Carol!

Bruce Stock, APR, FCPRS, dropped in on Kathleen Garrett, APR, and the APR study group that had hived themselves off for some exam preparations. He told our APR candidates of his experience as an Oral Examiner in the CPRS Accreditation Program several years ago, revealing that he and the other two examiners had given a perfect score to a candidate. Bruce wanted to impress upon our candidates that, a) it could be done, and b) the key was that the successful candidate was concise with her answers. This APR candidate had spoken succinctly and with purpose and when she was done, she was done. It was great to be in on this particular interaction that will hopefully serve as some inspiration for the CPRS Toronto candidates who are now into an extremely intense part of the accreditation process.

The members heard brief updates from their Board members, learning about our current priorities and numerous upcoming events. These Board reports generated great follow-up discussions with our members and sponsors. I spoke with Emmanuel Caisse with CEDROM-SNi on his way out, for example. He had already connected with our Board liaison to sponsors, Laurie Smith, and was deeply engaged in exploring ways to meet our members’ professional needs.

This event has also jump-started our member volunteer network once again, to the delight of Board members Parm Chohan, who is coordinating volunteer placements with the Board’s working committees, and Jenn Heyes, who heads up our student leadership team.

CPRS Toronto President Vincent Power, APR, had a lively chat with a group of student members who were amused when he told them to be sure to pull their weight in group assignments at school. Vincent advised the students that PR school stories travel far and wide and could ultimately affect their employment. Our new student members were shocked and somewhat horrified to hear this but soon realized that they could relate. According to the students, the time spent on group assignments is the hardest time to like your fellow PR students.

We also heard from members who were unable to attend. Perhaps my favourite exchange was with Andrew Clarke who sent his regrets but didn’t forgo his opportunity to network. Andrew asked us for some support to get in touch with members who, like him, are giving leadership to social media and community relations strategies. We have since offered Andrew some contacts to get started.

Judging by what you said, I think we were successful in providing an appropriate and meaningful networking opportunity for our members at this event. I hope we also adequately conveyed our appreciation for your continuing member support of CPRS Toronto.

The final word here goes out to CPRS Toronto members Amie Zimon, Jessica Delaney and Jenn Heyes who answered our call for volunteer support at this event. Given the number of members who attended, they certainly had their hands full in terms of handling the social graces while also helping to ease our new members into the CPRS family. You did a truly admirable job. Thank you.

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