The Connecticut Valley Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America was established as part of the national professional organization on April 29, 1955. The chapter is one of three in Connecticut and 114 nationally.

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is an individual membership professional society of nearly 20,000 public relations practitioners. The Connecticut Valley Chapter, with more than 130 members, serves professionals throughout Central, Northern and Eastern Connecticut, as well as Western Massachusetts.

Chapter luncheon or breakfast programs are held each month, including an annual member's summer social each August. The professional development programs feature guest speakers who share insight and experiences on a wide range of topics that relate to public relations.

1. Network and Connect
Whether you are looking to learn from experienced PR professionals, to find colleagues to share with or to pass along what you've learned in your career, PRSA offers networking with all levels of practitioners - from those new to the work force to the heads of agencies.

2. Programs/Professional Development
The Connecticut Valley Chapter attracts nationally recognized speakers and capitalizes on local experts and resources. They demonstrate best practices in action, educate about trends in the field and reinforce why what you do everyday is important.

3. Professional Credibility
PRSA is committed to promoting the ethical practice of public relations. The national organization has established the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) distinction to assist in continually raising the bar for the profession.

4. Community Involvement
Interact with colleagues who know what your day is like! Watch your efforts make a difference when you join a committee, mentor a student or help with the chapter's community service project. Most years, the chapter partners with an organization in order to provide free public relations services. Committee members can't say enough good things about this endeavor.

5. Stay Current on Professional Issues
You'll read about the field on the national level and experience the local level like never before. Be on the cusp of what's happening in your profession and influence it locally.

PRSA National also provides a list of membership benefits on its Web site.

How to Join

If you live or work in Central, Northern or Eastern Connecticut, or Western Massachusetts, the Connecticut Valley Chapter is the most conveniently located chapter for you. For information on other Connecticut chapters, click here.

PRSA National processes all applications for membership. Please print out the PDF file, fill out the form and return it with payment to:

PRSA
Membership Department
33 Maiden Lane, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10038-5150

You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the PDF file.
You also may complete an online application through National. Click on membership. The phone number for PRSA National is 212-995-2230.

For questions about membership, please contact our membership chair, Cory Maloy via email by clicking on his name.

Back to Top Membership Dues

The most common question we receive about membership relates to the pricing structure. It works like this:
1. There is either an initiation fee or a reinstatement fee to pay. Those completely new to PRSA pay the initiation fee, currently $65. Those who have been PRSA members in the past pay the reinstatement fee, currently $35.
2. National dues are $225. There are special rates for Associate Members - those who are PRSSA graduates, who are pursuing a master's or doctorate and who have two or fewer years of experience. The initiation fee is waived in these instances:

1. PRSSA graduates must have been a PRSSA member at time of graduation and may apply within two years of graduation at an annual rate of $60.
2. Full-time master's and doctoral candidates who plan to teach public relations must provide proof of matriculation to obtain the $60 annual rate.
3. Those with less than one year of experience may apply at an annual rate of $115.
4. Those with less than two years of experience may apply at an annual rate of $155.
Those with special situations (such as job loss) should contact PRSA National.