All PR pros face challenges in their daily roles. However, working in the public sector, particularly within local or state government, brings unique challenges of balancing internal communications with leadership and staff, appropriate responsiveness to elected officials, and engagement and education of residents and community members – all with high expectations. And usually with a limited staff. That’s where Chapter membership really proves its value.
We caught up with City of Decatur Communications Manager/PIO [Public Information Officer] Renae Jackson who shares how being an active member has offered her extra support, given her new skills, and connected her to people and ideas that directly affect her role.
“Being an active member of the Chapter has allowed me to connect with communications professionals from other sectors and explore opportunities to collaborate. I have even gotten assistance from other members in navigating a request or issue, specifically from someone who works for a company that my organization is a client of.”
“I’ve learned so many things through PRSA Georgia. A key moment was at a photography session during my first Annual Conference. The presenter explained the concepts of good photography in a way that I hadn’t experienced before. I was at the beginning of my photography journey and was super excited to use what I learned. I captured pictures all over Decatur that were included in the community newsletter.”
“My organization prides itself on being innovative and being involved in the Chapter provides me with opportunities to take successful campaigns or approaches others have shared and add it to my work.”
“We are all resources to each other. There are so many great people with tons of knowledge to share. Opportunities to collaborate and learn from communications professionals in other industries is very helpful in the public/government sector.”
We hope other public sector communicators benefit just as much and are excited to see a number of new and renewing members representing a variety of local governments and public agencies, including PR pros with the City of Atlanta, Gwinnett County, City of East Point, Rome Floyd Chamber, FEMA, and USDA.