The Wisconsin School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) is a professional association representing schools, school districts, educational associations, consulting agencies and organizations. WSPRA is a state affiliate of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). WSPRA has earned NSPRA’s Exemplary Chapter Award multiple times, distinguishing the organization as the state’s leader in school-community relations, providing valuable professional development opportunities to its members. Mission of WSPRAThe mission of WSPRA is to “expand the capacity of its members to provide effective communication management for the purpose of strengthening educational opportunities for all students.” HistoryThe Wisconsin School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) was chartered in August, 1967 by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). George Tipler, first Executive Director of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB), recognized the critical role that public relations plays in school districts. Tipler encouraged active participation by WASB to support the efforts of public relations professionals. From this initial handful of members, WSPRA has grown to an organization representing, schools, school districts, educational associations, consulting agencies and organizations. WSPRA continues to serve the needs and interests of superintendents, board of education members, principals, secretaries, teachers, consultants, and professional public relations personnel in school districts throughout Wisconsin. What is a School PR Program?According to the National School Public Relations Association, an educational public relations program
Source: National School Public Relations Association National RecognitionFrom its inception, WSPRA has been a very active organization, seeking to provide services to its members-an annual conference, workshops on current issues, specialized presentations, handbooks on specific topics, and networking. The National School Public Relations Association values the activities of its chapters and provides opportunities for its chapters to be recognized for activities and projects conducted throughout the year. Blue Ribbon Chapter StatusBlue Ribbon Chapter Awards are given by NSPRA to state chapters for efforts in their work toward NSPRA’s mission to assure lifelong learning by improving education through responsible communication and interpersonal relationships. Chapters are encouraged to serve their membership through chapter PR in-service programs, chapter member contributions to education, and contributions to professional growth. For well over a decade, WSPRA has consistently been recognized by NSPRA as a Blue Ribbon Chapter Distinguished Chapter RecognitionIn addition to Blue Ribbon Chapter Awards, NSPRA awards are also given for Distinguished Year-Round Programs and Distinguished Single Projects. For the past several years, WSPRA has received recognition at the distinguished level.
Exemplary Chapter, Mark of Distinction
“The judges were impressed with the comprehensive year-long program and WSPRA’s continued efforts to provide quality professional development and support for members that is timely and relevant, and that addresses a variety of communication topics.” How You Can Help: The Role of WSPRA Members WSPRA’s members play a critical role in its Blue Ribbon Chapter status. Each year, members are asked to submit activities they complete throughout the school year. Please play a role in WSPRA’s distinguished status; report any of the following activities you have done:
WSPRA members can complete a Distinguished Chapter form and forward it to the Executive Director for inclusion in WSPRA’s annual submission for NSPRA review. |