On Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 our PRSSA chapter had its first fundraiser. Thanks to Matt Garner, founder of Longboard Public Relations, donating his time and skills, Weber State University students were able to have professional headshots taken for only $10. All of the profits went to benefit our chapter.
As Public Relations Student Society of America members, we understand the importance of having a professional look when heading out into the career world. Professional development is a topic we focus on through our lecture series with Nicola Corbin, Ph. D, and in our hands-on client experience through our student run firm, Ogden Peak Communications. We saw this fundraiser as a great opportunity to encourage others to think about their own professional development. Students can use their headshots on their LinkedIn profiles, portfolios or personal websites.
Ogden Peak Communications creative team created our “Picture Perfect Pro” fundraiser flyer to be posted around campus. Our social media editor, Kylie Coats, promoted the event through our Facebook page, and by creating a Facebook event. Though the promotion period was short, the fundraiser still earned the chapter $160 to use towards conferences, and to grow our operation. Some of our own PRSSA members took advantage of this opportunity, and we received some support from WSU students and faculty outside of our organization.
Overall, our first fundraiser was a great learning experience. Our chapter is likely to continue this fundraiser in future semesters. What are some strategies you can think of as a PR professional to increase awareness about this opportunity for all students to have professional headshots taken? Leave your ideas in the comments below!
PRSSA President
