PRSA Georgia, PRSA’s second largest chapter, has a vibrant, growing Young Pros group. Founded in 2004 by two current PRSA Georgia members, PRSA Georgia’s Young Pros special interest group engages young pros by finding fun ways to get together, learn new things and meet other new PR pros.

Currently, PRSA’s Georgia’s group is comprised of about 20 young pro members, four committee members and two co-chairs, Daley Michael and Sarah Bell. This month, The Edge sat down with Daley and Sarah to learn a little more about what’s going on down in Georgia.

The Edge: What kind of programming you’ve put together for New Pros?

Sarah Bell: We try to mix it up with a variety of topics that appeal to the young professionals in our industry. In the past year, we have hosted events ranging from Being Indispensable – How to Adapt and Succeed in Your Career, Starting Now!, How to Drop the Y from YP: A Panel Discussion with PRSA Georgia’s Veteran YP’s, PR Trivia Night, Crisis Communications 101: What Your Boss Hasn’t Taught You, How to Build Lasting Relationships with the Reporters who Matter, etc.

TE: How does your group fit into the bigger picture of the chapter?

Daley Michael: We try our best to engage new PR pros and recently graduated PRSSA members who move to Atlanta and are looking for a way to get connected in their industry. As the second largest PRSA chapter in the country, we have a vast and experienced network of PR professionals who can help them transition and provide career development opportunities. The YP special interest group tries to create opportunities to help young professionals get plugged into the community and the PRSA Georgia chapter.

SB: We also partner with other special interest groups to host events. These events provide a good opportunity for our YP members to get to know others in the chapter and involved in other areas.

TE: What resources do you provide for New Pros?

DM: At each paid event, we provide a tangible takeaway for attendees to bring home with them. The handout captures key points from the meeting that they can easily reference in the future.

SB:We also offer a couple of free events focused on networking and socializing as a means to connect not only members, but potential members considering joining PRSA.

TE: What are the benefits for your members?

DM: Connectivity, learning opportunities, professional development, sharing key learnings, occasional free food, delightful beverages at select events, good company.

TE: How do you engage and recruit New Pros?

SB: The primary way we recruit new pros is by hosting free networking mixers a couple of times each year. These events typically attract a good number of non-members and oftentimes our members will also bring their colleagues and friends as well. The mixers serve as a great way to build relationships with members and non-members alike and provide many opportunities to get to know one another better.

TE: What advice do you have for New Pros for using PRSA to their best advantage?

DM: Get connected! Don’t be afraid to attend events, even if you don’t know anyone. You never know where your next job might come from and PRSA is a great resource for not only job searching, but also becoming better at what you do.

TE: What is the best way for New Pros to get involved in the PR community?

SB: Join PRSA! Attend conferences, join a committee, submit awards, network with your peers in the PR community.