By John Palmer, APR-National Board ECD Representative

Every day I hear or see how PRSA members throughout the society (more than 17,000 members, not including PRSSA) are gaining the best from their membership, including learning, volunteering, mentoring, leading and networking. East Central District supports 15 chapters (Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Western PA) with nearly 1,700 members. With nearly 22 years as a member of PRSA, I have benefited greatly from my time with this remarkable organization and especially with the East Central District. The advice and guidance I received when I was a PRSSA member at Capital University was to not only join PRSA but to get involved. That advice is what I have shared with others: to join and get involved – attend programs, participate in events, volunteer for leadership, organize programs, plan events, support students (PRSSA), network with peers, earn your APR, learn from others and meet colleagues from all different backgrounds.

As Chapter and District leaders, we all have an important opportunity to share our stories with members and future members to support membership growth and engagement. We learned during the Society’s 2025 Leadership Assembly that overall membership in 2025 has declined, and the society’s membership retention rate is 75%, but for first-year members, it is 50%. Research shows that people are significantly more inclined to join or participate when asked directly. Direct, face-to-face requests are up to 34 times more effective than digital communication. As a Chapter and District leader, I would often reach out to members asking them directly to help or to just get their input.

The month of April is often associated with symbolizing growth, new beginnings, and fresh opportunities.

 Growth

It’s hard for me to imagine my career without being a part of PRSA. My membership was a true companion during my professional journey to learning this profession, serving with peers, growing as a leader, and networking with remarkable people. How has PRSA helped you grow?

New Beginnings

Whether you’ve just joined PRSA or been a part of PRSA for years, I think there are always opportunities for new beginnings with the Society. Joining a committee, participating in an event, and reaching out to a fellow member for a coffee are all ways to start a new beginning of your membership. Membership means something different for everyone because we can all find different connections and gain value. What will be your new beginning this year?

Fresh opportunities

I encourage you to find new ways to make the best of your membership, and fresh opportunities can help rejuvenate you. Throughout my time as a volunteer and leader with my Chapter and the District, I was able to gain new understanding and value. I wasn’t very comfortable with event planning early in my career, but by working on committees, I was able to work with others who had a great passion and experience with event planning, from which I learned a great deal. What new opportunities would you like to pursue with PRSA this year?

ECD is hosting a special virtual roundtable meeting on April 20 at 9 a.m. for its Chapter leaders, VP of Membership, or Membership Committee leaders to discuss membership recruitment and retention best practices. We will share an update on membership promotions occurring for the month of April, review templates and toolkits provided by PRSA, and hear from our peers from around the East Central District about ways we can focus on membership recruitment and retention, including PRSSA engagement, leveraging programming, promoting member benefits, and direct outreach.

Happy Spring Season and thank you for your leadership.

John Palmer, APR