History
The 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.
Mission
The mission of WSPRA, Wisconsin's leader in school-community relations, is to expand the capacity of its members to provide effective communication management for the purpose of strengthening educational opportunities for all students.
WSPRA values collaborative relationships, a diverse membership, and innovation and creativity. WSPRA believes in a high quality education for all children, in serving the needs of its entire membership, and in a professional and ethical approach to school-community relations.
National Recognition
From 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 Status
Blue 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 Recognition
In 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.
- 2003-04 Distinguished Single Project: Negotiating During Difficult Times
- 2004-05 Distinguished Year-Round Chapter - Honorable Mention
- 2005-06 Distinguished Year-Round Chapter
- 2006-07 Distinguished Year-Round Chapter - Honorable Mention
Distinguished Single Project: The ABC's of WSPRA Handbooks
- 2007-08 Distinguished Year-Round Chapter - Honorable Mention
Distinguished Single Project: School Crisis Communication Project
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:
- Being a speaker at a local, state, or national conference
- Publishing an article in a newspaper or educational magazine
- Teaching a course or lesson at a university
- Assisting a district other than your own about PR or a crisis
- Serving in an advisory capacity to a civic organization
- Serving NSPRA in some capacity
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.
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About WSPRA
