Professional Communications Organizations

Organization: Association for Women in Communications

Website:  http://www.womcom.org

Purpose and Audience: This association is for women in any area of professional communications including: Radio, film, advertising, journalism, public relations, design, new media and more. They work to build relationships, support each other, listen to other women in the field, encourage and advance the careers of professional women. They also strive to gain equal opportunities and pay in the workplace.

This association specifically caters to women who want to join with other women in the workplace and improve their careers.

Benefits of Membership:

• Access to information about communication jobs that are open
• Networking opportunities
• Events, speakers and ongoing training
• Awards and recognitions
• Member discounts with select organizations

Organization: Public Relations Society of America

Website: http://www.prsa.org/

Purpose and Audience: PRSA is for anyone in the public relations profession. PR students are welcome into PRSSA – their student chapter. The organization seeks to help develop PR professionals; set standards, principles and ethics; and “advocate for greater understanding and adoption of public relations services.”

Benefits of Membership:

• Personal development
• Networking
• Professional Recognition
• Job Center
• News on Industry Trends

Organization: National Communications Association     

Website: https://www.natcom.org/

Purpose and Audience: NCA is for those teaching, studying or practicing communications. This organization supports the efforts of communications professionals through both teaching and research that supports communication work focused on the public sphere or private sphere in order to, “improve the quality of human life and relationships, and the use of knowledge about communication to solve human problems.”

Benefits of Membership:

• Access to online journals and print magazines
• Resource center access including info about research, publications, and funding for communication projects
• Awards
• Convention discounts

Organization: Association of Professional Communication Consultants

Website: http://consultingsuccess.org/wp/

Purpose and Audience: APCC is for new and career communication consultants. The organization provides tools and resources, learning opportunities and a space for businesses to find consultants. The organization is for those that want to begin or grow their business as a communication consultant.

Benefits of Membership:

• Space to market services
• Seminars and discussions
• Professional development opportunities
• Awards
• Membership in professional organization

Organization: American Institute of Graphic Arts, AIGA

Website: http://www.aiga.org/About/

Purpose and Audience: AIGA was originally a training program but is now a professional organization for anyone working in design. The community works to develop the craft of design and “deepen the impact of design on business, society and our collective future.” The organization is for practitionars as well as enthusiasts and patrons. Their role includes education, standards, ethics, inspiration and development.

Benefits of Membership:

• Resources and Information
• Professional development
• Job access
• Portfolio showcase
• Event discounts and product discounts

I chose to highlight these five organizations to show a distinct in the focus of audience and purpose of each one. From teachers of communications to professional graphic designers, these organization bring together professionals that seek to connect, develop their skills and stay on top of their craft. Of all the organizations listed here I would be most interested in The National Communication Association because of their commitment to ongoing research, funding research and highlighting findings through their network. Their focus on making communications studies practically applicable for everyday life instead of just in the workplace was also appealing to me. As a member of this organization I would enjoy access to the studies and theories that are getting published and inspiration on practically applying communication findings in every day settings.