Dear Members,
The 'me too.' movement, says founder Tarana Burke, is about more than sexual abuse, assault and trauma.
Burke, featured speaker at PPRA's Annual Meeting Celebration, Tues., June 5, says
'me too.' is "a movement about joy."
"It's a movement about love and respect," Burke told Quartz.com. "It's about finding the ways that we can cultivate those things in our lives so we can use them to combat the trauma we've experienced."
Burke started the
'me too.' movement more than a decade ago, -- but things really caught on last year, after actress Alyssa Milano helped spread
'me too.' with a viral tweet and the now iconic hashtag.
Burke and Milano were featured with other "Silence Breakers" as TIME magazine's 2017 Person of the Year. Burke also was honored as Communicator of the Year by PRWeek.
PPRA was fortunate to secure funding to arrange Burke's appearance for our Annual Meeting Celebration.
The event also features the induction of the 2018-2019 Board of Governors and the winners of the 2018 Fast Track and Dr. Jean Brodey Achievement awards. Nina Scimenes, communications and marketing manager for Brûlée Catering, will be installed as president, as well.
This event is funded, in large part, by an endowment from Sylvia Kauders, a public relations icon who was PPRA's longest-standing member when she passed away in 2016 at age 94.
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation is the lead sponsor. Additional sponsors include Brownstone Public Relations, Feldscher Horwitz Public Relations, Skai Blue Media and the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
When PPRA approached these organizations about the possibility of Burke speaking in Philadelphia, there was true excitement and a desire to get involved.
And why not? Public relations is a female-centric industry -- more than 70 percent of PPRA members are women. Women hold an estimated 61 to 85 percent of all PR jobs.
Recently, I was discussing
'me too.' and Tarana Burke with my friend, PPRA Hall of Famer Dave Brown, a professor at Temple University.
We both view
'me too.' as a human statement, a term of equality and a reminder that fair treatment in a professional environment and equal pay, regardless of gender, should be universal aspirations.
Public relations has a chance to get this one right, to be a profession recognized that serves as an inclusive model of equality for all professionals, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation and nationality.
As Burke said,
'me too.' is about love and respect, a theme she no doubt will address at our annual meeting celebration. Those principles should drive us personally and professionally. I hope you will join all of us at PPRA in saying "Me Too."
Best,
2017-2018 President
Philadelphia Public Relations Association
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Book it!
Philly PRoactive partnership is a success |
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Four books a day. That's the good-news number from PPRA member donations to this year's Philly PRoactive partner, Tree House Books. "We've donated 1,013 books so far," said PRoactive liaison Kellsey Turner. "And, the number keeps growing."
Tree House Books is a nonprofit Literacy Center and Giving Library that provides free access to books and literacy programs to children and their families in low-income neighborhoods in Philadelphia. 
Members helped in other ways, such as collecting books at PPRA events and volunteering for the Tree House Books' Holiday Gift Shoppe. In addition (thank you, Philadelphia Eagles), the Super Bowl bet with Public Relations Society of America Boston chapter pulled in another $100 for Tree House.
Turner, senior account executive at Vault Communications, wants to keep the books and the energy flowing. "You can support Tree House Books by donating books of all kinds at PPRA's Annual Meeting on June 5 or by emailing me at kturner@vaultcommunications.com," she said. There also are plenty of opportunities to volunteer, from reading to students to delivering books to local homes. Learn how you can get involved info@treehousebooks.org.
Established in 2009 under past PPRA president and philanthropist Dr. Bill Cowen, PPRA's Philly PRoactive program helps extend the good work of worthy organizations. Each year, a new nonprofit benefits from the support of PPRA's members who lend their time and talents as public relations professionals.
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Ashley Berke and Amanda Olszewski secured global coverage of The Philadelphia Orchestra's world premiere of Tod Machover's Philadelphia Voices. Coverage included a feature on the front page of the New York Times' Arts section, a review, and a mention in the Food section; a 30-minute BBC story; an advance feature and review in the Philadelphia Inquirer; an Associated Press story, which ran in 400 publications worldwide; a preview in the New Yorker; and an NPR story.
Kristen Fitch and Jeanne Mell of the University City Science Center (with an assist from Elysse Ciccone of Slice Communications) secured a feature profile of the Science Center's Angela McQuillan in the New York Times. Angela, curator of the Science Center's Esther Klein Gallery, was featured in the Vocations column on the front page of the print edition of the Times' Sunday Business Section on March 4.
The Museum of the American Revolution's first anniversary on April 19 was covered extensively. Noteworthy placements included an
Associated Press
story picked up by hundreds of outlets nationwide, a column in the
Philadelphia Inquirer
about 7-year-old Oliver who has visited the Museum more than 30 times, and a segment on
MSNBC'
s "Hardball with Chris Matthews."
Visit Bucks County published the second issue of its food and beverage magazine, Well Seasoned. Filled with recommendations on where to dine in each town, there's also an interview with chef Jose Garces on his new New Hope restaurant, a map of the "Bucks County Ice Cream Trail" and Philly Instagrammers @PhillyFoodies' guide to eating around Bucks. It is available online or pick up a free copy at a Bucks County restaurant, hotel or attraction.
A hot air balloon ride in Bucks County, PA was included in the list
"The Best Places to Propose in Philadelphia"
on ThePlunge.com.
Temple University Associate Professor Gregg Feistman appeared on KYW Newsradio's Flashpoint community affairs program discussing the PR implications of the Starbucks racial incident.
Beth Lawrence LLC's client
, Evan Harden, founder of National Bar League, unveiled Philadelphia's first Bar Park in conjunction with South Philadelphia's Smith Playground Renovation. The renovation was a $3 million project, three-year project spearheaded by the Make the World Better Foundation, Urban Roots Foundation, Philadelphia Water Department, the department of Parks and Recreation, Councilman Kenyetta Johnson's Office, and State Representative Jordan Harris. Programming for the day included a DJ, Food Trucks, a Ribbon Cutting, and a Freestyle Calisthenics Competition (Bar Battle). The event was covered by
Fox29 and
Wooderice.com.
SPRYTE Communications packaged concussion tips from a Holy Redeemer Health System pediatrician for the Philadelphia Inquirer's Expert Advice column, which ran in the Sunday Health section on April 1.
Independence Blue Cross announced a partnership with Comcast to launch a newly branded, patient-centered technology and communications platform. The announcement earned ample regional and national media coverage, including CNBC, Fortune, Modern Healthcare, NBC10, Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Business Journal and Philadelphia magazine, among others.
Cashman & Associates welcomed Vice President of Public Relations & Corporate Communications Katilin Bitting and nabbed several notable placements for its clients:
- Giovanni Mele, owner of Giovanni & Pileggi gave TODAY Style's Anna De Souza an insider sneak-peek into his expert tricks and techniques for adding volume to fine hair.
- 3000BC was featured in Allure Magazine's "The Skin Guide 2018"
- Wawa Welcome America received a positive review from Inquirer Music Critic Dan DeLuca for its the July 4th Concert headliner, Pitbull.
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David W. Brown, a member of PPRA's Hall of Fame, was honored by his alma mater Duquesne University as it awarded him the "Spirit of Life" Award from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Select Greater Philadelphia, led by PPRA's Matt Cabrey, has launched a new TV, Radio & Podcast program!
Growing Greater Philadelphia
is telling the stories of economic development and business growth happening across our 11 county neighborhood of northern Delaware, southern New Jersey, and southeastern Pennsylvania. It's a unique approach to business attraction and economic development. If you have a story idea or company to profile, please reach out to
Matt
or PPRA member Samara Grossel
who works with Matt at Select and the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.
Kate Delano, Director of Communications for the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, worked with more than 150 media from around the world on-site at the trial of Commonwealth v. William H. Cosby Jr., which, of course, ended in a guilty verdict.
Gloria Hochman presented the fourth Stan Hochman Compassion-for-Kids award to Kelly Wolfington, an adoptive mom and passionate adoption advocate, at the National Adoption Center's annual Celebration of Family April 26. The award was created for Stan in honor of his long-time work to create families for children whose birth families could not raise them.
PPRA Hall of Fame member
Anne Sceia Klein recently released her new book, "
On the Cusp: The Women of Penn '64
."
Recounting
an era when opportunities for women were limited, the book chronicles the lives of 19 remarkable women who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1964. The women profiled became doctors, architects, attorneys and entrepreneurs. Order from
www.Amazon.com
.
Beth Lawrence of Beth Lawrence LLC is the current President of Professional Women's Roundtable, an organization dedicated to providing networking, leadership, educational, and personal growth opportunities to a diverse group of women business leaders in the Greater Philadelphia region. PWR was founded in 2002 by a small group of women to provide a forum for emerging, female business professionals to acquire and hone business development and other professional skills, pool resources and strengthen professional networks, and meet and cultivate new business opportunities. @pwrphilly
Elise Turner, Communications Manager at the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, was recently inducted into the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. She is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration at Villanova University.
Furia Rubel Marketing and Public Relations promoted Caitlan McCafferty to public relations account director.
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#PPRAProud
Win an award? Speaking on a panel? Landed an amazing media hit?
Email us your good news at
info@ppra.com or tweet us using #PPRAProud.
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2018 Hall of Fame Luncheon Honoring Bonnie Grant - SOLD OUT!
Thursday, May 17, 2018
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA
The PPRA Hall of Fame recognizes public relations professionals whose accomplishments have brought honor and recognition to the profession. The award is the Philadelphia region's most prestigious recognition of a public relations professional for his or her superior contributions to the public relations industry, the community, and the Philadelphia Public Relations Association.
As Executive Director of PHL Life Sciences, a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bonnie Grant is responsible for marketing greater Philadelphia, ranked the second-largest life sciences sector in the country, as "America's Life Sciences Meetings Destination." In her role, she manages more than 60 regional life sciences leaders from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, leveraging common resources to enhance awareness of the region as a vibrant destination for life sciences meetings and conventions.
PPRA MEMBERS ONLY PROGRAM: "Media Pitching Confidential"
Thursday, May 24, 2018
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Brownstein Group, 215 South Broad St., Philadelphia, PA
After a lively debut session in the fall, PPRA's Media Pitching Confidential is BACK!
This is your opportunity to polish your media pitches with the help of seasoned PPRA colleagues, working in small groups and a relaxed, supportive member-to-member environment.
Bring your media pitches. Let PPRA provide you with new perspectives and ideas from experienced pros.
Who should come? Anyone who is struggling with an important pitch or who isn't sure which media outlets to target, or which journalist to pitch at a coveted outlet since the latest round of staff changes.
Media Pitching Confidential is perfect for new and mid-level professionals, but PR practitioners at all levels are welcome to attend.
RSVP now! Only 15 spots are available.
No food or drink will be provided at the event. Attendees are welcome to bring their own.
2018 Annual Meeting Celebration: " 'me too' : A Conversation with Tarana Burke, Founder of a Social Media Movement"
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
5:30 - 8 p.m.
Science History Institute, 315 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA
Please join us as we present the 2018 PPRA Fast Track and Dr. Jean Brodey Achievement Awards. We will also salute our outgoing President Adam Dvorin and the 2017-18 Board of Governors. We will induct our incoming president Nina Scimenes and the 2018-19 Board of Governors.
Our keynote speaker is Tarana Burke, who created the 'me too' movement in 2006 to raise awareness of the pervasiveness of sexual abuse and assault in society. She has a Philadelphia connection having moved here in 2008 and serving as managing director of Art Sanctuary. Ms. Burke served as a consultant for the movie,
Selma. Burke will share the heartbreaking story behind the genesis of the viral MeToo Movement, which began on social media and now has captured international interest.
We are looking forward to welcoming our members and prospective members to the Science History Institute (formerly The Chemical Heritage Foundation) where the stories of innovators and discoveries that shape our lives are shared.
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PROACTIVE
Each year,
our PRoactive program allows members to lend their time and talents as public relations professionals to a new nonprofit partner. This year we're helping literacy-advocate Tree House Books. You can support our PRoactive partner by making a new or gently used book donation by emailing kturner@vaultcommunications.com.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
New faces have joined PPRA. Make sure to say hello if you see them at one of our next events!
- Amber Burns, Visit Philadelphia
- Priscilla Diaz
- Jason Bruey
- Richard Kirk
- Ryan Wall, Brian Communications
- Bryn Wassel, Visit Philadelphia
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JOB BANK
Your dream career could be a few clicks away. Visit
PPRA's Job Bank for more details on the following positions:
- Senior Account Executive, Braithwaite Communications
- Account Supervisor, Braithwaite Communications
- Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Community College of Philadelphia
- Head of Corporate Public Relations, Vanguard
- Public Information Coordinator, WHYY
- Specialist, Communications, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
- Healthcare Senior Account Executive, Spryte Communications
- Account Coordinators, Assistant Account Executives, Account Executives, Vault Communications
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Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved.
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