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By-laws of the Public Relations Society of America – Sierra Nevada Chapter

Revised: 2023

Approved by PRSA Sierra Nevada Chapter membership: May 2023
Approved by the National PRSA Board of Directors: Aug. 2023

ARTICLE I - GENERAL

The Public Relations Society of America - Sierra Nevada Chapter serves a diverse community of professionals, empowering members to excel in effective, ethical and respectful communications on behalf of the organizations they represent and the constituencies they serve. PRSA - Sierra Nevada Chapter, an affiliate of the world’s leading advocate for public relations professionals, advances the careers of its members by providing:

Lifelong learning.
Vibrant, diverse and welcoming professional communities.
Recognition of capabilities and accomplishments.
Thought leadership, ethics and professional excellence.

These bylaws must not conflict with PRSA National’s bylaws or applicable state and federal laws. No Chapter bylaws or amendments may go into effect without the review of the PRSA Governance Committee and approval from the PRSA Board of Directors.

SECTION 1 – NAME

The name of this non-profit organization shall be the Public Relations Society of America – Sierra Nevada Chapter (Chapter).

SECTION 2 – PURPOSE

In accordance with the mission of the Public Relations Society of America (the Society), the purpose of this Chapter shall be to advance the art and science of public relations in the public interest; to encourage research, discussion and study of the problems and techniques of the public relations profession; to strengthen and maintain the highest standards of service and ethical conduct by all members of the profession; to exchange ideas and experiences and collect and disseminate information that may enhance or improve the professional knowledge, standards, ethics and standing of the membership; to promote camaraderie within the profession; and to encourage pre-professionals to enhance their education and skills through mentorship and support of the University of Nevada Reno Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA Nevada).

The mission of the Chapter is to uphold ethical standards, provide professional development, foster network opportunities and recognize strategic communications excellence in our region.

The vision of the Chapter is to pursue the art of building dynamic relationships and effective communications with varied audiences.

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1 - ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for membership in the Chapter, a member must be in good standing, which is the status assigned to a member by PRSA National who adheres to the bylaws of the Chapter and the Society, applicable policies and procedures, the PRSA Code of Ethics and is current with financial obligations required for membership.

SECTION 2 – ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP

Admission to membership in the Chapter shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of the Chapter’s bylaws and subject to the eligibility requirements set forth above in Article II, Section 1.

SECTION 3 - RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership as defined in the Chapter’s Bylaws carries with it a definitive obligation to pay all applicable dues, fees and other charges (collectively referred to as “financial obligations”), as provided in these bylaws and as determined by the board from time to time. Any payments by a member to the National Chapter does not mitigate such member’s financial obligations to the Chapter.

SECTION 4 – RESIGNATION OR TERMINATION OF CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP

(a) Membership is automatically terminated without action by the board for failure to pay applicable dues, failure to meet the eligibility requirements for membership, or when the membership to the Society Chapter has been terminated for any reason, including non-payment of dues.

(b) A member may resign by submitting a written resignation.

(c) Termination or resignation does not relieve a member from liability for any financial obligations accrued and unpaid as of the date of the termination or resignation.

SECTION 5 – ASSEMBLY DELEGATE AND STUDENT CHAPTER ADVISOR REQUIREMENTS

Subject to the bylaws of the Society, the right to serve as an Assembly Delegate(s) or Alternate Delegate or as Professional Advisor to a PRSSA Nevada Chapter shall be members who are accredited. All efforts will be made to find an APR; however, should no APRs be available to serve, a non-accredited member of the Board willing to serve will be the Chapter’s Assembly Delegate(s) or student advisor.

SECTION 6 - DUES

The amount of Chapter dues shall be fixed annually by the Chapter’s Board of Directors and shall be payable in advance to the Society. Students and retired practitioners will be eligible for the lowest price entry at the monthly meetings, discounted rates for any Chapter-sponsored professional development opportunities and the annual Silver Spike Awards event.

Students are considered to be any individual taking a minimum of six credit hours from either an accredited community college or university and majoring in a marketing, communications, journalism or other related field.

Any member whose Chapter dues are unpaid for one month shall be considered not in good standing and shall not be entitled to vote, hold office, or enjoy other privileges of Chapter membership. The member shall be notified of his/her lapsed dues and consequential dropped membership.
The fiscal year of the Chapter shall be the calendar year.

ARTICLE III – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1 – COMPOSITION

The governing body of the Chapter shall be a Board of Directors and shall include a minimum of 11 and maximum of 15 board members.

The Board of Directors may appoint certain Board members to certain positions, including Programming Chair, Communications Chair, Membership Relations and Development Chair, Advocacy/Ethics Chair, Assembly Delegate(s), Professional Development Chair, Student Relations Chair, Recognition Chair, Silver Spike Awards Event Chair, and Community Relations Chair. All members of the Board of Directors will have voting privileges. The executive committee may fill some or all Chair positions at their discretion. The President-Elect shall automatically ascend to the position of President without having to stand for election a second time. Chair positions may be combined or shared by two board members for one year at a time, depending on the needs of the Chapter at the time.

At the discretion of the Board of Directors, up to two Senior Counselor Adviser positions may be added to the board as non-voting positions.

All board positions are described in Article VI.

SECTION 2 – BOARD MEMBERS

A slate of Board Member candidates and Chair positions will be identified and presented by the Nominating Committee and shall be elected by the Chapter membership at its annual meeting for a term of one year, except for Assembly Delegate(s) who may serve up to three one-year terms consecutively, and until their successors are elected and installed. No Board Member having held an office for two successive terms will be eligible for a third successive term of the same office.

SECTION 3 – VACANCIES

In the event of death, resignation, removal or expulsion of any board member, the Board of Directors may appoint a successor who shall take office immediately and serve for the balance of the term or until the next annual election.

In the event that the Nominating Committee has made every effort to secure a candidate to stand for office for the coming year and has still been unsuccessful in filling any office, the incumbent will remain in office until the Board of Directors elects a successor or the position may remain open or duties may be consolidated with another position at the discretion and approval of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 4 – REMOVAL

Any Board member who misses more than two board meetings in a year may be given notice of dismissal by the Chapter President and replaced in accordance with Section 2 above.

SECTION 5 – BOARD MEETINGS

There shall be at least six meetings of the Board of Directors each calendar year at such times and places as it may determine. It shall meet at the call of the President or upon the call of any three members of the Board of Directors. Notice of each meeting of the board shall be given to each Board member personally, via email, or by mail at least three days in advance.

SECTION 6 – QUORUM

A simple majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum of all meetings of the Board. Virtual attendance through conference calls or other technology will constitute attendance. Voting by proxy through email will be allowed if votes are received in response to the President’s request and prior to the meeting date.

SECTION 7 – STATUTORY AND FIDUCIARY DUTIES

All members of the Board of Directors have legal obligations to ensure transparency, adherence to Nevada Revised Statutes, and responsible fiscal oversight of the Chapter’s financial obligations.

SECTION 8 – COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

Where applicable, all board members shall lead a committee to assist in the implementation of specific duties and to prepare for board succession. Committees are described in Article VIII, and each committee defined in Article VIII shall be led by a member of the Board of Directors. Wherein a board description does not include committee leadership, board members may participate in other standing or ad-hoc committees.

SECTION 9 – COMPENSATION OR REIMBURSEMENT

No elected Board member of the Chapter shall be entitled to any salary or other compensation. Elected Board members or Assembly Delegates(s) may be reimbursed for their expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties only if an estimate for such expenses is provided in advance of the expenditure and only if the request is approved by a simple majority of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICER AND CHAIR POSITIONS

SECTION 1 – PRESIDENT

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Chapter and the Board of Directors. The President shall appoint all ad hoc committees with the approval of the Board of Directors and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee, which the President chairs. The President will be responsible for informing the Chapter membership on what the board is doing. This position is also responsible for participating in PRSA District and National conference calls as needed and as required by those bodies. The President shall perform all other duties incidental to the office. The President shall automatically be elected as Immediate Past President without having to stand for election.

SECTION 2 – PRESIDENT-ELECT

The President-Elect shall assist the Chapter President in the execution of presidential duties in preparation for becoming the next Chapter President. The President-Elect will serve as a deputy of the President and perform presidential duties in the absence of the Chapter President. This position will be responsible for participating in PRSA District and National conference calls as needed and as required by those bodies. The President-Elect shall perform all other duties as requested by the Chapter President or incidental to the office. The President-Elect shall automatically ascend to the position of President without having to stand for election a second time.

SECTION 3 – IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

The position of Immediate Past President will be filled by the individual who most recently served as the Chapter President. The Immediate Past President will sit in an advisory capacity to provide an institutional memory for the Chapter board, particularly on issues that have previously arisen during their tenure. The Immediate Past President shall perform all other duties as requested by the Chapter President or incidental to the office.

SECTION 4 –SECRETARY/TREASURER

The Secretary/Treasurer shall receive and deposit all Chapter funds in the name of the Chapter in a bank or trust company selected and approved by the Board of Directors; issue receipts and make authorized disbursements by approved method after appropriate consultation with the President or Board of Directors; record all meetings of the Chapter and send copies to the National headquarters as required in the National bylaws. The Secretary/Treasurer Vice President of Finance shall assist the Executive Committee in preparing the Chapter’s budget, make monthly “year to date” financial updates, plus an “end of year” update to the Board of Directors and perform all other duties incidental to the office. The Secretary/Treasurer shall convene a Financial Review Committee as-needed that meets biennially and prepares a biennial review and report of the Chapter’s financial records and books. Secretary/Treasurer shall perform all other duties customarily pertaining to the office, including Board meeting minutes and other administrative functions.

SECTION 5 – ASSEMBLY DELEGATE(S)

The Assembly Delegate(s) shall serve as the Chapter’s representative(s) at meetings of the PRSA Assembly and shall be elected by the Chapter membership for up to three years in accordance with provisions of the bylaws of the Society. According to PRSA National bylaws, Chapters provide one delegate per every 100 members. In addition to Leadership Assembly participation and reporting, the Assembly Delegate(s) promotes education, training and guidance from PRSA’s Board of Ethics and Professional Standards (BEPS), the College of Fellows and National to the Chapter’s board and membership. The Assembly Delegate will also chair the Ethics Committee and perform all other duties customarily pertaining to the office.

SECTION 6 – PROGRAMMING CHAIR

The primary responsibility of the Programming Chair is to coordinate the Chapter’s professional development and networking programs, managing logistics in conjunction with the Secretary/Treasurer to assure appropriate payment of expenses. The Programming Chair shall work with the Board of Directors to develop a list of program subjects and track assignment of Board members responsible for contacting approved speakers, coordinating audio-visual needs and other requirements for the program. The Programming Chair will work with their committee and the Communications Chair to ensure appropriate publicity is drafted and distributed. The Programming Chair leads the Programming committee and will perform or delegate all other duties customarily pertaining to the office.

SECTION 7– COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR

The Communications Chair will coordinate communications with the Chapter programming and community relations to reach the media and promote Chapter news and activities through digital channels. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, keeping the Chapter website updated, publicity about programs and events to appropriate media and allied associations, including AMA, AAF, NCET and PSN, management of all social and appropriate content marketing. The Communications Chair leads the Communications Committee, overseeing the development of content generation, event photography, media releases, publicity, and performs all other duties customarily pertaining to the office.

SECTION 8 – MEMBER RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT CHAIR

The Member Relations and Development Chair will actively recruit new members to the Chapter. The Member Relations and Development Chair responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, maintain all membership files communication about Chapter information, educational opportunities and insights; notice of events and the annual meeting; information about ethical standards; and actions of the Board of Directors. This includes distribution of the newsletter or designated format for member communication, increase the mailing list and conversion of social media followers. The Membership Communications and Development Chair leads the Membership Committee, overseeing the development of appropriate graphics, content, automation and digitization of member communication, and performing all other duties customarily pertaining to the office.

SECTION 9 – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CHAIR

The Professional Development Chair promotes, actively recruits candidates, and administers the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) program as designed by National. The Professional Development Chair will encourage APRs to fulfill their Chapter obligations and continue maintenance of their APR, encourage new APRs, encourage qualified members to pursue College of Fellows and students or recent graduates to pursue the CPPR. The Professional Development Chair runs the APR Committee and performs all other duties customarily pertaining to the office.

SECTION 10 – STUDENT RELATIONS CHAIR

The Student Relations Chair will serve as a liaison between the professional and student chapters with an eye to promote the profession and maintain collaborative relations with the PRSSA Nevada. The Student Relations Chair will coordinate the mentor program and mixers with the student Chapter. The Student Relations Chair will provide board development guidance to the student Chapter, advocate for Chapter support of PRSSA programs to enhance student education and work with the Membership Relations and Development Chair to recruit new graduates to the Chapter and perform all other duties customarily pertaining to the office.

SECTION 12– SILVER SPIKE AWARDS EVENT CHAIR

The Silver Spike Awards Events Chair will ensure the success of the annual Silver Spike Awards and the general membership meeting, to be held each spring (or as determined by the Board of Directors). The Silver Spike Awards Event Chair will coordinate the Silver Spike Awards event itself by determining theme and orchestrating the event. Budget for the event must be approved by the Board of Directors prior to expenditure. The Silver Spike Awards Event Chair will coordinate with the Recognition Chair in leading a Silver Spike Awards Committee and ensuring the smooth operation of every aspect of the Silver Spikes Awards. The Silver Spike Awards Event Chair will perform all other duties customarily pertaining to the office.

SECTION 13 – RECOGNITION CHAIR

The Recognition Chair will coordinate the judging services by arranging for Chapter awards to be judged and providing for reciprocal judging of another PRSA Chapter’s awards. The trade arrangement must be approved by the Board of Directors prior to commitment. In addition, the Recognition Chair will coordinate the call for entries for the Silver Spike Awards and co-chair the Silver Spike Awards Committee. The Recognition Chair will coordinate with the Silver Spike Awards Event Chair in leading a Silver Spike Awards committee to ensure the smooth operation of every aspect of the Silver Spike Awards. The Recognition Chair will perform all other duties customarily pertaining to the office, including finding and implementing year-round member recognition opportunities.

SECTION 14 - SENIOR COUNSELOR(S) (non-voting)

Senior Counselors may be appointed by the Chapter President to serve in an advisory capacity. Senior counselors are non-voting members of the board, and their role is to attend board meetings and provide advisory and historical counseling to the rest of the board. Senior Counselors should be accredited in public relations (APR) when possible and shall have a minimum of 15 years of experience in public relations.

ARTICLE V – NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

SECTION 1 – NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The Nominating Committee is composed of no fewer than three members of the Board of Directors consisting of the Immediate Past President, current President and the President-elect all in good standing to nominate a new slate of candidates for the upcoming year’s Board of Directors. Additional committee members may be appointed by the President. The Nominating Committee will convene no later than 90 days prior to the annual election of the board of directors.

SECTION 2 – NOMINATIONS

By September of each year, the Nominating Committee shall name a qualified nominee for each position with terms expiring during the election year and provide the recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval of the nominees. It is the responsibility of the Nominating Committee to ensure each nominee is contacted and agrees to serve if elected. Nominations can be self-nominations or recruited nominees.

Additional nominations, if any, shall be accepted from members provided the nominees have been contacted and have agreed to serve if elected.

All nominees must be a member in good standing with both PRSA National and Sierra Nevada Chapter and meet the eligibility requirements as stated under Article II - Membership.

SECTION 3 – NOTICE OF MEMBERSHIP

At least thirty (30) days before the annual election of the Chapter's Board of Directors, the Board shall communicate to all Chapter members the list of nominees prepared by the Nominating Committee.

SECTION 4 – ELECTIONS

All Board position and chair nominees shall be elected annually by majority vote of the members present at the time of the vote, and elections may be held via an in-person meeting, virtual meeting or virtual poll in the fourth quarter of the year preceding.

ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES

Board members shall serve as Chair of their associated committee. The committees shall meet to conduct the programming and member benefits of the Chapter on an as-needed basis. Committees may be combined as needed for improved collaboration in service of Chapter goals and objectives.

SECTION 1 – STANDING COMMITTEES

Standing Committees of the organization may include:

Professional Development – This committee will recruit, mentor and support APR candidates and Fellows, as well as provide information to the Chapter about the value of APR. This committee will also offer the Chapter training for professional development in skills and leadership for all levels of practitioners.
Awards and Recognition – This committee will conduct reciprocal competition submission judging; review the Chapter’s judging criteria and apply best practices; orchestrate the annual meeting and awards program for Silver Spike Awards each year.
Communication – This committee will inform the membership and the community of all Chapter activities, training, and ethical and educational insights. Roles can include, but are not limited to: database management, social media strategy and content updates, publicity, website, analytics, photography and marketing materials. Some members of the committee may have dual roles, depending on time and expertise. This committee will direct the completion and distribution of newsletters, media releases and other materials relating to special Chapter projects and/or events.
Membership – This committee shall increase Chapter membership including corporate membership, individual membership, and associate membership. The committee shall contact lapsed members, retirees, corporations, PRSSA members staying in the area, prospects from events and collaborative mixers, and other friends of the Chapter to encourage membership in the Chapter. The committee will keep the Board informed on needs to meet retention or member benefits.
Programming - This committee shall help plan all Chapter events except the Silver Spike Awards, including professional development luncheons, mixers, and any community relations events. This may include the identification and solicitation of speakers and topics and shall include event planning logistics (location, catering, etc.) and event promotional content and graphics.
Ethics - This committee shall develop ethics content throughout the year and stand available for members who may need confidential ethical consultation. The committee shall promote this service to the membership in coordination with the Programming and Membership committees.

SECTION 2 – AD HOC COMMITTEES

Special Ad Hoc Committees will be established and appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors. They include, but are not limited to:

Bylaw Review- The Bylaws Review Committee shall consist of a minimum of three members appointed by the President. The committee can be empaneled by the President, or by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, when necessary, to review, revise or amend the Chapter Bylaws. The Chapter Bylaws will be reviewed for timely revisions at least once every three years. In those instances where Chapter Bylaws need to be revised to remain consistent with PRSA National Bylaws, the changes will be made by the Assembly Delegate and members will be notified of the change.
Financial Review - This committee consists of the Secretary/Treasurer, who shall chair the Committee, and two non-board members appointed by the Secretary/Treasurer, or Executive committee with board approval, to conduct a biennial review of all of the Chapter’s financial records. The Committee shall commence their work 60 days prior to the end of the calendar year and conclude their work and report to the Board by the end of the calendar year.
Other - Under the direction of the President, there is the ability to establish other Ad Hoc Committees charged with a specific task with a determined start and end date or time frame.

SECTION 3 – COMMITTEE REPORTS

The board member roles shall report each committee’s activities regularly to the Board of Directors. All committee activities shall be subject to approval of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VII – CHAPTER MEETINGS

SECTION 1 – ANNUAL MEETING

There shall be an Annual Meeting as determined by the Board of Directors of each year at such time and place as may be designated by the Board. The purpose of this meeting is to review Chapter business, which includes the general state of the Chapter (for example: financial and legal standing, elections, membership and APR reports, etc). The Board may designate any regular meeting as its annual meeting.

SECTION 3 – SPECIAL MEETINGS

Special meetings of the Chapter may be called as needed by the President, the Board of Directors or upon written request by 25 percent of the Chapter members.

SECTION 4– NOTICE OF MEETINGS

Notice of the Annual Meeting shall be sent to members at least thirty (30) days in advance. Notice of a regular meeting or special meeting shall be sent to each member at least ten (10) days in advance.

SECTION 5 – QUORUM

A majority of the members of the Chapter present shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Chapter.

ARTICLE VII – BYLAWS REVISION

These Bylaws may be amended by a vote of the members present at any meeting, provided such proposed amendments have been approved by the Chapter’s Board of Directors and at least thirty (30) days’ notice has been given to all members of any proposed amendments. Amendments adopted in accordance with this provision become effective only after approval by the PRSA National Board of Directors.