Mission and Bylaws

The Lookout Chapter fulfills the national organization’s mission to advance the standards of the public relations profession and to provide members with professional development opportunities through continuing education programs, information exchange forums and other projects conducted on a local and regional level.

The Bylaws of the Lookout Chapter, which govern the operation of the Chapter, were revised and approved by the membership in October 2007.

Article I – Name
The name of this nonprofit professional organization shall be the Lookout Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, Inc. (PRSA).

Article II – Objectives
In accordance with the objectives of the Public Relations Society of America, the objectives 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; and to promote fraternalism within the profession.

Article III – Membership
Section 1. Eligibility. To be eligible for membership in the Chapter, a person must be a member in good standing of the Society. Any such member of the Society is eligible for membership in the Chapter.

Section 2. Admission to Membership. Admission to membership in the Society shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of the bylaws of the Society. Any person admitted to membership in the Society shall become a member of the Chapter, if eligible, upon payment of Chapter dues.

Section 3. Retirement Status. Any member of the Chapter who has been a member of PRSA in good standing for at least five years and is gainfully employed for less than 50 percent of the time is eligible for retirement status. Members on retirement status shall enjoy all the rights and privileges of membership.

Section 4. Termination of Chapter Membership. Any member who for any reason ceases to be a member of the Society or is dropped from the Society’s roll for non-payment of dues shall cease to be a member of the Chapter and shall be dropped from the chapter roll.

Section 5. Rights and Privileges of Membership. Subject to the bylaws of the Society, as a minimum requirement, the Assembly Delegate(s) and Alternate Delegate(s) shall either be accredited or a current member of the Lookout Chapter board of directors.

Section 6. Non-discrimination. The Society shall in all deliberations and procedures subscribe to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, creed, religion, disability, sex, age, color, national origin, or sexual or affectional preference.

Article IV – Dues
Section 1. Amount. The amount of Chapter dues shall be fixed annually by the Chapter’s board of directors and shall be payable in accordance with Chapter fiscal policies.

Section 2. Nonpayment of Dues. Any member whose chapter dues are unpaid for three months shall be considered not in good standing and shall not be entitled to vote, hold office or enjoy other privileges of Chapter membership, provided such member shall have been duly notified.

Section 3. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Chapter shall be the calendar year.

Article V – Board of Directors
Section 1. Composition. The governing body of the Chapter shall be a board of directors consisting of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, the immediate Past President, the Assembly Delegate(s) and three Directors-at-Large. These officer positions are considered voting members of the Board of Directors.

The following shall be non-voting members of the board of directors: Public Relations Chair, Accreditation Chair, Advocacy Chair, Diversity Chair, Ethics Chair, PRSSA Liaison and Web Master.

Section 2. Assembly Delegates. 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 a three-year term in accordance with provisions of the bylaws of the Society.

Section 3. Directors-at-Large. On the first board of the Chapter, one director shall serve three years, one director shall serve two years and one director shall serve one year. Thereafter, one director shall be elected each year by the Chapter membership at its Annual Meeting to serve a term of three years beginning January 1 and until his/her successor is elected and installed.

Section 4. Vacancies. In the event of death, resignation, removal or expulsion of any officer, director or Assembly Delegate, the board of directors shall elect a successor who shall take office immediately and serve for the balance of the unexpired term or until the next annual election.

Section 5. Removal. Any director who misses more than three consecutive board meetings without an excuse acceptable to the board may be given written notice of dismissal by the Chapter President and replaced in accordance with Section 4 above.

Section 6. Board Meetings. There shall be at least four quarterly meetings of the board of directors at such times and places as it may determine. It shall meet at the call of the President or upon call of any three members of the board of directors. Notice of each meeting of the board of directors shall be communicated to each director at least seven days in advance.

Section 7. Quorum. A majority of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum for all meetings of the board.

Article VI – Elected Officers
Section 1. Chapter Officers. The Elected Officers of the Chapter shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Officers shall be elected by the Chapter membership at its Annual Meeting for a term of one year and until their successors are elected and installed. No officer having held an office for two successive terms shall be eligible to succeed him/herself in the same office.

Section 2. President. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Chapter and of the board of directors. It shall be the President’s duty to monitor the activities of the Society and from time to time make recommendations with respect thereto to the Board of Directors. He/She shall appoint all committees with the approval of the board of directors and shall be ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. He/She shall perform all other duties incident to the office.

Section 3. Vice President. The Vice President shall in the absence or disability of the President exercise the powers and perform the duties of the President. He/She also shall assist the President and perform such other duties as shall be prescribed by the board of directors.

Section 4. Secretary. The Secretary shall keep electronic records of all meetings of the Chapter and of the board of directors, including detailed minutes, voting records, notes on policy and procedure changes, and perform all other duties customarily pertaining to the office.

Section 5. Treasurer. The 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. He/She shall issue receipts and make authorized disbursements by check after proper approval by the President or the board of directors. He/She shall prepare the Chapter’s budget, make regular financial reports to the board of directors, render an annual financial statement to the Chapter membership and perform all other duties incident to the office.

Section 6. Compensation and Reimbursement. No elected officer of the Chapter shall be entitled to any salary or other compensation. The board of directors may reimburse elected officers or Assembly Delegate(s) or their alternates for their expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties.

Article VII – Other Elected Positions
Section 1. Other Elected positions of the Board of Directors include the Assembly Delegate(s) and three Directors-at-Large.

Section 2. Assembly Delegate(s). The Assembly Delegate(s) or designated alternative votes on behalf of the Chapter at national meetings, participates in pre-assembly delegate conference calls, and reports any voting issues to the board.

Section 3. Directors-at-Large. Serve as additional officers on the Board of Directors. One director shall be elected each year to serve a term of three years. The Directors-at-large will serve as co-chairs on the Awards Committee.

Section 4. Past President/Membership Chair. After the President completes his or her term, he or she serves as Past President/Membership Chair. Primarily, the Past President serves as a consultant to the Chapter and the Board of Directors, and as Membership Chair is responsible for recruitment of new members to the Chapter.

Article VIII – Appointed Positions
Section 1. The Appointed Positions of the Chapter shall be the Public Relations Chair, Accreditation Chair, Advocacy Chair, Diversity Chair, Ethics Chair, PRSSA Liaison and Web Master.

Section 2. Public Relations Chair. The Public Relations Chair is responsible for creating a better understanding and awareness of the profession among key public and handles the publicity for any or all activities or events of the PRSA Lookout Chapter. The Public Relations Chair shall be chosen by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors, and will serve for a one year term, or until his successor is chosen and assumes office. The Public Relations Chair may be reappointed for consecutive terms.

Section 3. Accreditation Chair. The Accreditation Chair is responsible for administering the Accreditation in Public Relations examination program for the Chapter. The Accreditation Chair shall promote the value of the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation to Chapter members year round and advise candidates on proper preparation for the Examination.

A qualified Accreditation Chair must have earned their APR and be considered a member and APR designee in good standing with PRSA. The Accreditation Chair shall be chosen by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors, and will serve for a one year term, or until his successor is chosen and assumes office. The Accreditation Chair may be reappointed for a second one year term, but may not serve for three consecutive terms.

Section 3. Advocacy Chair. The goal of the Advocacy Advisory Board is to create a broader, deeper understanding of the value of public relations among key internal and external stakeholders. The role of the Chapter Advocacy Chair is to fulfill advocacy goals and build recognition of PRSA as the profession’s leading voice on important industry, societal and global issues in the regions (Districts and Chapters) it represents. Each Chapter and District may voluntarily create this position as an addition to its leadership roster. The Advocacy Chair will serve a minimum two-year term. A PRSA chapter nominating or executive committee will appoint a person to this position. The Advocacy Chair shall be chosen by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors, and will serve for a two-year term, or until his successor is chosen and assumes office. The Advocacy Chair may be reappointed for consecutive terms.

Section 4. Diversity Chair. The Diversity Chair focuses on building commitment to diversity and inclusion, attracting members with diverse backgrounds, and providing opportunities for members to be engaged in activities promoting diversity and inclusion in our chapter and community. The Diversity Chair shall be chosen by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors, and will serve for a one year term, or until his successor is chosen and assumes office. The Diversity Chair may be reappointed for consecutive terms.

Section 5. Ethics Chair. The Ethics Chair shall promote and inspire the highest levels of ethical behavior and performance among PRSA Lookout Chapter members. This position works with the programming chair to ensure chapter programming includes training in ethics and professional standards, and keeps ethics issues in the forefront of members’ minds through quarterly newsletter articles and other educational tactics. The Ethics Chair shall be chosen by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors, and will serve for a one year term, or until his successor is chosen and assumes office. The Ethics Chair may be reappointed for a second one-year term, but may not serve for three consecutive terms.

Section 6. PRSSA Liaison. The student liaison shall serve as a communication link between all local Public Relations Student Societies and the Lookout Chapter. This non-voting Board member will serve by virtue of their position, and will, in most cases, be a full-time faculty member at a local university and the PRSSA sponsor. The PRSSA Liaison shall be chosen by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors, and will serve for a one year term, or until his successor is chosen and assumes office. The PRSSA Liaison may be reappointed for consecutive terms.

Section 7. Web Master. The Web Master works in tandem with President, Vice President and PR Director to promote the value of PRSA National and Lookout Chapter membership through its Web site. The Web Master shall be chosen by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors, and will serve for a one year term, or until his successor is chosen and assumes office. The Web Master may be reappointed for consecutive terms.

Article IX – Nominations and Elections
Section 1. Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee helps provide continuity in the chapter’s leadership. The Committee explores the qualifications and willingness of members to serve as directors, officers and assembly delegate(s). There shall be a Nominating Committee of no fewer than five members, at least three of whom are accredited, who are appointed by the President with approval of the board of directors at least 60 days prior to the Annual Meeting of the Chapter. The Immediate Past President shall serve as Chair of the Nominating Committee.

Section 2. Nominations. The Nominating Committee shall name a qualified nominee for each office and for each Assembly Delegate and director whose term is expiring. It shall ensure that each nominee has been contacted and agrees to serve if elected. Additional nominations, if any, shall be accepted from Members at the Annual Meeting providing the nominees have been contacted and agree to serve if elected.

Section 3. Notice of Membership. At least 30 days before the Annual Meeting of the Chapter, the Nominating Committee Chair shall send to all Chapter Members the list of nominees prepared by the Nominating Committee.

Section 4. Elections. President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assembly Delegate(s) and three Directors-at-Large shall be elected at the Annual Meeting of the Lookout Chapter. Elections shall be by majority vote of the Members in good standing present and voting. Balloting in contested elections shall be by secret ballot.

Article X – Committees
Section 1. Standing Committees. The Standing Committees shall be the Nominating Committee, Professional Development Committee and Awards Committee.

The Nominating Committee helps provide continuity in the chapter’s leadership. The Committee explores the qualifications and willingness of members to serve as directors, officers and assembly delegates. The Nominating Committee shall name a qualified nominee for each office and for each Assembly Delegate and director whose term is expiring. See Article IX, Section 2 above.

The Programs/Professional Development Committee shall plan and execute monthly meetings and other professional development events in keeping with the interests of the membership as learned through the annual survey.

The Awards Committee shall be responsible for planning and executing the chapter’s annual awards program, The Incline Awards, as well as any additional professional achievement awards and recognitions as approved by the board of directors. The Awards Committee is responsible for developing a sustainable awards program that salutes the best in public relations programs in the area. Responsibilities includes development promotion of the awards, development of submission and judging criteria, coordination of reciprocal judging with another PRSA chapter, comprehensive banquet planning and other associated duties.

Section 2. Special Committees. Special committees may be established and appointed by the President with approval of the board of directors. Special committees may be formed on Accreditation, Membership, Public Relations, Public Service and/or other areas of focus.

Section 3. Committee Reports. The chairperson of each committee shall report its activities regularly to the board of directors. All committee activities shall be subject to approval by the board of directors.

Article XI – Chapter Meetings
Section 1. Annual Meeting. There shall be an Annual Meeting in October or November each year at such time and place as may be designated by the board of directors.

Section 2. Regular Meetings. In addition to the Annual Meeting, there shall be regular monthly meetings at least ten times a year at such times and places as may be designated by the board of directors.

Section 3. Special Meetings. Special Meetings of the Chapter may be called by the President, the board of directors or on written request of 25 percent of the Chapter members.

Section 4. Notice of Meetings. Notice of the Annual Meeting shall be sent to each member at least 30 days in advance. Notice of a regular meeting or special meetings shall be sent to each member at least 10 days in advance.

Section 5. Quorum. A majority of the members of the Chapter shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Chapter.

Article XII – Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Members present at any meeting, provided such proposed amendment(s) has been approved by the Chapter’s board of directors and at least thirty-days notice has been given to all members of any proposed amendment(s). Amendments adopted in accordance with this provision become effective only after approval by the Society.