By Jeffrey S. Morosoff
The Public Relations Professionals of Long Island was formed out of the ashes of a defunct Long Island chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Understanding the importance of networking and professional development for PR practitioners based on Long Island, local PR legends Howard Blankman, Jack Rettaliata and others created PRPLI three decades ago.
Since I became a charter member, this organization has been a significant part of my professional and personal life. Through PRPLI and its networking opportunities, I made professional connections that led me to freelance and fulltime jobs, plus personal connections that became lifelong friendships. Happily, through the overwhelming majority of my career, I’ve worked with superb mentors, collaborative co-workers, and ethical professionals who were teachers and motivators. A countless number of them were people I’ve met through PRPLI.
During more than 20 years as a board member, I was honored and privileged to serve in a number of leadership positions and coordinated countless events, awards dinners, and programs. By giving me the opportunity to take on these roles, PRPLI became my classroom and enabled me to learn while doing, providing me with the amazing support of talented colleagues.
As a PR practitioner, loving your work is the best motivator of all. You have to believe in the mission of the organization and profession you represent. You have to become a part of that mission to effectively communicate to the organization’s publics, and often be its voice and its face. While doing this, you must be ethical and effective writers and storytellers, using effective language and images that inspire. Through strategic PR campaigns, you can reinforce positive opinions, change negative opinions and create opinions where none exist.
There are few professions as diverse and interesting– and challenging– as ours. I urge every reader to stick with PRPLI, take on leadership roles, and learn from the people around you. You’ll be rewarded with professional contacts, personal growth and a network of friends more valuable than you can imagine.
Happy 30th anniversary, PRPLI. Here’s to the next 30 years!
