By: Nathalie Martinez, Colorado State University PRSSA Member 

Congressman and Civil Rights Activist John Lewis reminded everyone at PRSSA National Conference in Atlanta, Ga. the importance of telling the story as simplicity and vivid details can go a long way.
Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting human rights and securing civil liberties in America. As a child, Lewis was inspired by the activism surrounding the Montgomery Boycott and the powerful words of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Ever since, he has become a pivotal figure in progressive social movements and human rights across the United States.

Through his determined efforts, Lewis has become known as “one of the most courageous persons the Civil Rights Movement ever produced.” Because of his persistence and fortitude, he discovered powerful ways to get involved.

During his keynote address, Lewis recollected on his account of hearing Martin Luther King Jr. on the radio as his leadership “inspired me to find a way to get in the way. I got in the way. I got in trouble.”

Lewis continued to stress the importance of getting in the way in order to tell a story. “You have an obligation. You have a mission and a mandate to find a way to get in the way. Find a way to get into good trouble, necessary trouble to education, to inform and to inspire another generation to stand up for what is right and what is necessary,” said Lewis. “That is your calling. That is your mission.”

Find a way a way to tell the story. Lewis urged his audience to use available resources and to tell the story in its simplest form. We have an obligation to tell the story. As aspiring public relations professionals, we can get in the way and cause necessary trouble to share the story that needs to be told.

“Each and every one of you – use your skills, use your know-how to help create a beloved community, to help redeem the soul of America. We can do it. We must do it,” said Lewis.

We must remember the importance of telling the story. Not only are we capable of making a difference through storytelling, it is our mission. 

By: Eleonora Yurkevich, Colorado State University PRSSA Chapter Member

Opponents to a new, simpler cup design are blaming Starbucks for taking “Christmas” out of the cups, as well as being overly politically correct. In the end, Starbucks – the stock price of which has risen four-fold over the last decade – issued a rather effective press release, while enjoying loads of free P.R. through the public debate, which has managed to attract commentary from such celebrities as: Stephen Colbert, Rob Lowe, Demi Lovato and presidential hopeful Donald Trump, to name a few.  
 
In response to the debate, Starbucks issued a press release in which Jeffrey Fields, the company’s vice president of design and content, emphasized that this was purely a design decision and nothing more – a “two-toned ombré design,” as he described.
 
Fields emphasized that the cup’s design has been in constant transition throughout the years, metamorphosing from “a jazz-themed design” to “modern vector-illustrated characters.”
 
The release concluded with a statement about diversity and inclusion: “Starbucks will continue to embrace and welcome customers from all backgrounds and religions in our stores around the world.”
 
The very next day, Starbucks issued another release, introducing their “exclusive Christmas Blend.”
 
In the end, effective marketers and publicists were probably able to take advantage of the buzzing social media and celebrity commentary to #RidetheWave of the Starbucks #redcup debate.
 
Is all P.R. good P.R.? Has this debate been a success for the company’s publicity? Let us know what you think.

DENVER, (Aug. 06, 2015) — Colorado State University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) held their Sunrise for Students breakfast on Wednesday, July 22, 2015. The annual fundraiser raises money to send CSU Chapter members to the PRSSA National Conference each year. This year, the conference, titled Rethink, Rebuild, Renew, will be held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Held at the CSU Denver Center, Sunrise for Students was open to public relations professionals and organizations to hear guest speakers from Fortune 500 company DaVita Kidney Care. Speakers David Gilles and Steve Hammack of DaVita presented “Communicating Your Culture Inside and Out,” discussing the importance of culture within their company and how the establishment of a strong foundation and positive influence can help a company grow.

Sunrise for Students provides additional funds for the Chapter to host other events throughout the year, making it the biggest CSU PRSSA fundraiser. Networking among professionals and students began with a southern-style breakfast at 7 a.m., with more networking following the presentation.

Click Here to see the National Post! 

Hello and welcome to our first blog post! 

I am happy to introduce myself as Jessica Hayes, the 2015-2016 President of PRSSA at Colorado State University! What an honor! I am so excited for the upcoming school year and already have a flow of ideas rushing through my mind. I can't wait to get started planning fun socials and field trips as well as meetings and getting to know so many awesome people that have the same passion I do! 

Public Relations really became important to me my sophomore year of college. As a journalism student, I am constantly imbedded in the social world and communicating with individuals. I love talking, planning and creating, all great aspects of the public relations field! I am excited to teach other students and hopefully inspire them to be productive in our club on campus. 

In the last semester (Spring of 2015), I really got to know Maya and Lauren (2014-2015 President and Vice President) as well as the executive board during that term. Going to events with them and bonding over our field really  made me appreciate the Public Relations Student Society of America here at CSU. I already have learned so much and am looking forward to learning more as time goes on. 

I have also met with Jane Dvorak, our professional advisor, Dr. Jangyul Kim, our academic advisor and Nicole Yost, our professional advisor for Ram PR, which we are excited to get started again. Wow, are we in good hands! These professionals really help guide our ideas and experiences as we take on PRSSA. 

PRSSA will continue to grow and thrive in the Public Relations field and offer students the opportunities of a lifetime. How often do students get to meet professionals and learn their profession on a regular basis? From fun field trips to exciting panels, meet and greets and meetings with professional speakers, students will be on top of the world during their time as a PRSSA member at CSU. 

But... the fun doesn't stop after graduation. PRSA is everywhere- providing great opportunities in your professional career as well! 

I created this blog with the intention of having members write about their experiences as a PRSSA member. Members will write about what we have learned, our fun adventures with other members, and the professionals that inspire PRSSA. 

I am so excited and I hope you are too! For more information about CSU PRSSA, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or (903) 738-6294. Also, please browse our website and follow us on social media.