National School Public Relations Association

In Their Own Words: Value of NSPRA

NSPRA's mission is to advance education through responsible communication. We accomplish that mission through a variety of diverse services that we provide to Our Members and to other school leaders who contract with or buy from us. With over 75 years of experience, we have a reputation in the field for practical approaches to solving school district and agency communication problems.

We produce and market communication products, maintain resource and research files, have contacts and resources within the corporate communication industry, and have about 32 chapters throughout the country that provide local networking opportunities for members.

In keeping with our mission, NSPRA has provided workshop assistance to school districts, state departments of education, regional service agencies, and state and national associations. For many of these groups, we have completed research-based communication audits to analyze the communication flow, targeting, content, and effectiveness of their communication messages.

NSPRA offers a number of professional development opportunities and publications to support school communication and public relations:

• The NSPRA Seminar is a three and one-half day session, held each July, which offers more than 70 topics on a wide array of school communication issues and is the most comprehensive communication workshop for educators anywhere.

• The PR Power Hour, a convenient one-hour telephone conference call program held on Fridays throughout the year, puts you in touch with top experts in school PR.

• NSPRA's Communication Accountability Project (CAP) works to strengthen the understanding of school communication and document the powerful contributions strong communication makes to student and school success.

• NSPRA's monthly membership newsletter Network is seen as a communication resource for school leaders, not just our members. Each issue tackles a major problem and explains how communication can play a vital role in solving it.

• PRincipal Communicator is our building-level PR newsletter, which provides practical help to school principals and other building-level leaders. Each issue includes tips to effectively improve communication at the community level.

• NSPRA's electronic newsletters, Alert, Opportunities, Counselor and NSPRA This Week, help deliver information to members through e-mail.

• The Flag of Learning and Liberty is a national education symbol, developed by NSPRA in its 50th Anniversary Year. On July 4, 1985, the Flag of Learning and Liberty flew over the state houses of all 50 states to launch the rededication of America's commitment to education and a democratic, free society.

• NSPRA is a member of the Educational Leaders Consortium and works with all major national organizations to help improve educational opportunities for the nation's young people. NSPRA is also a sponsoring agency of the Educational Research Service (ERS). The association sponsors three national awards programs to bring recognition for excellence in communication to individuals, districts and agencies.

NSPRA has a set of written bylaws, which are the rules that govern the association. In addition, the NSPRA Executive Board updates the mission, goals & objectives of the association every two years as part of its strategic planning process.

NSPRA also has established a Code of Ethics, which serves as a guide to members for what conduct is appropriate in everyday work situations.