Know About the Communication Associations Globally & Locally to Build Your Network

Know About the Communication Associations Globally & Locally to Build Your Network 

INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSOCIATION - IPRA

The concept of establishing an international public relations association first took concrete shape in November 1949 during a meeting in London between two Dutch and four British public relations practitioners. As they discussed their respective activities, the idea emerged of organising public relations professionals into a transnational society with the objective of raising standards of public relations practice in the various countries and improving the quality and efficiency of practitioners.

As an outcome of this informal meeting in London, a group of public relations executives from Britain, the Netherlands, France, Norway and the United States of America subsequently met in Holland in March 1950. Following a review of the needs and challenges entailed in an increasingly international practice of public relations, the participants resolved to set up a provisional committee aimed at promoting exchange of information and co-operation within the profession and eventually establishing an International Public Relations Association (IPRA).

The International Public Relations Association was formally established at a meeting held in the Cabinet Office at No.10 Downing Street, London on May 1’ 1955, with the adoption of a Constitution and the appointment of the first IPRA Council. IPRA is recognised as an international non-governmental organisation by the United Nations system and has been granted consultative status by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and by UNESCO.

The members of IPRA since then have continued working together to foster the ethical practice of public relations across the world, being instrumental in the creation of the Code of Athens - the basis of the codes of conduct for almost all professional public relations associations worldwide. IPRA Gold Papers have addressed issues of ethical behaviour and practice of concern to members and non-members alike.  

Today, IPRA is an active virtual network of global community of public relations practitioners communicating online and coming together to exchange knowledge, experience and expertise in regional and national conferences and workshops and the prestigious IPRA World Public Relations Congress.  The annual IPRA Golden World Awards for Excellence in Public Relations recognize the best in public relations practice, judged by a jury of eminent practitioners from across the globe. 

IPRA currently has members from over 80 countries around the world. 

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GLOBAL ALLIANCE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT (GAPR&CM)

The Global Alliance is a framework for collaboration with a mission to enhance the public relations profession and its practitioners throughout the world. The Alliance was formally established in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on 25 October, 2000, after a Public Relations World Congress sponsored by the Public Relations Society of America and the International Public Relations Association. Through cooperation, the associations and their member practitioners will be able to strengthen the influence of the public relations industry among our constituents around the world.

Global Protocol on Ethics in Public Relations has been announced by the Global Alliance to reflect the complementary nature and continuity existing between current national association codes. It brings the common strands found in the various national codes analyzed together into one common building block.

Based in Switzerland, the Alliance is a cooperative of established public relations associations with the mission to enhance the public relations profession and its practitioners throughout the world. It was founded in 2000 in Chicago by 25 national and international bodies, is incorporated under U.K. laws as a not-for-profit entity and has a secretariat in South Africa. It currently serves as a vehicle for examining and developing Global standards on Ethics; Universal accreditation options; Curriculum; and Body of knowledge. As on today, the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management is the confederation of the world's major PR and communication management associations and institutions, representing 280,000 practitioners and academics around the world.

The Global Alliance's mission is to unify the public relations profession, raise professional standards all over the world, share knowledge for the benefit of its members and be the global voice for public relations in the public interest. The Global Alliance relies on the efforts of communication professionals to tackle common problems with a global perspective. By partnering with regional, national and international bodies to increase professionalism in public relations and communication management, this Alliance works to enhance the collaborative professionalism of the industry among its constituents around the world.

The global alliance provides a forum to:  

• Share ideas and best practice;
• Identify common interests and develop global standards; and
• Provide a better understanding of the unique aspects of each culture in which practitioners operate.

And offers access to information regarding:

• Industry news;
• Regional or international conferences and seminars;
• Case studies; and
• Benchmarking research

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International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)

IABC is a global network of communications professionals which was formed in 1970. In its first year of operation, IABC had 2,280 members and focused on internal communications. IABC's internal research showed that its members were moving into positions with broader public relations responsibilities; therefore, IABC expanded its scope by merging with Corporate Communicators Canada in 1974.  

In 1982 the association formed the IABC Research Foundation, which funded a study of 323 organizations to determine what made some public relations teams more effective than others. The study found that executive involvement in communications was the best predictor of effectiveness. The Research Foundation also looked into the status and pay of women in the public relations field, in a pioneering study called The Velvet Ghetto.

In 2001 a grass-roots initiative was started within IABC's membership that eventually developed into the Gift of Communication program, whereby members donated their professional services to local charities. Membership grew by 7–9 percent each year in the 2000s due to an increasing number of practitioners in the field of internal communications. IABC hosted its first annual world conference in 2005 and grew to more than 16,000 members by 2008. That same year, IABC accredited Chinese citizens for the first time in the Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) program.

In 2009 the IABC Research Foundation conducted a survey that found 79 percent of respondents frequently use social media to communicate with employees. It also co-authored a study the following year that found email and intranet were the most common internal communications tools among respondents.

IABC offers professional, corporate, student and retired memberships. Representatives from different chapters and regions, as well as professional members, vote at the Annual General Meeting to elect members to the international executive board. The board can change dues, establish new chapters, create workgroups and remove members with a two-thirds vote. IABC also has various committees focused on ethics, research, finance, auditing and others. All positions within IABC are filled by volunteers.

IABC has more than 100 chapters worldwide in North America, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Europe. Each summer, IABC hosts World Conference, a three-day event with professional development seminars and activities, as well as talks by industry leaders.

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International Consultancy Communications Organization (ICCO)

           ICCO is the voice of public relations consultancies around the world. The ICCO membership comprises of over 3000 associations representing 66 countries across the globe.  ICCO provides a forum for senior management of the world’s best PR consultancies to meet and address issues of mutual interest and concern. Members work together to raise standards of quality, address ethical issues, harmonize professional PR consultancy practice, and share knowledge. Through the online directory, ICCO also acts as a matchmaker between consultancies in different countries. 

          Members have an opportunity to meet in person twice a year at meetings of the Board, at the bi-annual ICCO Global Summit and at any number of ICCO partner events. Member trade associations adhere to ICCO’s professional code – The Stockholm Charter, and have the option of accreditation in the “Consultancy Management Standard” which is a quality certification standard specific to public relations consultancy. ICCO has formally adopted the IPRA Charter on Media Transparency, which dictates ethical behaviour in the relationship between consultancies and editorial providers.

ICCO’s mission is to represent the world’s public relations consultancy business. It seeks to develop greater consistency of standards across member countries so that clients will benefit from higher quality services which are clearly defined, professional and ethical.

ICCO’s Roles:  

       a. . To Provide a worldwide organisation for existing national or regional public relations consultancy professional Associations, and support or foster the creation of similar associations in countries where the public relations consultancy industry is sufficiently mature. 

       b. Continuously raise professional and ethical standards.
   

    c. Provide forums for discussion on issues facing PR consultancies worldwide and to share best practice. 

    d. Represent the public relations consultancy industry on global debates and issues and seek to influence how they will impact on its worldwide members. 

    e. Provide a focal point for organisations and individuals seeking information about the public relations consultancy sector. 

f.  Continuously seek commercial and business opportunities for the public relations consultancies affiliated with its member Associations so they may grow and thrive.

ICCO’s Core Activities 

·   1. Host Summits attended by leaders of the public relations consultancy industry, where they may meet to share professional know ledge and market information. 

·     2. Create and run dedicated working parties that address specific issues of interest, concern or debate for the public relations consultancy industry.  

·   3. Conduct regular surveys amongst its members to identify and create market intelligence that will benefit members and ‘purchasers’ of public relations consultancy services. 

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     4. Help produce and distribute original research into industry issues of interest to members through partnership with other organisations or individuals.

·   5. Maintain a website to facilitate the transfer of best practice ideas and to explain, demonstrate and explore how the public relations consultancy business can be best improved and used.

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International Communication Association(ICA)

Founded on January 1, 1950 in Austin, Texas, United States, the International Communication Association (ICA) is an academic association for scholars interested in the study, teaching and application of all aspects of human and mediated communication. It began more than 60 years ago as a small organization of U.S. researchers and now is truly international with more than 4500 members in over 85 countries.

Approximately two-thirds of members are academic scholars, professors, and graduate students, with the remaining members in government, the media, communication technology, business law, medicine and other professions.  ICA also has 59 institutional members i.e. university departments or related institutions and an ever growing number of association members i.e. communication associations around the world.

ICA is headquartered in Washington, D.C, United States. Since 2003, ICA has been officially associated with the United Nations as a non-governmental organization (NGO).

ICA maintains a series of standing and awards committees to conduct its business in relation to membership, internationalization, publications, liaison with other agencies, etc., annual awards, and ad hoc task forces.

Committee members are appointed by the president. ICA's members are drawn from several disciplines, focuses, and approaches to the communication discipline. Its membership is thus organized into Divisions and Interest Groups that gather scholars and students of common research interests into formal structures within the association.

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Association of Business Communicators of India (ABCI)

ABCI was started by a group of visionaries who wanted to make a difference in their field. Initially christened as "Indian Association of Industrial Editors (IAIE)", it was the first organization for professional communicators in India started way back in 1957. IAIE was formed under the Society Act, 1860, under the registration number, F 2772, at the office of the Charity Commissioner, Mumbai.

Mr. Victor Paranjoti, Chief Public Relations Officer, ACC, was the Founder President and Mr. P. R. Gupta was the first Vice President of the Association along with Mr.Jerboy Joseph (86) who has been the Founder Member now resides at Chennai..

The association was rechristened in 1980 to "Association of Business Communicators of India (ABCI)" under the presidentship of Mr. John Monteiro who was working in the Communications Department of L&T. He wanted the association to embrace a wider range of business communicators. Mr.Monteiro is 75 years old and now resides in Mangalore.

From 2004 ABCI has been headed by Mr. Yogesh Joshi who is working in the communications department of Tata Steel. He is the 25th President of ABCI. Under his Presidentship ABCI has shown unprecedented growth and has become highly active in the Business Communicators & Public Relations fraternity.

Over the years ABCI has been very active in the profession of Business Communicators and organizes lots of activities for the betterment of the PR & Business Communications professionals . Some of the eminent persons who shared the ABCI platform include Mr Naval Tata, Mr Nani Palkhiwala, several Cabinet Ministers, Governors, Media and PR professionals and senior editors of various publications.

For the past 56 years ABCI has been organizing the Annual Awards Nite to recognize and reward outstanding talent in the profession of business communications. These awards are considered as the 'Oscars' of Business Communications in India. Over the years ABCI has acquired a reputation for being at the forefront of business communication in India and under the stewardship of Mr. Yogesh Joshi will reach new heights in the future as well.

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PUBLIC RELATIONS SOCIETY OF INDIA (PRSI):

PRSI is the national association of PR practitioners and was established in 1958 to promote the recognition of public relations as a profession and to formulate and interpret to the public the objectives and the potentialities of public relations as a strategic management function.

The society functioned as an informal body till 1966 when it was registered under the Indian Societies Act XXVI of 1961, with headquarters in Mumbai. The father-figure of professional PR practitioners in India, Mr. Kali H. Mody, was the founder President of PRSI from 1966 to 1969. 

Earlier in 1965, another professional body, the “Public Relations Circle” was been founded and registered in Kolkata. It was the first ever association of professional PR practitioners in Eastern India and was doing commendable work. However, at the First All India PR Conference in 1968, at New Delhi members of the Public Relations Circle, Kolkata unanimously decided to disband the regional organization to strengthen the national body, thus forming the Kolkata Chapter of PRSI, in 1969. PRSI has 20 Chapters as on date.

The PRSI has a two-tier structure. It has the National Council at the Center as well as the Regional Chapters at the grassroots’ levels. The Regional Chapters enrol members, hold meetings and workshops and organizes training programs. Each chapter elects its own executive committee. Each chapter runs under the overall guidance of the National Council.

The management of PRSI is vested in the National Council, consisting of representatives elected by all the regional chapters. The members of the society are public relations practitioners from Multinationals, Govt., Public and Private sector, Academics and PR consultants. The National Council meets four times a year in different parts of the country. Often, the National Council meetings are followed by a national seminar hosted by a local Chapter. The National Council prepares guideline for the Chapters. It also initiates activities relating to education and research and keeps close contact with the Government, Chambers of Commerce, Management Associations, Universities and other educational institutions.

PRSI is actively associated with IPRA and has been participating in its various campaigns and programmes. In this regards PRSI has also signed a co-operation agreement with the International Public Relations Association (IPRA). Under the agreement, inter alia, the organisations will exchange materials such as IPRA’s Thought Leadership essays and know-how to help with the development of the PR profession. PRSI has been actively associated with IPRA. 

On April 21st PRSI adopted International Code of Ethics also known as Code of Athens and celebrates April 21^st as National PR Day at National Level. 

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Public Relations Consultants Association of India(PRCAI)

PRCAI is a trade organization that represents India's  public relations consultancy sector. It is the summit body for official communications and public relations practices in India. It was formed on 4 October 2001 to grow, represent and support India's public relations consultancy sector in international practices. It also provides a forum for Government, public bodies, industry associations, trade and others to confer with public relations consultants as a body. It is internationally recognized organization which offers official membership to all PR practitioners which abide by the basic criteria devised by the association.

PRCAI was formed on the lines of the  "Public Relations and Communication Association" of United Kingdom by a group of seven like-minded PR Firms,  Corporate Voice | Weber Shandwick, Genesis Burson Marsteller, Hanmer MSL, Text 100, Good Relations India, Ogilvy PR, 20:20 Media (now 20:20 MSL) with the aim to further the cause of the PR industry in India and support budding communications professionals across the country. Affiliated with International Consultancy Communications Organization (ICCO) which is an international association for all national communication consultancy organizations headquartered in UK, PRCAI is not only the Indian PR industry’s flagship trade association but also a forum for government, public bodies, industry associations, trade and others to confer with public relations consultants through one body. It has a strong North, South, East and West regional network which provides cohesive and uniform support to our members.

PRCAI is a vibrant mosaic of PR professionals that share a common goal; to instill best practices for the greater progression of the PR industry in India and around the world. Its  members, speakers and associates represent a diverse cross-section of the industry including corporate, agencies, freelance communications professionals, public affairs organizations, Digital PR firms and  professional services firms. PR consultancies and associates that meet the basic criteria set out by the association and pledge to uphold the PRCAI’s code of conduct in communication & public relations can become the member of PRCAI.

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Public Relations Council of India (PRCI):

Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) is a pan-India Communication Exchange forum with its presence in 37 Indian cities and towns. This premier network connects PR, Media, Commercial and Public Service Advertising, Marcom, Academia in Communication and students. PRCI provides Industry professionals an opportunity to serve their community by encouraging high ethical standards in their respective areas of work and is the first forum to offer accreditation to professionals in the stream.

Born on 3^rd March 2004, PRCI strives to enrich professional development and aids networking opportunities to further the cause of the profession. Headquartered at Bangalore, every year the PRCI organises “Global communication Conclave” which is attended by more than 500 Communication practitioners and decision makers of top performing Industries/ Organisations in India and from around the world gather to discuss and deliberate the latest developments, ideas and best practices in PR& Communication. “PRCI Annual Global Meet” has established itself as one of the leading International platforms for networking amongst PR Professionals. PRCI also organises national and regional levels events like conferences, discussions, Lectures, training programmes for sharing experience and facilitate continuing education of like-minded professionals.

PRCI Publications:

PRCI publishes CHANAKYA magazine for networking  with its members and serve as a vehicle for sharing knowledge and experience.

PRapport is an E-magazine. It’s neither a weekly - fortnightly or a monthly, but a virtual 24x7 online publication. It aims to fulfil the needs for quick updates of events, communication and media trends and thought leadership articles by communication industry stalwarts as well as the youth. PRapport enjoys a about 50,000-page views across the US, Canada, UK, France, Portugal, Russia, Gulf, Singapore, Australia, apart from India.

(E.Magazine: www. PRapport.blogspot.in)

PRCI New Initiative: A Global Platform – “World Communicators’ Council”

PRCI has taken steps to expand internationally by recently promoting a global platform - World Communicators’ Council (WCC) – with Chapters in UAE, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Soon, WCC hopes to spread its wings to many other countries, including Singapore, Australia, UK and the USA.

PRCI “YOUNG COMMUNICATORS CLUB (YCC)”

The Young Communicators Club is the Youth wing of Public Relations Council of India. YCC is a special Young Communicators Club (YCC) for galvanizing young boys and girls pursuing mass media communication programmes in thousands of universities campuses across India. PRCI and YCC jointly hold series of knowledge experience and research sharing activities in association with various university campuses. YCC publishes KAUTILYA magazine for the Youth and carries mainly the articles and achievements of the YCC students. YCC has 15 Chapters in India.

The primary objective of YCC, which is managed and run by the students themselves under the watchful eyes and professional guidance of senior professionals, is to make students good human-beings, alert, aware and responsible citizens. As student leaders, they would be instrumental in generating a youthful and purposeful wave in the world to lead a youth-movement to effectively communicate information and knowledge to the society without distortions and without taking sides or political leanings.

Students registered with YCC get a well-recognized larger social and professional platform of communicators and PR professionals under the aegis of PRCI to express them, get educated and act on. They get a quality platform to get networked with professionals and reputed personalities from various fields of life. Contacts always help in both professional as well personal lives Periodic seminars and workshops involving reputed professionals, bureaucrats and prominent citizens besides senior professors and academicians would give invaluable knowledge to the inquisitive minds bursting with ideas.

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