Message from the President
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Dear ALSPRA members,
For the past few years, I balked at the idea of becoming ALSPRA president for one reason: I did not believe I had obtained the knowledge and skills to lead. There have been many times during our quarterly workshops when I've felt like the least-qualified person in the room. I carry with me a constant feeling that I have much more to learn and room to grow as a professional communicator.
Over time, I've come to appreciate that this feeling is what makes ALSPRA so special. Like our colleagues in the classroom, we have the opportunity to support the professional growth of one another by sharing our individual skills and experiences. This member-led approach to professional learning strengthens all of us as we work to meet the needs of our communities and speak with one voice in support of public education in Alabama.
Would you be willing to help me with a few things?
First, I'd like for you to think about the areas where you feel strongest in your work. What's a project or skill where you've experienced success and are serving as a resource to others? Share that idea with Craig Williams, our new Vice President of Professional Development. No ideas are off the table — we just want to know how you're making a difference in your school district. There may be an opportunity for you to share your story later this year at an ALSPRA workshop.
Second, think about the areas where you feel you need the most support. What's the task at work that's keeping you up at night? What's the issue you've found yourself scouring the back pages of Google to find an answer for? Share that idea with Craig as well. We may be able to put some resources in place to strengthen your professional growth in that area.
Lastly, think about a colleague of yours who could contribute their own expertise to our work as school communicators. Invite them to join us so we can all benefit from having their voice at the table. ALSPRA offers several membership tiers for those who work full-time in school PR and those who do not. Your entire school district can even join! Take a look at our offerings and instructions on how to join by clicking the button at the bottom of this email.
We'll have more to share in the coming weeks about a fall quarterly workshop. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me if there's anything I can do for you. I look forward to talking with you again soon.
Sincerely,
Whit McGhee
President, Alabama School Public Relations Association
(205) 402-5144 | mcgheejw@vestavia.k12.al.us
Meet The 2021-22 Executive Board
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Craig Williams serves as Vice President of Professional Development. Craig serves as Chief Communications Officer of Huntsville City Schools. You can reach Craig at 256-428-6800 or by email at craig.williams@hsv-k12.org.
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Jennifer Gonsoulin is ALSPRA's Vice President of Membership Engagement. Jennifer is Founder of Total Communication PR Group in Birmingham. You can reach Jennifer by email at jtgons@gmail.com.
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Tim Hall is ALSPRA's Vice President of Communications. Tim serves as Director of Public Relations for Madison County Schools. You can reach Tim at thall@mcssk12.org.
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Nicole Knight is the Secretary/Treasurer of ALSPRA. Nicole serves as Communications Manager for Pelham City Schools. You can reach Nicole at 205-624-3702 or by email at nknight@pelhamcityschools.org.
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Our Immediate Past President is Jason Gaston, APR. Jason serves as Public Relations Supervisor for Trussville City Schools. Contact Jason at 205-228-3063 or by email at jason.gaston@trussvillecityschools.com.
Join or Renew Your Membership
The summer months are a great time to make sure your ALSPRA membership is up to date or to invite a friend to join! You can continue enjoying unlimited access to our resources and quarterly workshops by renewing your ALSPRA membership.
- Institutional Memberships, for you and up to 2 of your team members, are just $199 per year
- Individual Memberships are $79 per year
- Associate Memberships (for students, retirees, business leaders, and out-of-state members) are $49 per year
You can renew your membership by clicking the button below.
If you or your school system have questions about ALSPRA billing, POs or invoices, please contact ALSPRA Treasurer Nicole Knight at nknight@pelhamcityschools.org.
Thank you for your continued support of ALSPRA!
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