Who Can Join

PRCA's objective is to offer an environment that focuses on the professional and networking interests of today's public relations practitioner and communications professional in private, public and nonprofit businesses and organizations. To that end, PRCA has developed membership criteria designed to allow our members to get the most from their membership.

Membership Levels And Annual Dues

There are five PRCA membership categories. Local chapters are responsible for reviewing member applications to determine the appropriate category.

• Active membership is open to anyone who is a full-time public relations practitioner, or someone who is exercising full responsibility for his or her employer's public relations activities. Applicants should spend 50 percent of their work time performing public relations duties or be solely responsible for the public relations function of an organization.
• Annual dues for active members are $105*.
• Associate membership is open to those with an interest in public relations but do not meet the criteria for active membership. This category is also usually reserved for vendors who benefit from the ability to network and associate with public relations practitioners.
• Annual dues for associate members are $125*.
• Sustaining membership is available to those current PRCA members who have retired from a full-time public relations career.
• Annual dues for sustaining members are $25*.
• Student membership is available to full-time college students interested in a career in public relations (usually used when there is no local student chapter available).
• Annual dues for student members are $25 for the school year (Sept-May)*.
• Charter membership is bestowed as an honorary status to current members. It includes all the privileges of active membership.
Annual dues for Charter membership are $15.

*In addition to the dues amounts listed, active, associate, and sustaining members are required to pay a one-time $15 new-member fee.. Annual dues and new-member fees are payable with the application and are prorated. Dues are only refunded if the prospective member's application is not approved.