From the President's Desk: Exercising Your Right to Vote, and Having Your Voice Heard

The right to participate in the democratic process and have our voices heard can be an amazing thing to witness. For me, as a naturalized citizen, I have a special appreciation for the opportunity to vote in local, state and federal elections and take pride in occasionally participating in civil discourse amongst friends. Sometimes, it is taken for granted that freedom of speech is a right in this country but it is not a privilege afforded to all abroad.

I say this because, in a few short weeks, millions of Americans aged 18 and up will be able to exercise their rights and voices this Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

I say this because, this week, at the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Leadership Assembly—the society’s equivalent of Congress for its membership—more than 200 Assembly Delegates and I had the honor of representing our respective local boards and regional membership. There was civil and spirited discourse leading up to the votes on PRSA’s slate of 2025 national board of directors and proposed amendments to our society's bylaws to help make the board nomination process even more equitable and efficient moving forward.

And, by next Monday, members of PRSA Chicago will have had the opportunity to participate in our democratic process and have their voices heard. Our members will be afforded the right to review and vote on our slate of 2025 board of directors. Additionally, we’ll vote on proposed amendments to our chapter’s bylaws, (requires member login) to help ensure we continue to become an even more inclusive organization that recognizes and serves all public relations professionals and communicators in the Chicago area.

PRSA Chicago members: your participation in our democratic process is a right. I encourage you to get involved, have your voices heard, and exercise this privilege. If you’ve not already cast your vote, you have until 5 PM CT on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

Yours in service,
Kayee Ip
2024 Chapter President
PRSA Chicago

Kayee welcomes communication from PRSA Chicago members. Write to her at [email protected].