Guest blog post from PRSA-LA YP member Dale Legaspi:
It’s a common question asked on Mondays in offices everywhere. A few weeks ago, though, my answer was an enthusiastic “work!” The quotes are certainly apropos, though, as I “worked” at PRSA’s Quality Time with PR Minds event, which was certainly nothing that resembled the weekday norm. I could not be happier with my decision to participate, and I wasn’t alone.
While I’m not sure of the exact numbers, what I seem to remember hearing is that there were 80+ volunteers and 29 non-profits participating and that the numbers stack up favorably with the most successful Quality Time events the chapter (or any chapter) has ever had.
For my own purposes, I was matched up with Corazón de Vida, City Year: Los Angeles, CLARE Foundation and Theatre 360: Pasadena Junior Theater. Quite a diverse array, but there was a very clear common thread among the four sessions.
I’ve never lived in an orphanage in Baja, spent an entire year volunteering in a major metropolis, battled through addiction or tried to keep the arts alive in the face of established competition. These representatives have either helped people through these experiences or led the charge personally. To experience the unmitigated passion these individuals all had for their organizations was truly humbling.
Yes, it’s early. Yes, it’s on a Saturday. But I would strongly recommend this event to anyone who is available to participate the next time it happens. Aside from the usual contacts you make at PRSA events, this particular one will give you back something invaluable in the PR field—a fresh perspective.
For more information on the event, or to hear more about the charities with which I worked, please feel free to contact me at dale@davidjamesagency.com.
