Just one month until the CIPR International deadline for £1,000 award
A reminder that the entry deadline for CIPR International's inaugural Douglas Smith Student Award is April 14. The £1,000 award aims to encourage professional development among young people starting out in the PR industry and is an exciting opportunity for students to apply their learning toward real-life issues facing both industry and society. All CIPR student members under the age of 26 are eligible.
Douglas Smith was a founder member and patron of the group, a former CIPR President and a great supporter of young talent. This award will extend his legacy.
To win, students should submit a campaign based around a fictitious company that wants to launch genetically modified rice in a country with less than ideal rainfall. They can choose to support, or oppose, its introduction. The best campaign, either for or against, will win the £1,000 top prize and a crystal trophy.
A judging panel of top PR practitioners including Prof. Anne Gregory, chair of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, and Stephen Waddington, President of the CIPR, will choose the ultimate winner from six shortlisted entries. Stephen Waddington will present a cheque and crystal trophy to the winner at the CIPR AGM in Manchester on 12 June 2014.
In a world without boundaries we need practitioners who are comfortable working across countries, cultures and communication environments. I am looking forward to seeing entries from young professionals who are committed to that idea – they will undoubtedly be the leaders of the future.
We all have a responsibility to help young people break into PR so I’m delighted to support this award. I hope it goes some way to helping a new generation showcase their talent and demonstrate they’re willing to go the extra mile.
For further information, and pictures of Douglas Smith, Prof. Anne Gregory and Stephen Waddington, email Pamela Mounter FCIPR: pamelamounter@hotmail.com.
Notes to editors
About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas. The CIPR is the largest membership organisation for PR practitioners outside of North America. By size of turnover and number of individually registered members, we are the leading representative body for the PR profession and industry in Europe.
The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).