Thank you for your interest in joining Pine Belt PRAM!
This professional organization will provide you with a network of public relations professionals from throughout the greater Hattiesburg area to connect with, learn from and inspire. While you may already have many of the tools you need to be successful in public relations, it is important in our profession to stay connected with your community and stay educated on topics related to our field. Pine Belt PRAM is your organization to accomplish that.
Who can be a member?
Membership is open to individuals who are in the field of public relations (practitioner or educator) or pursuing a career of public relations. A public relations practitioner is considered an individual who communicates with one or more specific publics in the interest of brokering goodwill between an employer, company, client, governmental agency or other entity and its publics. The primary role of the practitioner is to communicate the function, purpose and message of an organization to specific publics.
A public relations practitioner may have one or multiple of these different job responsibilities: account management, advertising, business owner, communications management, community relations, crisis management, education, fundraising, special event planning, government affairs, graphic design, marketing communications, media relations, organizational spokesperson, strategic communication, website/social media management and writing.
Educators and students are also encouraged to join Pine Belt PRAM to continue to expand the breadth of knowledge and connections shared within the organization.
Pine Belt PRAM does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or ethnic or cultural background.
Membership Benefits Include:
Professional Development
- Monthly luncheons featuring speakers on topics of interests
- Annual workshops
- Monthly newsletter
Networking
- Monthly luncheons with fellow public relations professionals
- As a PRAM chapter member, you are also a member of the state PRAM organization and our regional affiliate, the Southern Public Relations Federation, enjoying the benefits of all three entities.
Community Service
- Chapter support of future public relations professionals through student scholarships
- Various community service projects throughout the year
Dues and Application
The process for joining Pine Belt PRAM is quite simple. Complete and submit the online form linked below. Once your application is received, it is reviewed by the Pine Belt PRAM Board of Directors for approval. After your application has been reviewed, you will be contacted by the Vice President of membership. If your application is approved, membership dues are due at that time.
2026 MEMBERSHIP AND GUEST DUES:
$125 – Professional Membership
This dues-only option provides flexibility for members who may not be able to attend every monthly meeting. Members under this level will pay a per-meeting fee to cover the cost of lunch when attending programs.
$200 – Professional Membership+
This all-inclusive option is designed for members who plan to attend meetings regularly and want to maximize the value of their membership. This level includes annual dues, lunch at each monthly meeting, a discounted rate for the annual summer/fall workshop and an updated professional headshot.
$25 – Student Membership
Available to full-time undergraduate students pursuing a career in public relations or a related field. Student members receive the same access to networking and professional development opportunities at a reduced rate.
Meeting fees
- Member – $15 (this is applicable to all who hold a professional membership at the $125 rate)
- 1st Time Guest – FREE
- Recurring Guest – $20
Dues and guest fees may be paid in person via check, cash or credit card. To access the link, email us at pinebeltpram@gmail.com. All online transactions through Square Pay will include an online processing fee.
Click here to apply for membership
Etiquette of Being a Pine Belt PRAM Member
- Members ensure their position is in public relations or a field involving the use of public relations techniques. If your position or occupational duties change, members of the board should be notified.
- Although we support fellow members in their endeavors, directly soliciting to members is discouraged. There will be an opportunity to formally address the membership prior to each meeting.
- As a member of Pine Belt PRAM, you are expected to adhere to the Code of Ethics.
Just with any other professional organization, you get out of it what you put into it. Being an active member of Pine Belt PRAM will allow you to see the most benefits – from networking to professional development.