Strategy Needed - Report from Networking Event

It was generally agreed that the October 28 Networking Event was a misnomer for our gathering, but it certainly generated material for discussion and a mandate to move forward.

Below is a summary of what unfolded.

PRSJ Networking Event

October 28, 2009

JTI

The event was called to order at about 5:50 and ended at about 8:20


ATTENDANCE - 29 Practitioners

Deep concern was raised about the scheduling of a membership event by the IABC and the PRSJ at the same time. It was agreed that this should never happen again as it creates division among practitioners and does not add to the growth of the profession in Jamaica.

PRSJ member and Author, Joan Andrea Hutchinson did the very first reading from her upcoming book "Kin Teet Kibba Heart Bun" - celebrating the creativity of Jamaican poor people. Pre-order in time for Christmas, write to: kinteetkibbaheartbun@yahoo.com and bumpyhead@cwjamaica.com.

Publisher and Marketing Executive Glynis Salmon who delivered the keynote address told practitioners that Jamaicans do not fulfull the promise of talent on a global stage as so many of us are unprepared. She urged practitioners to devote more time to reading and absorbing relevant material.

The panel discussion about the future of the society that was moderated by Past President Alison Christie Binger, with panellists President Mark Thomas, member Gillian Haughton and Glynis Salmon revealed the following topics that people care about.

• Opportunities for training, personal development, professional development
• Better co-ordination with the IABC
• More opportunities for interactions and connections with peers
• Opportunities to share best practicesNeed to build respect and value for the Society
• Need for Succession planning
• Need to revise the definition for PR/Communiation
• Need to maintain relevance and importance to practitioners and to society
• Society must play a role in the communications activities (media, marketing, journalism etc)Society needs to align itself with compatable social causes

The next steps are to engage practitioners into the life of the society by forming working groups to:
Develop a strategy that will ensure the long term success of the Society
Develop a public relations plan for the society

Click here for slideshow of the event
To volunteer email "I Will Work" to prsj2009@gmail.com

New book by - Joan Andrea Hutchinson "Kin Teet Kibba Heart Bun "is celebrating the creativity of jamaican 'poor' people

As Jamaican music, sports and food continue to fascinate the world and bring fame to Jamrock, a book is in the making that documents time-honoured practices from which the modern culture springs.

Joan Andrea Hutchinson's newest offering "Kin Teet Kibba Heart Bun" records how Jamaicans from humble circumstances used their ingenuity to overcome the obstacle of a shallow pocket to live, love and raise children in dignity. Practices that have become the unseen foundation of what is making the country great today. In her words it is "Celebrating the creativity of Jamaican 'poor' people."

Using the humour in the Jamaican language, Hutchinson authentically retells the pieces of the recent and not too recent past that, she says we are too busy now to hear from our Grandmothers. I would add, the Grandmothers are probably themselves out in the workplace and are too busy to tell of the past.

Hutchinson joyfully recalls how to refashion clothes; how nature provided toys for children; do-it-yourself techniques for the good homemaker and of course home remedies for common ailments. You will learn how we kept up our personal hygiene - again with what nature provided. Entertainers will find out how some of our indigenous rhythms originated....not on the dancefloor but another kind of floor!

This book is sure to become a favourite for researchers seeking an easy-to-read, easy-to-reach reference for activities that have helped to shape and define the resilience of which the Jamaican people are reknown. Most importantly, the book will fill you with jou and make you laugh. Listen-in to an excerpt of the reading that she gave at the PRSJ networking event in Kingston on October 28 in our PR toolbox at the link - http://sites.google.com/site/gojamaicapr/home/pr-toolbox

Pre-order in time for Christmas, write to: kinteetkibbaheartbun@yahoo.com and bumpyhead@cwjamaica.com

GUEST SPEAKER PRSJ NETWORKING EVENT

Glynis Salmon, Publisher -
Owner of the Award –Winning publishing imprint, BalaPress, publisher of Easton Lee’s latest book, “Run Big ‘Fraid: A Collection of Short Stories”, which won the Award for Best Adult Fiction in the 2008 Book Industry Association of Jamaica’s National Awards. She is a member of the Board of Directors of several organizations, including the Book Industry Association of Jamaica (BIAJ). She has given over 18 years of distinguished service to the Book Industry.

READING FROM UPCOMING BOOK BY

WRITER, STORYTELLER AND ACTRESS

Joan Andrea Hutchinson has been writing poems and stories in the Jamaican language for more than ten years. She has published a book of poems, Meck Mi Tell Yuh, audiocassettes "Dat Bumpy Head Gal", "Jamaica Kin Teet" and "Everyting Jamaican". She will read from her upcoming book "Kin teet Kibba Heart Bun"

Agenda - Networking activity

Dear Colleagues,

The agenda for our networking activity is below. To RSVP, email: prsj2009@gmail.com.

PRSJ Networking Activity
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 (5:30 - 7:30)
Jamaica Trade and Invest 18 Trafalgar Road, Kingston 10

Master of Ceremonies – Former PRSJ President, Christine Bell,
PR Consultant, Innovative Ideas

Registration starts/ refreshments available

Welcome - PRSJ President, Mark Thomas
Communications Director, Jamaica Trade and Invest

Introduction of Guest Speaker – Tyrell Morgan,
PR Officer, UDC

Reading/Performance from her new book - Joan Andrea Hutchinson
Actress, author, innovator

"Solving Illiteracy through marketing education - Saving the unread"

Keynote Speaker – Glynis Salmon
Director of Business Development and Communication, MIND

************

Panel Discussion – The Way Forward Now

Moderator:

Former PRSJ President, Alison Christie Binger, PR Counsellor, Illuminart

Panellists:

Sydian Brissett PR Officer, The British Council
Former PRSJ President, Janneth Mornan Green – Consultant, Media Central
Gillian Haughton, PR Director, Ministry of National Security

Registration of volunteers for Working Groups:
AGM Planning Committee
Training and Professional Development
Lights out

RSVP prsj2009@gmail.com