Frequently Asked Questions

How do I update my member profile?

Follow these steps to update the information in your profile:

1. After logging in, click on the “Member Directory” subnavigation item in the “Members-only section.”
2. Once logged in to the site, enter your name in the “Search” field (it will perform a keyword search on your first name, last name, or organization).
3. Once located, click on your name’s hyperlink to access your profile.
4. To make changes, click on “View profile” in the blue login box in the lower left-hand corner of the page.
5. Click on the “Edit Profile” button, update any of your profile information, and then click “Publish.”

Members also can control what information is visible to anyone, just members, or no one. You can subscribe or unsubscribe from event reminders, group e-mails/newsletters, and other automatic notifications. If you wish to upload a personal headshot and overall description of your experience, interests, or other relevant personal information, this can be done using the profile editing tools.

How do I become involved on one of PRAL’s committees?

PRAL encourages every member to become more involved in the organization! In your member profile, there are checkboxes to indicate the areas of interest. When updating your member profile, simply check the boxes next to the type of participation in which you would like to become involved. You also can contact a committee chairperson (located on the “Committees” subnavigation page of the Web site’s “About Us” page) regarding your interest in participation on their committee.

I forgot my login password. How do I retrieve it?

In the login box in the lower left-hand side of the “Home” page (where you enter your e-mail and password), click on the “Forgot password” link. A “Reset password” screen will appear prompting you to enter the e-mail associated with your membership in the “Your e-mail” field. You will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to reset your password. Once your password is reset, return to the login section of the “Home” page and enter your e-mail and password.

Can I pay my membership dues, luncheon fees, or event registration fees online?

Currently the Web site is not set up to accept online payment. PRAL accepts cash, personal and company checks (made payable to “PRAL”), money orders, and cashier’s checks. At this time, we do not accept credit or debit cards for payment. Payment for monthly luncheons are accepted at the door.

What is PRAL’s policy for posting job openings on the Web site?

If you or your company would like to post a position opening, please e-mail the Webmaster or PRAL secretary with the following information, preferably in the body of the e-mail, or in an attached Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF document:

• Job title
• Hiring organization/employer
• Job location (city and state)
• Posting and removal dates (if a removal date is not provided, the position will remain posted for three months unless PRAL is notified to remove the positing when the position has been filled)
• Job overview or description
• Job duties/responsibilities
• Job requirements (e.g. education, years of experience, etc.)
• Application instructions (where applicants submit a résumé, cover letter, writing samples, references, etc.)

Currently, there is no fee for posting job openings.

What are the Lantern Awards, and how do I enter?

The Southern Public Relations Federation, which began in 1972, is a network of more than 1,000 public relations professionals from Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and North Florida who share a common interest in the profession.

Membership in SPRF is automatic for members of the Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA), the Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM), the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), and the Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO).

Each year, the SPRF conference, which is held in various locations throughout the member organizations’ four-state area, features nationally and regionally known speakers, as well as the annual Lantern Awards Banquet. The Lantern Award is a regional award that showcases the best of the best among the SPRF members during a given year. The SPRF organizations’ chapter responsible for coordinating the awards will announce details of how to submit award entries, the deadline for submission, the location for mailing, and all other details regarding the competition.