PSO Toolkit Version 2.0
Student Representative Council Planning Student Organization
TOOLKIT
pso toolkit
Dear PSO Representatives, SRC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE chair
Ellen Forthofer Ball State University past chair
Lisandro Orozco California State Polytechnic University-Pomona region i
Paige Peltzer Harvard University region ii
Shelley Price Georgia Institute of Technology region iii
Sophee Payne Florida State University region iv
Anna Ma University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
On behalf of APA, the Student Representative Council (SRC) Executive Committee would like to welcome you to your position as the Planning Student Organization Representative of your university. We are excited that you have decided to take on a leadership role within your school. As your PSO’s student rep, you automatically become a member of APA’s Student Representatives Council. The SRC is a leadership body that serves to promote student involvement in APA activities; advise the APA Board of Directors on programs and services for our student community; and provide a mechanism for students to influence the development of planning profession. The SRC Executive Committee aims to keep you connected with APA and other PSO Representatives in your region and strengthen the network of young planners and seasoned professionals. Of 80 Planning Student Organizations registered in APA, we are excited that you want to continue to develop that network. We will provide you with resources to encourage professional growth within your PSO, strengthen membership and connect you with tools to make your experience with APA as robust as possible. As a PSO Representative, you have the opportunity to lead the charge for your PSO. APA National recognizes student groups through the Outstanding PSO Award, so remember to submit your application! Please read through the toolkit and get in touch with your regional rep to find out how you can get engaged and get your voice heard.
region v
George Benson University of British Columbia
Thank you for your commitment to the planning profession, community development and creating a better sense of place. We look forward to working with you this next year!
region vi
Lance MacNiven University of California at Los Angeles
Sincerely, The SRC Executive Committee
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
SRC Regions and Representatives
Region I
Region IV
Paige Peltzer | Harvard University Associate, Economic and Planning Systems, Inc.
Anna Ma | Univ. of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Metropolitan Planner, Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Region V
Region II Shelley Price | Georgia Tech Long Range Planning, City of Henderson
George Benson | University of British Columbia Greenest City Scholar, Vancouver Economic Commission
Region VI
Region III Sophee Payne | Florida State University Community Health Planner, Florida Dept. of Health
Lance MacNiven | UCLA Transportation Planner, WSP I Parsons Brinckerhoff
Chair
Past Chair
Ellen Forthofer | Ball State University Communications & Outreach Coordinator, IndyGo
Lisandro Orozco | California Polytechnic University-Pomona Planner, City of Anaheim
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
PAB Accredited Planning Programs by Region 1 2 5 3 4 1 1 6
5 2
6 1 2
10
14
7
4
11
9
8
10
9
5
1
7
13 14 15
6 7 8 9 10
9
4 6
6
1
5 7 4 8
13
3 4 5 6 7
3
2
11
12 13 3
12
11 12
10
3
9 2
8
2
14 3
7 10
4
8
5
11
12
Region I
Region II
Region III
Region IV
Region V
Region VI
1 University of Buffalo
1 University of Louisville
1 University of Oklahoma
1 University of Minnesota
1 University of British
1 University of California,
2 Indiana University
2 Georgia Tech
2 University of Texas
2 Iowa State University 3 Missouri State University
of Pennsylvania
3 Clemson University
3 Cornell University
4 Virginia Tech
4 Temple University
5 University of Virginia
5 University of
6 University of North
Pennsylvania
6 Rutgers University 7 Columbia University 8 Hunter College 9 New York University 10 Pratt Institute 11 University of Albany 12 University of Massachusetts at Amherst
13 Tufts University 14 Harvard University 15 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Carolina at Chapel Hill
7 Morgan State University 8 University of Maryland at College Park
9 Virginia Commonwealth University
10 East Carolina University
at Arlington
3 University of Texas at Austin
4 Texas A&M University 5 Texas Southern University
6 University of Memphis 7 Jackson State University 8 University of New Orleans
4 University of Iowa 5 University of Wisconsin Madison
6 University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
7 University of Illinois at Chicago
8 University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign
9 Alabama A&M
9 Ball State University
University
10 Michigan State Uni-
10 Florida State University
versity
11 University of Florida
11 University of Cincinnati
12 Florida Atlantic
12 Eastern Michigan
University University of Puerto Rico (not pictured)
University
Columbia
2 University of Washington
3 Portland State University 4 University of Oregon
4 University of California,
5 Eastern Washington
5 University of Southern
University
6 University of Utah 7 Arizona State University 8 University of Arizona 9 University of New
Los Angeles California
6 Cal Poly Pomona 7 University of California, Irvine
Mexico
10 University of Colorado - Denver
11 University of Nebraska - Lincoln
12 Kansas State University
13 The Ohio State
13 University of Kansas
University
14 University of Hawaii
14 Cleveland State
Berkeley
2 San Jose State University 3 Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
at Manoa
University
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Schedule of Events Event
Deadlines
URL
PSO Registration
Early registration: Aug 20 Late registration: September 15 December December Early registration: March Regular registration: April February February
planning.org/ep/students/pso/registration
November window: June thru October May window: December thru April
planning.org/certification/currentexam
Outstanding PSO Awards AICP Student Project Awards National Planning Conference (NPC) Registration NPC–Student Volunteer NPC–PSO Fundraising Competition AICP Exam Registration
AICP Candidate Registration
Enrollment: Year Around Registration for May exam opens December 1, 2017
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
planning.org/awards/pso planning.org/awards/studentproject planning.org/conference planning.org/conference/students planning.org/conference/students
planning.org/aicp/candidate
pso toolkit
Why register your student organization with APA? The benefits: ■ Eligibility for the APA Student Representatives Council Outstanding Planning Student Organization (PSO) Awards. Winning PSOs are recognized at the National Planning Conference AND receive cash awards sponsored by APA divisions. ■ Eligibility for APA’s National Planning Conference PSO Fundraising Competition. Winners receive up to $500 in matching funds from APA. ■ Regular updates and information about APA activities and opportunities for students. ■ Participating in regular calls with your region’s national APA Student Representatives Council representative gets your PSO involved with APA and other PSOs in your region. ■ Registration amplifies your voice. Registered PSOs are part of the APA Student Representatives Council. The SRC Executive Committee communicates your PSO's needs directly to APA’s Board of Directors. Register your PSO with APA every year by September.
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Content Best Practices
How to be involved with APA
Contact Information
Find tips and ideas to help your PSO manage:
Check out exemplary PSO involvement with APA at several levels:
Have a question? Need some help? Look here to find a contact who can assist with any problem you may encounter
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Governance Branding Programming/Events Fundraising Outreach/Community Involvement
■ ■ ■
State Chapters & Sections Divisions National
FAQ This list of frequently asked questions may help you out. If you’re still needing answers, take a look at our new and improved website at www.planning.org or give us a shout! Our contact information can be found in the Contact Information section of this guide. How do I register my PSO? Fill out this form to register your PSO. Registration offers eligibility towards entering the Student Representatives Council Outstanding PSO Awards Program and receiving up to date information about APA. When do I need to register my PSO? Register your PSO by September to take advantage of enhanced communication and benefits the following academic year. Do I have to re-register my PSO every year? Yes, you must register your PSO every year to update information about your PSO, such as contact information for your student and faculty representatives, your PSO’s website. The registration form can be found here. Who do I contact with questions about PSO development? PSO representatives are encouraged to reach out to their regional representatives with questions regarding PSO development, best practices and connecting with APA. To find out which regional representative serves your school, click here. Where do I find information about student membership? Students receive free or discounted membership. More information can be found here.
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Governance Bylaws Ensure Continuity If your PSO does not have bylaws, consider drafting them. Bylaws normally include: ■ ■ ■
The purpose of your organization The roles of leadership and members Clearly stated processes for... ■■ Nominating leaders ■■ Instituting special committees or task forces ■■ Managing your organization’s budget ■■ Conducting meetings and events ■■ Addressing leadership vacancies ■■ Amending the bylaws
Click here to read the SRC's newest bylaws.
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Branding Where to Start?
For the Pros
Show your pride
It's hard to know where to begin in making a name for your student organization.
Even seasoned pros at running student organizations can run out of ideas. In case you get stuck:
Consider placing your PSO and school logos on students' business cards at APA events and conferences.
Here are some ideas:
■
■
■
■ ■
Create a logo. ■■ Look out for the official APA-endorsed PSO logo soon! Be consistent. Use the same colors, fonts, acronyms and slogans in all of your materials. Sell branded gear. Get recognized! Make sure to employ your branding in every event your organization is involved in.
■
Create a website/blog that updates your group's events and projects. ■■ This is a great portfolio reference for members! Don’t just host events, market them. Create cool, eye-catching posters... with your logo on them of course!
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Programming Get Brainstorming ■
■
■
Collaborate with student organizations of allied fields (architecture, landscape architecture, geography, urban design, public health/administration) to hold interdisciplinary events Consider your target audience. Is your event for students, faculty, professionals, the community, all of the above? Draw them in! Offer breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Provide food! Or partner with a professor who will give extra credit for attendance at your event.
Event Ideas ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Site visits Lunch or dinner series with professionals Mock interviews Formal & informal networking events Mentor Match programs Lunch ‘n’ Learns Pecha Kucha presentations Conferences and Symposiums Panel discussions
Make it Regular Events can help improve group recognition when they are held regularly. Consider holding certain events annually, monthly, or even weekly.
Examples UCLA conference Central Florida Workshop San Jose State
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Fundraising Tips for Raising Funds
APA will Match your Efforts!
Raising funds for your organization helps make events, travel, and scholarships possible. Here are some ideas for a robust fund-raising strategy:
Each year for the National Conference, the SRC conducts a PSO Fundraising Competition, where we will match up to $500 for the five winning PSOs who raise the most money to send students to the conference.
■ ■ ■
■ ■
Ask for support or matching funds from your university or department. Be on the lookout for grants, too! Participate in donated percentage nights at local restaurants, pubs, and bowling alleys. Sell your merch! T-shirts, bumper stickers, mugs, etc. are hot items with current students AND alumni. Consider branding it with your PSO logo or cast a broader net with branding from your department or college. Conduct bake sales, car washes, or sell donuts/coffee right outside early morning classes. Solicit alumni support or sponsorship for your organization and/or your events!
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
Best Practices More information on the PSO Fundraising Competition can be found at: planning.org/conference/students/
pso toolkit
Outreach Build your Network ■ ■
■ ■ ■
Appoint a social media chair to keep others up-to-date on your PSO’s activities. Create a one-stop-shop where people can find out what you’re up to, scan coming events, and learn a little about your organization. This can be a blog, a newslet-ter, a website, in social media. Regularly update PSO members and all students in your program on your activities and APA events. Ask for your department’s alumni association contact information and keep alumns updated too. Gather feedback through surveys and use the results to keep improving.
Engage your Community ■ ■ ■ ■
■
Partner with local elementary or middle schools to teach them what planning is all about. APA Ambassador's web page, including Future City (futurecity.org) and Box City (cubekc.org/architivities) have great resources. Collaborate with local neighborhoods to help residents understand the planning process, and even create community action plans for them! Participate in community events, such as clean-ups, project builds, festivals, etc. Be sure to wear your PSO-branded gear!
Examples Cornell's Design Connect
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Get Involved Local Level ■
■ ■
Partner with local firms and city departments to provide internship opportunities for PSO members Become involved with department alumni and their events. Partner with local neighborhoods and communities; volunteer in their events!
State/Regional Level ■
■ ■
Participate in APA chapter or section conferences. A line on your resume displaying your presentation skills at a state conference is a strong statement. Seek representation on your APA chapter’s board. Connect with other school’s PSOs in your region.
National Level ■ ■
■
■
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
Serve as a national representative on the SRC Executive Committee. Participate in the National Planning Conference by submitting a session, fundraising to sponsor PSO members to attend, applying for a SRC Outstanding PSO Award, or volunteering at the conference. Elect a PSO Representative to serve as a liaison between the SRC Executive Committee and your group. Join the Planners Advocacy Network (PAN) to help shape federal planning policy.
pso toolkit
Contact SRC Executive Committee
APA National Contact Information
The SRC Executive Committee is your front door to APA National. Contact us for any help; we’ll make sure to connect you with the right people! planning.org/leadership/committees/src/executive. htm
Monica Groh, Director of Emerging Professionals [email protected]
Ellen Forthofer | Chair Lisandro Orozco | Past Chair
Chapters
Divisions
Visit planning.org/divisions/
Visit planning.org/chapters
Functional Committees Communications George Benson | Region IV Lance MacNiven | Region VI Programming Sophee Payne | Region III Shelley Price | Region III PSO Development Anna Ma | Region IV Paige Peltzer | Region I
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
TOOLKIT
pso toolkit
Dear PSO Representatives, SRC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE chair
Ellen Forthofer Ball State University past chair
Lisandro Orozco California State Polytechnic University-Pomona region i
Paige Peltzer Harvard University region ii
Shelley Price Georgia Institute of Technology region iii
Sophee Payne Florida State University region iv
Anna Ma University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
On behalf of APA, the Student Representative Council (SRC) Executive Committee would like to welcome you to your position as the Planning Student Organization Representative of your university. We are excited that you have decided to take on a leadership role within your school. As your PSO’s student rep, you automatically become a member of APA’s Student Representatives Council. The SRC is a leadership body that serves to promote student involvement in APA activities; advise the APA Board of Directors on programs and services for our student community; and provide a mechanism for students to influence the development of planning profession. The SRC Executive Committee aims to keep you connected with APA and other PSO Representatives in your region and strengthen the network of young planners and seasoned professionals. Of 80 Planning Student Organizations registered in APA, we are excited that you want to continue to develop that network. We will provide you with resources to encourage professional growth within your PSO, strengthen membership and connect you with tools to make your experience with APA as robust as possible. As a PSO Representative, you have the opportunity to lead the charge for your PSO. APA National recognizes student groups through the Outstanding PSO Award, so remember to submit your application! Please read through the toolkit and get in touch with your regional rep to find out how you can get engaged and get your voice heard.
region v
George Benson University of British Columbia
Thank you for your commitment to the planning profession, community development and creating a better sense of place. We look forward to working with you this next year!
region vi
Lance MacNiven University of California at Los Angeles
Sincerely, The SRC Executive Committee
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
SRC Regions and Representatives
Region I
Region IV
Paige Peltzer | Harvard University Associate, Economic and Planning Systems, Inc.
Anna Ma | Univ. of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Metropolitan Planner, Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Region V
Region II Shelley Price | Georgia Tech Long Range Planning, City of Henderson
George Benson | University of British Columbia Greenest City Scholar, Vancouver Economic Commission
Region VI
Region III Sophee Payne | Florida State University Community Health Planner, Florida Dept. of Health
Lance MacNiven | UCLA Transportation Planner, WSP I Parsons Brinckerhoff
Chair
Past Chair
Ellen Forthofer | Ball State University Communications & Outreach Coordinator, IndyGo
Lisandro Orozco | California Polytechnic University-Pomona Planner, City of Anaheim
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
PAB Accredited Planning Programs by Region 1 2 5 3 4 1 1 6
5 2
6 1 2
10
14
7
4
11
9
8
10
9
5
1
7
13 14 15
6 7 8 9 10
9
4 6
6
1
5 7 4 8
13
3 4 5 6 7
3
2
11
12 13 3
12
11 12
10
3
9 2
8
2
14 3
7 10
4
8
5
11
12
Region I
Region II
Region III
Region IV
Region V
Region VI
1 University of Buffalo
1 University of Louisville
1 University of Oklahoma
1 University of Minnesota
1 University of British
1 University of California,
2 Indiana University
2 Georgia Tech
2 University of Texas
2 Iowa State University 3 Missouri State University
of Pennsylvania
3 Clemson University
3 Cornell University
4 Virginia Tech
4 Temple University
5 University of Virginia
5 University of
6 University of North
Pennsylvania
6 Rutgers University 7 Columbia University 8 Hunter College 9 New York University 10 Pratt Institute 11 University of Albany 12 University of Massachusetts at Amherst
13 Tufts University 14 Harvard University 15 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Carolina at Chapel Hill
7 Morgan State University 8 University of Maryland at College Park
9 Virginia Commonwealth University
10 East Carolina University
at Arlington
3 University of Texas at Austin
4 Texas A&M University 5 Texas Southern University
6 University of Memphis 7 Jackson State University 8 University of New Orleans
4 University of Iowa 5 University of Wisconsin Madison
6 University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
7 University of Illinois at Chicago
8 University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign
9 Alabama A&M
9 Ball State University
University
10 Michigan State Uni-
10 Florida State University
versity
11 University of Florida
11 University of Cincinnati
12 Florida Atlantic
12 Eastern Michigan
University University of Puerto Rico (not pictured)
University
Columbia
2 University of Washington
3 Portland State University 4 University of Oregon
4 University of California,
5 Eastern Washington
5 University of Southern
University
6 University of Utah 7 Arizona State University 8 University of Arizona 9 University of New
Los Angeles California
6 Cal Poly Pomona 7 University of California, Irvine
Mexico
10 University of Colorado - Denver
11 University of Nebraska - Lincoln
12 Kansas State University
13 The Ohio State
13 University of Kansas
University
14 University of Hawaii
14 Cleveland State
Berkeley
2 San Jose State University 3 Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
at Manoa
University
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Schedule of Events Event
Deadlines
URL
PSO Registration
Early registration: Aug 20 Late registration: September 15 December December Early registration: March Regular registration: April February February
planning.org/ep/students/pso/registration
November window: June thru October May window: December thru April
planning.org/certification/currentexam
Outstanding PSO Awards AICP Student Project Awards National Planning Conference (NPC) Registration NPC–Student Volunteer NPC–PSO Fundraising Competition AICP Exam Registration
AICP Candidate Registration
Enrollment: Year Around Registration for May exam opens December 1, 2017
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
planning.org/awards/pso planning.org/awards/studentproject planning.org/conference planning.org/conference/students planning.org/conference/students
planning.org/aicp/candidate
pso toolkit
Why register your student organization with APA? The benefits: ■ Eligibility for the APA Student Representatives Council Outstanding Planning Student Organization (PSO) Awards. Winning PSOs are recognized at the National Planning Conference AND receive cash awards sponsored by APA divisions. ■ Eligibility for APA’s National Planning Conference PSO Fundraising Competition. Winners receive up to $500 in matching funds from APA. ■ Regular updates and information about APA activities and opportunities for students. ■ Participating in regular calls with your region’s national APA Student Representatives Council representative gets your PSO involved with APA and other PSOs in your region. ■ Registration amplifies your voice. Registered PSOs are part of the APA Student Representatives Council. The SRC Executive Committee communicates your PSO's needs directly to APA’s Board of Directors. Register your PSO with APA every year by September.
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Content Best Practices
How to be involved with APA
Contact Information
Find tips and ideas to help your PSO manage:
Check out exemplary PSO involvement with APA at several levels:
Have a question? Need some help? Look here to find a contact who can assist with any problem you may encounter
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Governance Branding Programming/Events Fundraising Outreach/Community Involvement
■ ■ ■
State Chapters & Sections Divisions National
FAQ This list of frequently asked questions may help you out. If you’re still needing answers, take a look at our new and improved website at www.planning.org or give us a shout! Our contact information can be found in the Contact Information section of this guide. How do I register my PSO? Fill out this form to register your PSO. Registration offers eligibility towards entering the Student Representatives Council Outstanding PSO Awards Program and receiving up to date information about APA. When do I need to register my PSO? Register your PSO by September to take advantage of enhanced communication and benefits the following academic year. Do I have to re-register my PSO every year? Yes, you must register your PSO every year to update information about your PSO, such as contact information for your student and faculty representatives, your PSO’s website. The registration form can be found here. Who do I contact with questions about PSO development? PSO representatives are encouraged to reach out to their regional representatives with questions regarding PSO development, best practices and connecting with APA. To find out which regional representative serves your school, click here. Where do I find information about student membership? Students receive free or discounted membership. More information can be found here.
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Governance Bylaws Ensure Continuity If your PSO does not have bylaws, consider drafting them. Bylaws normally include: ■ ■ ■
The purpose of your organization The roles of leadership and members Clearly stated processes for... ■■ Nominating leaders ■■ Instituting special committees or task forces ■■ Managing your organization’s budget ■■ Conducting meetings and events ■■ Addressing leadership vacancies ■■ Amending the bylaws
Click here to read the SRC's newest bylaws.
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Branding Where to Start?
For the Pros
Show your pride
It's hard to know where to begin in making a name for your student organization.
Even seasoned pros at running student organizations can run out of ideas. In case you get stuck:
Consider placing your PSO and school logos on students' business cards at APA events and conferences.
Here are some ideas:
■
■
■
■ ■
Create a logo. ■■ Look out for the official APA-endorsed PSO logo soon! Be consistent. Use the same colors, fonts, acronyms and slogans in all of your materials. Sell branded gear. Get recognized! Make sure to employ your branding in every event your organization is involved in.
■
Create a website/blog that updates your group's events and projects. ■■ This is a great portfolio reference for members! Don’t just host events, market them. Create cool, eye-catching posters... with your logo on them of course!
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Programming Get Brainstorming ■
■
■
Collaborate with student organizations of allied fields (architecture, landscape architecture, geography, urban design, public health/administration) to hold interdisciplinary events Consider your target audience. Is your event for students, faculty, professionals, the community, all of the above? Draw them in! Offer breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Provide food! Or partner with a professor who will give extra credit for attendance at your event.
Event Ideas ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Site visits Lunch or dinner series with professionals Mock interviews Formal & informal networking events Mentor Match programs Lunch ‘n’ Learns Pecha Kucha presentations Conferences and Symposiums Panel discussions
Make it Regular Events can help improve group recognition when they are held regularly. Consider holding certain events annually, monthly, or even weekly.
Examples UCLA conference Central Florida Workshop San Jose State
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Fundraising Tips for Raising Funds
APA will Match your Efforts!
Raising funds for your organization helps make events, travel, and scholarships possible. Here are some ideas for a robust fund-raising strategy:
Each year for the National Conference, the SRC conducts a PSO Fundraising Competition, where we will match up to $500 for the five winning PSOs who raise the most money to send students to the conference.
■ ■ ■
■ ■
Ask for support or matching funds from your university or department. Be on the lookout for grants, too! Participate in donated percentage nights at local restaurants, pubs, and bowling alleys. Sell your merch! T-shirts, bumper stickers, mugs, etc. are hot items with current students AND alumni. Consider branding it with your PSO logo or cast a broader net with branding from your department or college. Conduct bake sales, car washes, or sell donuts/coffee right outside early morning classes. Solicit alumni support or sponsorship for your organization and/or your events!
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
Best Practices More information on the PSO Fundraising Competition can be found at: planning.org/conference/students/
pso toolkit
Outreach Build your Network ■ ■
■ ■ ■
Appoint a social media chair to keep others up-to-date on your PSO’s activities. Create a one-stop-shop where people can find out what you’re up to, scan coming events, and learn a little about your organization. This can be a blog, a newslet-ter, a website, in social media. Regularly update PSO members and all students in your program on your activities and APA events. Ask for your department’s alumni association contact information and keep alumns updated too. Gather feedback through surveys and use the results to keep improving.
Engage your Community ■ ■ ■ ■
■
Partner with local elementary or middle schools to teach them what planning is all about. APA Ambassador's web page, including Future City (futurecity.org) and Box City (cubekc.org/architivities) have great resources. Collaborate with local neighborhoods to help residents understand the planning process, and even create community action plans for them! Participate in community events, such as clean-ups, project builds, festivals, etc. Be sure to wear your PSO-branded gear!
Examples Cornell's Design Connect
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
pso toolkit
Get Involved Local Level ■
■ ■
Partner with local firms and city departments to provide internship opportunities for PSO members Become involved with department alumni and their events. Partner with local neighborhoods and communities; volunteer in their events!
State/Regional Level ■
■ ■
Participate in APA chapter or section conferences. A line on your resume displaying your presentation skills at a state conference is a strong statement. Seek representation on your APA chapter’s board. Connect with other school’s PSOs in your region.
National Level ■ ■
■
■
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
Serve as a national representative on the SRC Executive Committee. Participate in the National Planning Conference by submitting a session, fundraising to sponsor PSO members to attend, applying for a SRC Outstanding PSO Award, or volunteering at the conference. Elect a PSO Representative to serve as a liaison between the SRC Executive Committee and your group. Join the Planners Advocacy Network (PAN) to help shape federal planning policy.
pso toolkit
Contact SRC Executive Committee
APA National Contact Information
The SRC Executive Committee is your front door to APA National. Contact us for any help; we’ll make sure to connect you with the right people! planning.org/leadership/committees/src/executive. htm
Monica Groh, Director of Emerging Professionals [email protected]
Ellen Forthofer | Chair Lisandro Orozco | Past Chair
Chapters
Divisions
Visit planning.org/divisions/
Visit planning.org/chapters
Functional Committees Communications George Benson | Region IV Lance MacNiven | Region VI Programming Sophee Payne | Region III Shelley Price | Region III PSO Development Anna Ma | Region IV Paige Peltzer | Region I
planning.org/ep/students/pso/
