In order to promote anti-bullying campaigns, the Harding chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America hosted a “Glow After Party” at the Zion Climbing Center on Saturday, Feb. 23, after the “Light Up the Streets” 5K run hosted by the White County Children’s Safety Center.
The after party included a performance by local band, The Fable and The Fury, inflatables, face painting and booths that provided information about bullying prevention. Senior Jessica Head, vice president of PRSSA, said this could not have happened without the help of the Zion Climbing Center.
“It’s just great to see us utilize the downtown area of Searcy to help promote having a safe environment for children,” Head said. “I think that is the job of public relations — help people utilize each other to promote community growth.”
PRSSA said they wanted to use a fun environment like the Zion Climbing Center to help raise awareness, and therefore approached Sean Hudkins, Zion owner, who said one of the reasons he bought the space that used to be the Underground was to be able to work with organizations that are reaching out to help the community.
“We believe in what PRSSA is doing,” Hudkins said. “We want to utilize what we have been blessed with to benefit the community.”
Head said it has been great working with the Searcy community because of the unique connections that have allowed for the PRSSA to pull off the event in such a short amount of time.
The PRSSA is participating in the Bateman Case Study Competition, which asks each chapter to submit a case study based on the year’s theme of bullying prevention. This is the first year Harding is participating in the competition, and junior Cole Mokry said it has been a challenge to come up with a solid campaign, but it has been rewarding.
“We are trying to get our voice heard and tell people we are here,” Mokry said. “I hope it lays a good foundation reaching out toward the community and that it sets the standard for any future campaigns.”
Head said that one of the most rewarding things about being a part of PRSSA is the communication it establishes with the community.
“Being able to show companies that, if you have a passion for something and you can communicate with one another, most likely you will be able to benefit each other, which will create a positive environment for everyone,” Head said.
