1. As you know, from June 19 to June 21 in Rome many of us will meet at the World Public Relations Festival (www.worldprfestival.org) organised by FERPI (the Italian federation) in co-operation with the Global Alliance, CERP (Confederation of European Public Relations) and EUPRERA (European Public Relations Research and Education Association). More than 400 registered participants, 150 representing some 24 countries will discuss the Global Alliance ethics protocol as well as be exposed to the presentation of 15 different best practice cases from 10 countries. A memorable event, which will also hopefully record a further enlargement of GA membership. If you are not registered and will not be able to come, you may certainly follow the event live in video and audio through one of the following Websites (www.globalpr.org; www.worldprfestival.org; www.ferpi.it ).
    
2. A few weeks ago, the Public Relations Society of America, conducted online research amongst its corporate members aimed at identifying their views on the issue of international public relations and on the relevant potential role attributed to a professional association. The results are extremely interesting and suggest that similar research also be conducted amongst corporate members of other associations in order to be able to make a comparative analysis of results. The PRSA results can be viewed here.
    
3. Also, a few weeks ago, I was invited by James and Larissa Grunig to hold a workshop with their postgraduates at the University of Maryland focussed on the Global Alliance ethics protocol. The participants, most of them from East Asian countries, had received and thoroughly read the protocol. I can tell you it was quite an experience. The level of interest and curiosity on the process, which was followed to arrive at the protocol was very high. Many questions were focussed on the enforcement/education issue. I wished Jean was there with me to tackle some of the more aggressive questions such as ‘why do associations need three years to implement?’ or ‘how are you going to ensure that this actually happens?’, or ‘what’s the point of an ethics protocol if it only applies to less than 10% of professionals practising public relations?’….. Quite an experience! But an intense interest and highly gratifying for the GA.
    
4. Linda Scanlan, from PRSA has issued a highly interesting call for papers related to international case histories. You are encouraged to have a look at the attached page and evaluate the opportunity of co-operating in this effort by promoting participation from your members.
    
5. The next issue of the Journal of Communication Management will publish an excellent critical review of the Global Alliance ethics protocol available here. This is an important achievement for the GA. See also: Appendix A , B , C , D , E
    
6. Margi Moscardi, executive director of PRISA (Southern Africa) and member of the GA Executive Board, represented our organisation at the 25^th anniversary congress of the Public Relations Society of Indian, which was held in Bangalore from 19 – 21 April 2003. Here please find Margi’s presentation.

Thank you for your attention, hoping to see you soon and very best regards,

Toni Muzi Falconi 

Contact: Toni Muzi Falconi
FERPI 39 335 6100384 
tonimuzi@tin.it