about rpra
History
The Russian Public Relations Association was founded in 1991
- Alexander Yuryevich BorisovFirst President of RPRA, Professor, and Dean of the Faculty of International Information at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO)
The Association's Founding Members
The Union of Journalists of the USSR, the «Menatep» Association of Advertising Workers, the RSFSR Journal, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the RSFSR, the Russian Commodity Exchange, the Moscow Commodity Exchange, Rosvneshtorg, Vneshtorgreklama, the Embassy of Russia in the USA, the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Finist Bank, the Institute of Sociology of Parliamentarism, and the newspapers Moscow News and Rural Life.
In the 30 years since RPRA was established, numerous significant events have shaped both the industry and the Association itself. On this page, we will highlight some of these key milestones.
1992
From its inception, RPRA prioritized the development of international ties. In 1992, the Association hosted two international business seminars, «The Practice of Public Relations» and «Public Relations in a Market Economy», featuring one of the pioneers of European PR theory, Sam Black.
Fostering International Relations
1994
In 1994, RPRA adopted the Declaration of Professional and Ethical Principles in Public Relations, establishing a foundational code of conduct for the industry.
Declaration of Professional and Ethical Principles
1995
In 1995, the Association launched a program to develop and strengthen its regional network. RPRA opened chapters in Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg and forged connections with colleagues in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Hungary.
Regional Expansion
1996
In 1996, RPRA became a co-founder of the «Silver Archer» (Serebryany Luchnik) National Public Relations Award. That same year, with RPRA's support, the first specialized industry publication, «The Advisor» (Sovetnik) magazine, was launched. It would go on to become Russia's most authoritative PR publication for many years.
Launch of «The Advisor» Magazine and the «Silver Archer» Award
1997
In 1997, RPRA became a member of the European Public Relations Confederation (CERP).
Joining the European Public Relations Confederation
1999
In 1999, at RPRA's initiative and with the support of the Central Election Commission and the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, the «Political Consultants for Fair Elections» Charter was drafted. The charter was signed by the majority of organizations involved in the State Duma election campaign.
Adoption of the «Political Consultants for Fair Elections» Charter
2000
In 2000, RPRA approved the «Core Principles for Professional Certification in Public Relations». During the same year, the Association co-founded the «Crystal Orange» All-Russian Student Public Relations Competition and the regional «PRoba» competition, which is managed by the Association's Northwest Chapter.
Establishing Professional Certification and Youth Engagement
2001
In 2001, RPRA adopted the Russian Code of Professional and Ethical Principles in Public Relations. In a landmark achievement, the Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development of the Russian Federation, secured the official state registration of «Public Relations» as a formal profession. The first professional certificates for public relations specialists were awarded this year.
Official Recognition
for the Public Relations Profession
2003
On July 28, 2003, the Minister of Labour and Social Development of the Russian Federation signed a decree to add qualification standards for public relations specialists to the OKPDTR (the All-Russian Classifier of Professions of Workers, Positions of Employees, and Wage Grades).
The following job titles were officially added to the directory: «Deputy Director for Public Relations», «Head of Public Relations Department», «Public Relations Manager», and «Public Relations Specialist».
The following job titles were officially added to the directory: «Deputy Director for Public Relations», «Head of Public Relations Department», «Public Relations Manager», and «Public Relations Specialist».
PR Job Titles Formalized in National Classifier
2006
In 2006, Vladimir Rostislavovich Medinsky was elected President of RPRA. This period saw the formation of specialized committees and commissions, which created a new and effective framework for mutually beneficial collaboration among Association members.
A New Era of Collaboration
2008
In 2008, a new «Regulation on the Certification of Public Relations Specialists» was approved. RPRA also established an information partnership with the International Public Relations Association (IPRA).
Alexey Vladimirovich Glazyrin was elected President of RPRA.
Alexey Vladimirovich Glazyrin was elected President of RPRA.
Enhancing Certification and International Cooperation
2010
On December 7, 2010, at the General Meeting of RPRA members, a new Charter for the Association was adopted. Stanislav Alexandrovich Naumov was elected President of RPRA.
A New Charter for the Association
2014
In 2014, RPRA initiated the development of a Professional Standard for Public Relations Specialists. The draft standard was presented at the Baltic PR Weekend 2014.
Developing the Professional Standard
2015
In 2015, the draft professional standard was presented and widely discussed among Russia's PR community, academic institutions, and other communication associations.
The standard's implementation began, with its integration into the curriculum of the Integrated Communications Department at HSE University (National Research University Higher School of Economics). Several corporations also conducted professional competency assessments of their employees based on the new standard.
The standard's implementation began, with its integration into the curriculum of the Integrated Communications Department at HSE University (National Research University Higher School of Economics). Several corporations also conducted professional competency assessments of their employees based on the new standard.
Industry-Wide Discussion and Implementation of the Professional Standard
2016
In 2016, RPRA launched «RPRA | Practice», an educational program featuring corporate training and online courses built upon the professional standard.
The standard was also integrated into the educational programs of Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU) and Pacific National University (TOGU).
The Professional Standard for Public Relations Specialists was presented at the World Communication Forum in Davos.
The standard was also integrated into the educational programs of Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU) and Pacific National University (TOGU).
The Professional Standard for Public Relations Specialists was presented at the World Communication Forum in Davos.
Launch of «RPRA Practice» and International Recognition
2019
In 2019, RPRA engaged in several key research projects and initiatives:
«Mass Communications of National Projects in Public Procurement: Priorities and Tools», in partnership with iMARS Communications Group.
«Are They Ivan Golunov? How Selective Law Enforcement Changes Attitudes Towards Governance», in partnership with the «Platform» Social Design Center.
«Dynamics of Election Technologies in Russia (2016-2019)», a study by the RPRA Committee on Political Technologies.
RPRA proposed an initiative to digitalize the process of collecting voter signatures. The RPRA Public Affairs Committee began publishing a digest of international and Russian trends in the PA industry. The Committee on Political Technologies announced the winners of the «Hamburg Score» award. Educational programs were developed for the Pension Fund of Russia (PFR) and other Russian corporations.
«Mass Communications of National Projects in Public Procurement: Priorities and Tools», in partnership with iMARS Communications Group.
«Are They Ivan Golunov? How Selective Law Enforcement Changes Attitudes Towards Governance», in partnership with the «Platform» Social Design Center.
«Dynamics of Election Technologies in Russia (2016-2019)», a study by the RPRA Committee on Political Technologies.
RPRA proposed an initiative to digitalize the process of collecting voter signatures. The RPRA Public Affairs Committee began publishing a digest of international and Russian trends in the PA industry. The Committee on Political Technologies announced the winners of the «Hamburg Score» award. Educational programs were developed for the Pension Fund of Russia (PFR) and other Russian corporations.
Leading Research and Digital Initiatives
2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, RPRA transitioned most of its events to an online format, with the «RPRA. Practice» team organizing a series of «Zoom Breakfasts». The «PR Days in Moscow» event on January 31, 2020, was one of the last to be held in a traditional offline format. A key focus for the Association in 2020 was providing information support for initiatives related to the pandemic response.
A project group on intergenerational communications was formed, organizing the «GenR» online conference from May 29-31.
On June 15, experts from KROS and RPRA hosted an online session on the RBC Pro platform titled «How Communications Can Help Resuscitate Business». RPRA experts also contributed to the «European Communication Monitor 2020» study by the European Association of Communication Directors (EACD). Additionally, iMARS Communications Group organized the «International PR Week» online conference series, featuring leading global agencies and PR professionals to discuss communications during the pandemic.
A project group on intergenerational communications was formed, organizing the «GenR» online conference from May 29-31.
On June 15, experts from KROS and RPRA hosted an online session on the RBC Pro platform titled «How Communications Can Help Resuscitate Business». RPRA experts also contributed to the «European Communication Monitor 2020» study by the European Association of Communication Directors (EACD). Additionally, iMARS Communications Group organized the «International PR Week» online conference series, featuring leading global agencies and PR professionals to discuss communications during the pandemic.
Pivoting to Digital and Supporting the Community During the Pandemic
2021
On November 26, 2021, RPRA celebrated its 30th anniversary.
At the General Meeting of the Association's members, a new draft Charter was reviewed and adopted, and subsequently approved by the Ministry of Justice. Key updates included a refined list of the Association's goals and objectives.
RPRA also unveiled its own signature award.
The Association hosted the first conference in Russia dedicated to business reputation management in the context of the current ESG agenda.
In November, the «Russia - Land of Opportunity» presidential platform, «Dialog», and RPRA signed a cooperation agreement to train specialists in digital communications.
Navigating the pandemic landscape remained a key theme for RPRA throughout the year, serving as a central topic of discussion during the «PR Days» event on February 4-5.
At the General Meeting of the Association's members, a new draft Charter was reviewed and adopted, and subsequently approved by the Ministry of Justice. Key updates included a refined list of the Association's goals and objectives.
RPRA also unveiled its own signature award.
The Association hosted the first conference in Russia dedicated to business reputation management in the context of the current ESG agenda.
In November, the «Russia - Land of Opportunity» presidential platform, «Dialog», and RPRA signed a cooperation agreement to train specialists in digital communications.
Navigating the pandemic landscape remained a key theme for RPRA throughout the year, serving as a central topic of discussion during the «PR Days» event on February 4-5.
RPRA's 30th Anniversary: A New Charter and Strategic Initiatives
2022
The RPRA Award is a new annual initiative designed to recognize outstanding achievements by Russian companies in reputation management. The list of nominees was created by combining two submission streams: nominations from the Award's Expert Council and self-nominations from companies or their representing communication agencies. The winners were announced and honored at an awards ceremony on July 15, 2022.
On November 26, the annual «PR Days'22» forum was held. The event brought together the regular General Meeting of RPRA members, elections for the new Executive Council, a practical conference on «Communications for Business Sustainability», and the «Hamburg Score» political award ceremony.
On November 26, the annual «PR Days'22» forum was held. The event brought together the regular General Meeting of RPRA members, elections for the new Executive Council, a practical conference on «Communications for Business Sustainability», and the «Hamburg Score» political award ceremony.
Launch of the First Annual RPRA Award and PR Days '22