by Suzanne Boys, PRSA Cincinnati Chapter Diversity Director
October is Diversity & Inclusion Month for PRSA. This celebration has never felt more timely. As Garland Stansell, PRSA 2020 Chair, wrote in a recent letter, “This year’s observance takes on extra significance and sense of purpose in light of recent events unfolding across the country and throughout the world.” Although the public relations industry still has work to do in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion, there is an increasing awareness and commitment to doing that work.
As communication professionals, we have the chance to lead out and lift up, to challenge and change. This month, rather than just celebrating the work of our members, Cincinnati PRSA is spotlighting people in our professional networks who represent and/or promote diversity in their work. It is time to shine the light beyond ourselves, celebrating the great work in our larger community. Be sure to follow along on our Instagram account for these stories!
PRSA National is also prioritizing diversity and inclusion. This year, they published a D&I Strategic Plan, a D&I Toolkit, and a D&I statement. Part of that statement reads:
Diversity and inclusion are integral to the evolution and growth of PRSA and the public relations industry.
Diversity and inclusion are proactive behaviors.
Respecting, embracing, celebrating and validating those behaviors are integral to PRSA’s DNA. Diversity and inclusion are vital to the success of our profession, our members and the communities in which we live and work. It is essential and is our responsibility as members of the Society to carry this forward.
The theme for this year celebration is, “Transforming the Landscape.” According to Stansell, this “reflects the need for us to continue broadening and strengthening our commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture throughout PRSA and the communications profession.” To do this, they have launched a Diverse Dialogues webinar series, started a mentor program for new professionals and students from underrepresented communities, and signed the Diversity Action Alliance pledge. An initiative especially near to my heart as a PR educator is the brand new multicultural scholarship fund. Efforts are underway to endow this fund, which would mean it can generate resources for students in an ongoing basis.
If you are like me, you are overwhelmed with life in our new reality. But we can’t let the sense of overwhelm distract us from doing what is right. And we know that advocating for equity is right. I would encourage all of you to choose one action step this October to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our profession. Join a webinar, donate to the scholarship fund, take on a mentee, or simply lift up the work of someone around you. Together, we can indeed transform the landscape.