PRSA Celebrates Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Month

October is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Month. In an era of “anti-wokeism” and unprecedented backlash against DEI programming, it’s important now more than ever to ensure your understanding and awareness of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion topics. As communicators we have a unique responsibility to be educated in this space as it informs how we consult clients and executives and influences both internal and external strategies. In October I encourage you to take purposeful action by reflecting on practices on your team, and what you can do to make an impact.

 Looking for a place to start? PRSA has created an excellent list of articles and live events. I’ve highlighted a few below:

 ·      Article: Applying DEI Principles to Multicultural Communications Campaigns – Jennifer González discusses why it’s time to stop viewing DEI and multicultural marketing as add-ons and provides 5 best-practices on how to start incorporating these ideas into everything we do.

·      Article: 5 Steps to Create Educational Heritage-Observance Content – Heritage observances have become common among DEI programming at many companies. This article from the PRSA Richmond Chapter highlights a 5-step process to creating content centered on education, justice and inclusion.

·      Live Webinar: What’s DEI Got to Do With Me? October 26, 2023, 5pm-6pm (ET) – Recent societal events are changing the view that DEI is only of interest to those experiencing discrimination. Shifts in public opinion are being driven by strategic communications at the local, state and national levels. PR practitioners are shaping public discussion. William Patrick McSweeney, APR, Fellow PRSA and Marsha R. Pitts-Phillips, APR, will provide a sense of where DEI is headed and how you can be at the forefront. Free to attend for PRSA members.

The PRSA DEI Toolkit also includes formal guidance and resources. These tools are applicable to teams of all sizes in every type of organization

Want more? Join us for the PRSA Iowa Quarterly Luncheon “DEI in an Anti-Woke Climate” on October 12 at 11:30 a.m. at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. 

Submitted by Blake Carlson, DEI Chair-Elect.