Committed to diversity.
Diversity and inclusion are integral to the evolution and growth of the Public Relations Society of America San Diego and Imperial Counties (PRSA SD/IC) chapter and the communications industry at large.
The most obvious contexts of diversity include race, ethnicity, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, country of origin, culture and diversity of thought. However, in a rapidly changing society, diversity continues to evolve and can include class, socioeconomic status, life experiences, learning and working styles, personality types and intellectual traditions and perspectives, in addition to cultural, social, political, religious and other beliefs.
These attributes impact how we approach our work, connect with others and move through the world.
Inclusion, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), is defined as “the achievement of a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute fully to the organization’s success.”
Inclusion is not just about having that “seat at the table,” but also ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and fully considered. Our organization embraces diversity and inclusion and commits to continually working to improve our efforts and behaviors to be more effective diversity and inclusion champions.
Embracing, celebrating, validating and respecting proactive diversity and inclusion leadership is integral to PRSA SD/IC’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 PRSA SD/IC to carry this forward.
To develop a meaningful and actionable PRSA SD/IC diversity and inclusion program that inspires change in its membership base and in other PRSA chapters and industry groups, we will:
- Share a report by the end of 2020 that summarizes our organization’s current state of affairs as it relates to diversity and inclusion and that identifies needs for 2021 and 2022.
- Establish a set of measurable objectives, by the first quarter of 2021, to share openly with our membership and to hold our organization accountable to effective diversity and inclusion efforts and continued improvements on those efforts.
- Implement a diversity-driven board recruitment strategy in late 2020 to ensure currently underrepresented voices find a welcomed seat on our board of directors.
The Public Relations Society of America, San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter (PRSA SD/IC) affirms diversity as a smart business practice. It is through awareness, education and positive recognition of the differences among people in the workforce that we can begin to recognize the uniqueness in everyone, valuing the contribution that each can make and create an inclusive work environment where awareness of, and respect for, those of diverse groups. For this reason the Board of Directors established a Diversity + Inclusion Committee.
The PRSA SD/IC Diversity + Inclusion Committee has three primary objectives:
- To raise awareness of diversity as a smart business strategy within the membership of the Chapter, prospective members, and students.
- Increase active participation in the Chapter by diverse public relations practitioners, prospective members, and students.
- Increase outreach to diverse students to encourage their participation in the public relations profession.
Defining Diversity
The Chapter has adopted the PRSA National Diversity Committee role and definition of diversity: To advance the objectives of and develop an inclusive Society by reaching and involving members who represent a broad spectrum of ethnic, racial and sexual-orientation groups, and by providing professional development, knowledge and support to professionals of diverse race, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity to help them succeed in public relations.
The Chapter expands on that role and definition to include those who represent groups with differences in age, religion, education, work experience, and profession. This also includes those with any or some combination of physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, or developmental impairments.
Have a Say
PRSAY-SD/IC: Diversity acknowledges the diverse communities, people and practices that encompass the public relations profession and by providing advice and insight on how to build a better PR industry though diversity. We invite PR practitioners and thought leaders from around the county to offer their thoughts on various diversity topics affecting the PR industry.
PRSAY SD/IC and PRSAY are forums for members and other public relations professionals to engage in a dialogue with PRSA leaders, exchange viewpoints, and share perspectives on issues of concern to the society and the public relations industry as a whole. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of PRSA SD/IC or PRSA. If you are interested in submitting an article to PRSAY SD/IC: Diversity please contact Mona Clifton, Diversity Chair.
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