Recap on what happened at the Best of #PRdiversity Twitter chat

by Alyssa Badalamenti, PRSA Diversity and Inclusion Chair

@PRSAOrlando, your chapter implemented a consistent diversity and inclusion blog that addresses timely topics, but also isn’t afraid to rid formality – share top lessons learned?

PRSA Orlando: We heard feedback from our members that it was refreshing to hear our chapter address #PRdiversity topics in a casual way – just like we were talking at lunch — rather than a formal “by the book” approach. We learned that being direct in addressing #PRdiversity topics allowed opportunity for more focused discussion with our members. This inspired us to create a new event called Dinner, Diversity & Dialogue to continue those conversations.

Making diversity and inclusion part of the business strategy should be a top priority for all @PRSA @PRSSANational chapters for #PRdiversity to be effective. @PRSAOrlando, last calendar year, your chapter reinstated a Diversity & Inclusion Chair, one you hadn’t had for some time – what led to the reinstatement & what are lessons learned?

PRSA Orlando: Orlando has always been a melting pot, especially because of our welcoming tourism. When the Pulse nightclub tragedy occurred in 2016, all of us in the Orlando community become a voice to remind each other and others how Orlando is proud to be diverse and inclusive. As Orlando strongly united as #OnePulse, the PRSA Orlando chapter BOD unanimously approved the re-establishment of a D&I Chair. #PRdiversity has become a focus for all members of the board – and something we expect to build on indefinitely.

You’ve been named an award-winning @PRSA chapter in 2018 for #PRdiversity – what are you most proud of looking back at the year when it comes to championing diversity & inclusion in our practice?

PRSA Orlando: We are most proud of our members. We have given our members more of a voice through our initiatives, and are still learning and identifying approaches to be more effective. Check out some of our member quotes on what #PRdiversity means to them: https://prsaorlando.org/diversity-inclusion/

Following up on the last question, looking ahead to 2019, what are your plans/goals for #PRdiversity within your chapter? Or in general for @PRSA @PRSSANational?

PRSA Orlando: We plan to take our findings from #PRdiversity discussions and programs to produce a white paper addressing what D&I looks like to our members. We also plan on partnering with other great associations to create some best practices for public relations professionals.

As we wrap up our final #PRdiversity Twitter Chat for 2018, we’ll ask for any closing thoughts from our guests?

PRSA Orlando: Don’t be afraid to address what you consider as taboo – just TALK about it! Ask questions to learn, discuss to consider, and take action to create positive change. Thank you @PRSAdiversity for honoring us with an award for our chapter efforts in diversity and inclusion this year. We look forward to learning more from @PRSANational and other chapters to make a continuing impact.

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