News: Diversity

Aligning with PRSA National and other organizations around the globe, October is DEI Month for PRSA Richmond. The DEI Committee is spearheading the month-long plan, integrating our sponsors, Board members, collaborative partners, and several other PRSA chapters into programming and celebrations.

Beginning formal DEI initiatives as an organization was a process that was a long time coming, and though there are many challenges, we can embrace the structure around action steps taken.

While I am the first president to kickoff the year virtually, it is my hope that I am also the last president who introduces themselves to the Chapter via Zoom. Even though we were not together, I felt a strong sense of community present during the program.

In a year of heightened awareness about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), communicators have been seeking resources. What should be said? What’s the ‘right’ way to say it? How can we help members of our organization to formulate empathetic messages?

Saying ‘yes’ throughout the year at PRSA Richmond has led to a lot to be grateful for . . . and even more progress charted for the months ahead.

The promise commits the board and members of PRSA Richmond to the acknowledgement that every individual is valuable to the organization.

Film yourself at your favorite spots and doing your favorite things and tell us why you like being a member of PRSA.

Patrice Lewis serves as a senior advisor at SIR, a 54-year old strategic consulting firm in Richmond.

Catie Kelly works as an account coordinator at Commonwealth Public Relations and serves on PRSA Richmond's Diversity and Inclusion committee.

I challenge you to ask what you can do to ensure your companies and campaigns include underrepresented people.

It’s no secret that the public relations industry has a diversity problem.

PRSA Richmond members are encouraged to join the conversation using the hashtag #PRSADiversity to highlight successful diversity and inclusion leadership.