PRSA Recognizes Chapters for Exceptional Efforts in Advancing National Diversity Initiative

Greater Fort Worth, Miami, Orange County and Kansas Chapters Demonstrate Key Values in Diversity

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) honored four of its Chapters with the 2008 PRSA Chapter Diversity Awards for outstanding efforts to promote the organization’s national diversity initiative. Ivonne Couret, co-chair of the PRSA National Diversity Committee, and PRSA Chair & CEO Jeff Julin, APR, presented the awards to representatives from the Greater Fort Worth, Miami, Orange County and Wichita Chapters at the PRSA Assembly Luncheon on Oct. 25.

The Chapter Diversity Award, sponsored by the PRSA Diversity Advisory Board, is given to PRSA Chapters that embody and demonstrate key values in diversity by having initiated and maintained a successful diversity program in 2007; recruited or mentored members with interests and expertise in diversity; demonstrated a significant contribution toward diversity; and showcased diversity as one of the top three strategic goals for the Chapter.

“It is important to recognize those Chapters that are embracing diversity and inclusion through the public relations profession,” said Couret. “These Chapters add value to our society and raise the bar of excellence for other PRSA Chapters.”

Each winning Chapter received a certificate of achievement. The Greater Fort Worth, Miami, and Orange County Chapters were awarded $250 to be used toward furthering their diversity initiatives.

The Greater Fort Worth Chapter recognized that understanding the distinction between embracing and accepting differences is key to an authentic approach to diversity. This insight led to the creation of the Chapter’s “Diversity of Thought” program, which helped promote diverse group participation in a citywide AIDS and HIV awareness program. The Chapter increased commitment to diversity from its members by building a committee of diverse persons representing the corporate, nonprofit, medical, and arts communities. Additionally, the Chapter sponsored diversity-themed luncheons, as well as held a series of meetings and phone conferences with area companies to gauge the effectiveness of its diversity initiatives. Click here to view their winning submission.

Jeff Julin, APR, chair and CEO, PRSA and Susan H. Schoolfield, APR, assembly delegate, Greater Forth Worth Chapter

The Miami Chapter continues to recognize their impact on the public relations industry as a highly diverse city. The Chapter’s priorities have intrinsically centered on diversity, which is illustrated by its leadership composition, professional development opportunities, and community service. This year’s PRSA Miami Sunshine District Conference allowed the Chapter to expand its key programming to include diversity topics that allowed panelists to discuss marketing strategies to reach diverse segments of the population in today’s changing times. The programming also included an agency roundtable with key executives from three of Miami’s top international agencies. Click here to view their winning submission.

Jeff Julin, APR, chair and CEO, PRSA and Jessica M. Merz, APR, board of director, PRSA Miami

The Orange County Chapter continues to build upon its strategic partnerships with regional Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and YoPro Chapters for new leader development, diversity, inclusion training, and mentorship. It secured high-profile guest speakers, which drove attendance to diversity events and broadened the Chapter’s diversity message, as well as maintains timely content and resources on its Web site. This year, the Chapter rebranded diversity with a new logo and leveraged social networking opportunities on such sites as Facebook and LinkedIn. Click here to view their winning submission.

Jeff Julin, APR, chair and CEO, PRSA and Marcus J. Ginnaty, APR, president, Orange County Chapter

The Kansas Chapter is a recipient of the Award of Honor certificate for its energy as a small Chapter making great strides to advance diversity and inclusion by producing diversity-themed workshops for its community. Click here to view their winning submission.

Jeff Julin, APR, chair and CEO, PRSA and Andy McGinnis, APR, president, Kansas Chapter

“Diversity is what makes our society strong, and engaging in initiatives that advance inclusion are key to the success of PRSA and our profession,” said Julin. “In addition to achievements of local Chapters, Districts, and Sections, the national Diversity Committee accomplished a great deal in 2008, with multicultural programming both onsite and through teleseminars, media articles, the launch of “PRSA Diversity Today,” a podcast that discusses hot topics with named professionals, and providing diversity education for our PRSSA students.”