Last week’s PR Museum and Diversity Action Alliance (DAA) event shed light on the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today's world. This year’s event featured influential voices including Carmella Glover, President of DAA; Dr. Rochelle Ford, President of Page; Troy Blackwell, Jr., Deputy Chief Communications Officer of the Biden-Harris Administration; and Soon Mee Kim, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer of Omnicom Communications Consultancy Network.
Focusing on how communicators can bend the long arc of history back toward social justice, each participant thoughtfully examined the role of communicators in advancing workplace equity and discussed actions the industry must take to support thriving, innovative, and inclusive workplace communities.
Here are a few key takeaways for communicators:
Actions speak louder than words: It's time to move beyond DEI statements and implement concrete actions.
The arc of history bends towards justice: Despite setbacks, the overall trend is towards a more just and equitable society.
Intersectionality matters: We must recognize the complexity of individual identities and experiences.
Communication is key: We must shape the narrative around DEI and build support for these initiatives.
As communicators, we play a crucial role in shaping public perception and understanding of DEI. We are responsible for ensuring that the narrative around DEI is accurate, inclusive, and promotes understanding. This means actively combating misinformation and harmful narratives that undermine DEI efforts. Building inclusive workplaces requires more than just statements of support. It demands strategic thinking and a deep commitment to fostering a welcoming and equitable environment for all. This commitment extends beyond the workplace to the broader community, as we have a responsibility to contribute to a more just and equitable society.
– Olivia Ly, Account Executive