Answer to Diversity

I posed a question last week and the answer is....

The answer is 2.

Well, the answer isn't as easy as a math problem, but there are ways to increase awareness about diversity without overdoing it to the point that you are too overzealous and in return, you aren't accomplishing your goal.
Oh, and before beginning, I want to say that this is my opinion. I want everyone to know that I am no expert nor do I teach diversity topics. I am just a student with personal experiences.

So drumroll please...

Well, the answer lies in communication. Let us face it, when faculty, staff, or other individuals hear the term "diversity", they think that they are going to be corralled into a diversity workshop where they "learn" about diversity. This creates a problem. People hate being told to do something that they don't really feel the need to do. Moreover, the 'workshop' is repeated every year, and it kinda gets old, therefore, look at a different tactic.

One way is through a newsletter. Many companies and organizations have it, but they don't utilize it in terms of diversity. Showcase the diverse people in your organization and not just because they are black or white, but because they are unique (they like to knit or are vegan). As time goes one, you will incorporate ethnicity, nationality, etc. This creates a culture in your organization. How? Everyone becomes part of the term diversity. No one is excluded, but moreover, it engages the whole community to talk about diversity.

The second way is to do pro bono work for organizations that are in need of your help. Poverty-ridden areas often need to most help with PR, but they do not have the money to spend. Helping them in turn helps you because you get employees outside of the corporate bubble. They learn therefore they grow therefore your company grows. Moreover, real diversity experience is the best way to teach diversity. Working with the lower socioeconomic section of your town will open your eyes as well as your perspective.

The third thing is hiring. Be truthful. Look at your company. Is there a lack of diversity? If so. look at recruitment in Historically Black Colleges or talking to the multicultural office at a university to have the opportunity to speak about your company. There are talented minority students as well, they just need to be found.

These three tips are not a panacea to the diversity problem in a company, but they are some tips that I have witnessed to work. Try them out-I bet you will see a difference soon.

On a side note, does diversity cost money?

I'm Back! (with a new question)

So, as all of you might have noticed, I have been on a hiatus of sorts (like I can even deny it, right?), however this mini-vacation was a sort of evaluation on what we need to discuss.

The past few posts have been about diversity as a separate issue from everything else. Let's face it, I have ostracized it, but in all honesty, it is an issue that is dealt with separately all too often, however I want to discuss diversity as a subject that is inter-related with other aspects of PR. I want to pose this question to you- can we have a discussion about PR and diversity in a larger scope or do we need to separate the issue all together?

I really want answers. Why? Well, I want to discuss this because of the economic situation. The less corporations and agencies have in the budget, the less they are willing to spend on 'diversity' related aspects of the company. Diversity, sadly, is at the bottom of the priorities of management. So what? Well, I want to think of ways to integrate the discussion, but I want to hear from you. What do you think? Are diversity-talks doomed to abstract ideas that we go over once or can we incorporate it in the culture of a company?

I'll post my thoughts next week.

Interesting Web sites for the Week of December 8!

The World Wide Web is huge, therefore I wanted to share some interesting blog posts/articles that are related to diversity. Hope you enjoy! =)

May's New Media: New Media & Minorities:

http://maymedia.blogspot.com/2008/12/new-media-minorities.html

Behind the Spin: Lost in Translation:

http://www.behindthespin.com/features/lost-in-translation

Hispanic PR Wire:

http://www.hispanicprwire.com/news.php?l=in&cha=13&id=2908

If you would like to share some links, e-mail me at Debbielobo@gmail.com. Have a great day! 

Diversity in PR; Us vs. Institutionalization

I preach diversity, but I often get the question...Debbie, what if I am not diverse? Or worse, most people are afraid of me and the things I create ( i.e. the diversity committee), because they think that I am part of a minority club that they are not invited to.

To qualm the fears of those individuals, I wanted to address the issue. In the end, I am tired of being a PR anomaly--a crusader for diversity in the industry. I hate the glaring eyes that think diversity is a joke subject.

So, what do I want? Instead, I want willing allies to help make PR better instead of merely "letting" me do my "thang".

So, let us begin with the question--Debbie, what if I am not diverse?

First, I have to say...Ouch! Why? Having that "I am not diverse" mentality as a PR person is suicide. If you are a good PR professional, you have to understand that you have something to offer (um... a.k.a. something unique?!) If you are a PR person without any kind of "diversity", your career will stop at an early stage; therefore, please stop that thought.

But, what is diversity? Do you think it is race? Is it African-American, Asian, Latino, blah blah blah? Yes? Well, diversity is far more than race. Socio-economics, religion, etc. The world is a diverse place, and race is only one component.

So, the first step is to stop thinking about diversity as you vs. them. That's how we halt progress.

It's us vs. institutionalization (social theory to denote the process of making something (for example particular values and norms, or modes of behavior) become embedded within an organization, social system, or society as an established norm within that system.*) In the case of PR, we have created a narrow point of view. The norm is to look at a client and a campaign from the eyes of a white female. Granted, this is not always true, but most often, it is. And though, we try to look from another point of view, it is embedded within us to look from one singular viewpoint--our own; therefore, we have to challenge that norms that confine the growth of our industry.

Then, comes the next question...Debbie, how can we fight institutionalization?

Well, the answer to this question is not so cut and dry. I do have a few suggestions, but I want to hear from you before I say my piece. What do you think we can do? Or, is it a subject that we cannot fight? Think from a student's perspective, a teacher's perspective, and then a professionals point of view. If you disagree, then go on, comment. I want ALL sides. I can handle the criticism.

I will post my thoughts in a week, but till then, what do YOU think?


(*institutionalization definition taken from wikipedia.com)

Public Relations Diversity a Bad Idea?

I was searching the web for diversity related PR blogs, and one blog post caught my attention. I ALWAYS want to hear the other side--this post talks about diversity as it relates to public relations, but this PR professional believes it is a "false idol". It's interesting. Take a look, and tell me what you think.

http://barnettmarcom.blogspot.com/2006/10/diversity-in-public-relations-great.html

Why do you think diversity matters?

I have preached about my beliefs about diversity and PR, but I want to hear what other professionals, students and professors think. Is it THAT imperative or am I making a big deal about an issue that is present in all industries? 

I want to see what YOU think so that I can update this blog to answer the questions and concerns that everyday PR people have. The content (i.e research, blogs, Web sites) for diversity and PR is lacking, therefore I am calling on you to help me gauge why diversity is or isn't important in relation to the PR industry? 

Don't be afraid to play devil's advocate! This is a place for OPEN conversation. Here are some questions to ponder (but don't limit yourself to the questions asked):

1. Why has it taken so long to address diversity in PR? 

2. Though diversity niche fields exists, they are constantly coming and going--what does this signify about diversity and PR ?

3. DO you think diversity in relation to race is being emphasized too much--should diversity in experience be more relevant?

4. Men are often found in small numbers when looking at the entire PR field, but what about women in executive roles?

5. Do colleges emphasize the importance of diversity in relation to communication? Should they emphasize it more?

So, with that being said, what do you think?

The Power of Social Media

Before I begin this post, I want to say my disclaimer. I love social media, but I believe that it is not a panacea for diversity or any other problem in the industry. It is merely a tactic that we, as practitioners, teachers, and students, use to communicate more efficiently and to a wider audience.

So, with that disclaimer--I think social media is a new-wave superpower. To some, referring to social media as a superpower is over-the-top and somewhat geeky, but in my experience, social media has empowered me in so many different ways. 

But, why should you believe me? I have a biased view on the topic of social media...right?

Knowing that audiences, like you, are more skeptical than ever, I wanted to walk MY walk to demonstrate why social media is breaking ground. How do I do that? Well, with a couple of examples from my own social media experiment--my blog. When I found out about social media, I chose to combat the evil of homogeneity in the industry of PR. Okay, so that was nerdy, but nonetheless, it is MY cause. 

So first, a little history. I started a blog entitled "Diversified PR" this semester.

Why? I love public relations. I love diversity, and wa-la!

That was the general premise, however by writing about my passion, I found others who share my zeal for diversity. Whoopee you say?

Well, whoopee indeed because the is where the true power of social media is found. I have networked with a public relation's researcher in Oklahoma to the former diversity chair in PRSA to a PR practitioner in China. I am a testament to what social media can achieve.

It can cross borders, but moreover, it can create communication between diverse individuals. And not just in terms of ethnicity, but much more--these individuals bring diversity of experience to the table.

Moreover, social media allows much needed dialogue to occur between generations. I am an undergraduate student. To some, I am not very influential, and though it is sad. it is how things are, but when I start to get backing from professors and industry leaders, I become a powerful voice. I must say--I feel quite empowered.

It is true that I don't have a new invisibility power or new telekinetic powers, yet I am still better because of this blog. I communicate my concerns, frustrations, and more, to individuals around the world. I am practicing PR through the web. My blog allows me to participate in two-way communication. I help shape my industry. Though it is small, I am still part of the change.

To me, diversity is an issue. I could not deny it. I could not ignore it. So, instead of fighting it, I acknowledged the facts, and I wrote about it.

"Diversified PR" is one blog, but it has already started a conversation between student, practitioners, and industry leaders. Hopefully, it will begin to generate action. The fact that I can become a catalyst to change is the beauty of social media, and thought I have spoken about the relevance of new and social media in diversity before, and I have preached about the opportunity in these tactics to companies, college, and agencies, it is not until I immersed myself in it that I began to believe. 

In the end, I want people to know that social media is a powerful tactic, and though it won't save the world, it is still changing it. What will you do with this new power? Spiderman's uncle said it best, "With great power comes great responsibility." I used mine to address diversity, what hero will you be?