UGAConnect Conference; Diversity and Social Media

I learned so much at UGAConnect, but one thing that I found interesting is a word that kept being thrown around at the conference- community.

I want to elaborate on this because, in my opinion, diversity is integral in community.

Social Media is ALL about community, and though, diversity wasn't directly being targeted at the conference, I saw huge potential in terms of multiculturalism and pr, within the conversations that were occurring between professionals, educators, and students. 

One aspect is the idea of a conversation.

A two-way dialogue is important when anything is being broadcasted within the social media sphere; this becomes an asset to our cause!  This characteristic of new media allows minorities to be part of the conversation. 

Look at this blog; aren't you reading? I was allowed to speak though a blog, which is a form of social media.

Common Sense? 

Well, yes, but no real efforts have occurred with social media in terms of connecting minorities with the field of public relations.

The possibilities are endless; professionals, educators, and students who are all invested in elevating the industry to a higher level by increasing the importance of diversity in the field.

One outcome: the ability to connect minority professionals to minority students and recent graduates . These individuals will become vital in a student's success.

I know that my passion for  diversity has been fueled by two of my mentors, Kim L. Hunter and Bill Imada. They are always willing to help me with anything that I want to pursue in terms of diversity and communications. I have been lucky in finding mentors, but social media will make this easier to accomplish for other students. 

I can only imagine fueling the passions of other students for diversity through facebook discussions? or through twitter? or creating a LinkedIn social sphere? 

Moreover, PRSA could get involved! They could promote their multicultural scholarship. They could provide a connection to companies who are looking for diversity with students who are diverse.

This is just one aspect of social media that could help our cause, but what are your thoughts?

Is social media an asset or an obstacle? 

Diversity Comittee

Approximately, 2 hours ago (6:30 pm), UGA PRSSA had its first meeting!

WOOT WOOT!

It went off with out a hitch, but in the meeting, the NEW diversity initiative was announced! I was so proud! I think I cried a little.

Anyway, I am heading the diversity committee this year, and I am so excited to get started in promoting diversity in public relations. I feel UBER passionate about multicultural PR so this was a culmination of everything the executive board, Dr. Jones, and I have brainstormed!

I didn't see the entire list of people interested in the diversity initiative, but I saw MILLIONS of people signing up...so WOOT WOOT again!

If you are a UGA PRSSA member, and would like to get more information, please do NOT hesitate to email me at Debbielobo@gmail.com. I heart emails!

Some of the ideas that we may be implementing this year are the following:

1. Workshop for minority organization's on campus about PR and what their organization can do to promote themselves.

2. Minority Scholarships for PRSSA dues.

3. Attend the GSPA conference and speak about diversity and public relations in Grady.

4. SO MUCH MORE!

The Democratic national convention uses minorities to recruit voters

The Democratic national convention uses minorities to recruit voters.

http://www.angryasianman.com/2008/08/convention-via-youtube.html


I was browsing around a favorite blog of mine www.angryasianman.com, when I came across a post about youtube videos that displayed prominent minorities urging others to get out to vote.


I posted this because it displays two things that I saw as very relevant to Diversified PR. One involves the use of new media [i.e. youtube] to get minorities to vote. As many of you know, new media is booming--and this is a prime example of how a PR tactic is being utilized toward minorities.


I am passionate about voting so this struck me as an AWESOME outreach tactic for the Democrats. Obama is really utilizing new media, and involving minorities in his campaign is crucial.


During the primaries, Obama lost to Clinton in California--this is huge since the Asian and Latino population is astronomical in Cali. Therefore, he did not reach out to those voters. He is changing that with his efforts now!


So kudos Obama and the Democrats!


Way to be aware of minorities in the U.S.