No diversity research?

So I have this assignment to find research in public relations in one of my classes...and I wanted to look at diversity and public relations.

I have searched for billions of hours [well not billions, but pretty dang long] for this specific subject in research, and I have to be frank, the search is not going very well.

I have found 2-3 full research articles on this topic which is very slim in my opinion. Diversity in communications is a subject that PRSA has pushing for a couple of years now, and the industry still does not have relevant research on the topic.

I am student and this is my first time truly looking at research, therefore I might be off in my comment about 'slim-findings' on the subject of diversity and public relations.

Hmmm, it's a bit disheartening for me to see this. The latest study I found was conducted in 2000 by a professor at the University of Florida. She even stated the lack of studies conducted on this topic--and that was 8 years ago.

If anyone has any suggestions on where I can find some studies on the subject of public relations and diversity...please contact me.

I am in need of some reassurance that diversity matters and that research is being conducted in the field.

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!

Public Relations Society of America Strives for Diversity

http://www.prsany.org/index.php?s=diversity

I searched in GOOGLE for diversity and PR today and found a website for the PRSA NY chapter. The site includes research about the diversity in PR and what is being done about it. Its quite interesting and a breath of fresh air, for me, to know that PRSA is aware of the problem in relation to diversity.

Here is a quote from the site:

"The findings revealed significant dissatisfaction with the PR profession's commitment to diversity, perceived pervasive discrimination, and widespread concern that multicultural practitioners are relegated to a slow professional track."
~Diversity in Public Relations - A Call to Action

Why diversity and public relations?

Why did I create this blog?

I had an idea for this blog in early summer, but never got around to writing about diversity in relation to public relations until now.

Why do I care about such a specific topic in PR?

It began when I sat in my first PR class in the wonderful Grady College at the University of Georgia. Don’t get me wrong–I love GRADY!!! I love…love…love it! BUT, I felt alone. I felt like I could not be myself. I could not talk like I usually talk. I could not act like I usually act. Why?

I was one of a only a few minorities in my class.

It was disheartening when I looked at the person to my left and right, and saw no one like me. I have always been active on campus with multicultural organizations, however I lacked proffesional development because I HATED going to a meeting or class because I felt like an outsider.

THIS WAS NOT RIGHT!

I should excel. I should be comfortable. I should be able to be myself.

So, early summer I began to contact our PRSSA chapter in order to increase diversity not just in Grady but in the PR major as well.

I talked to Dr. Jones who is one of the most open advisors I have ever spoken too, and she encouraged me to take action.

I did.

With the help of my wonderful mentors Mr. Bill Imada and Mr. Kim L. Hunter, I took action.

I drafted a proposal to give to PRSSA and…guess what happened?

We now have a diversity committee for PRSSA!

This blog is to going to speak about trials and tribulations of increasing diversity in an organization and in a college!

Wish us luck!

Debbie Ebalobo