From the President's Desk: Rooting the Message in the Mission
Dear Fellow Communicators,
It’s February, and the shortest month of the year is full of treats. It’s Black History Month, and Valentine’s Day is always fun, too.
I would like to highlight our D&I Committee’s Black History Month campaign, which you can find on our PRSA Chicago social media channels. This month, we will hear words of wisdom from Black professionals as we recognize how diversity makes a difference in the communications industry. A few humble words from yours truly also are included in this series, so stay tuned.
While we’re on the subject of diversity, in a recent live broadcast interview, I was sharing details about my organization’s Black History Month and a reporter asked if the current administration’s stance on DEI makes it a more “critical” time for diverse programs. My answer (in summary): It’s always been a critical time to recognize a variety of perspectives and acknowledge that the lenses through which we view the world are different. I was able to further answer the question with a connection to my organization’s mission.
As communicators, we often have to navigate challenging landscapes publicly – for ourselves, our clients, and our organizations. When you question if and how you should communicate on your organization’s behalf, think about its mission, purpose, and values. Use those principles to center and guide the message. In addition to responding to inquiries about our policies, we may wonder when it’s appropriate to be proactive. A fantastic PRSA National blog post about thought leadership addresses that very topic, so I invite you to take a look.
PRSA National also recently released a statement stating our continuous and unwavering commitment to DEI. Please check your email for that message.
In all of our communicating, messaging, translating, highlighting, and clarifying, make sure to take care of yourself. Take breaks, step back from doom-scrolling on social media, and put the laptop down when you need a moment. Also, on Feb. 15, you can find some great chocolate on sale.
Wishing you a great February,
Bridgette
Bridgette Russell, APR
President, PRSA Chicago
