Diversity, inclusion, and belonging are integral to the evolution and growth of PRSA and the public relations industry.

The most obvious contexts of diversity include race, ethnicity, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, country of origin, culture, and diversity of thought. In our rapidly changing society, diversity continues to unfold and can include class, socioeconomic status, life experiences, learning and working styles, personality types, and intellectual traditions and perspectives, in addition to cultural, political, religious, and other beliefs.

Inclusion, according to the Society for Human Resource Management, is defined as “the achievement of a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute fully to the organization’s success.”

Belonging is a feeling that emerges when people feel seen for their unique contributions, connected to colleagues, supported in their work and career development, and proud of their organization’s values and purpose.

These defining attributes are vital to the success of our profession, our members, and the communities in which we live and work. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging are integral to PRSA New Jersey’s DNA, and it is our responsibility as members of the Society to ensure they are embedded in all that we do.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are committed to intentionally diversifying our services, thought leadership, campaigns, and programming.
We are committed to the recruitment and retention of diverse Board directors and officers, members, and volunteers.
We are committed to building a pipeline of public relations and communications professionals that reflects the demographics of the State of New Jersey.
We are committed to proactively partnering with organizations and individuals that exemplify diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging.
We are committed to leveraging our platforms to educate and facilitate courageous conversations that advance anti-bias and anti-racism within the public relations industry.

PRSA NJ Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Objectives

PRSA NJ has four primary objectives as it pertains to diversity, inclusion and belonging:

Advocate for diversity, inclusion, and belonging as strategic business imperatives.

Increase membership, active participation, and retention of diverse public relations and communication practitioners.

Expand outreach to diverse students to encourage their participation in the public relations profession.

Improve our engagement with public relations and communications partners from historically underrepresented communities.

PRSAY NJ Have Your Say

Our Statement

We acknowledge all communities, people, and practices that encompass the public relations profession. We invite PR practitioners and thought leaders from across the state to offer advice and insights on topics affecting the PR industry that will position us to strengthen our collective work through diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

PRSAY NJ is a forum for members and other public relations professionals to engage in a dialogue and share perspectives on issues of concern to the Society and the public relations industry. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of PRSA NJ or PRSA.

If you are interested in submitting an article to the PRSA NJ Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee, please contact us.