4 steps for adopting a ‘diversity first’ practice in PR

PR pros, it’s time to put your money where your black square box on Instagram was “standing in solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter.” You know that fancy wordsmithing you did in a short period of time with self-congratulatory hyperbole and a cool design?

Well now, start implementing—and frankly, it’s about time.

Public relations education and practice are at a trust crossroads. The Edelman Trust Barometer reports that balancing competence with ethical behavior is out of balance. A growing sense of inequity is undermining trust in brands. Per the Edelman report, “distrust is being driven by a growing sense of inequity and unfairness in the system. The perception is that institutions increasingly serve the interests of the few over everyone.”

For years, diversity, equity and inclusion have been championed throughout the workplace. Even “honored” with a workshop here or there. Diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I) has been treated like an observance—a holiday almost—rather  than a thread running through the profession or organization tying it all together.

For practitioners to more quickly adapt to an inclusive planning process, we suggest the implementation of a “diversity first” model.