So far this year, I would say our standout achievement has been making good on our commitment to diversity and inclusion. The past few years have been incredibly transformational for our Chapter as the Board of Directors continues to place emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).
From board recruitment and programming to ment or selection and our communications, we strive to infuse DEIB into all that we do. This work guides us and helps us create a safe and welcoming space for our local public relations community (and those we aspire to be a part of it) to engage in thoughtful dialogue and collaborate on all things communications. We are also keeping a close eye on our metrics to gauge how we can best garner interest and participation in our events, digital content and more.
In terms of the industry landscape, as communications professionals, our seat at the table has never been firmer. The past couple of years have proven the importance of clear, honest and informative communications, both during a crisis and on an ongoing basis. Today’s society has come to expect, and rightfully so, a heightened level of communication (quality, frequency, accuracy) from organizations, making our work even more valid and respected by our clients, leadership and peers.
Ultimately, as president this year, my main focus is to make sure you feel welcome at our events and wanted as a member of our organization. We have several innovative and fresh ideas hatching, which I believe will allow us to better serve our membership and local PR community in the years to come. Stay tuned!
Changes to this Year’s Awards Program
Well, for one, we’re planning a full-scale in-person soiree this year for the first time in a long time! We’re also hosting the 2022 Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards at a new venue, my beloved alma mater San Diego State University. Deciding to host this year’s awards ceremony in person was a decision rooted in community feedback and our members’ desire to reconvene.
We’re also introducing a brand-new Bronze Award category titled, “Shoestring Budget,” that will recognize the best tactic planned and implemented on a budget of $1,000 or less by a nonprofit, in-house team and/or a group or individual grassroots effort. We’re excited about this new award as it increases inclusion among our entrants and recognizes the diverse challenges and opportunities that nonprofits and grassroots organizations face when communicating in today’s climate.
And don’t forget about these two DEIB-driven changes to the program, which we’ll be continuing from last year: decreased entry fees for first-time entrants (limit: two entries) and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion PR Pro of the Year category.
We hope you’ll consider submitting one or more Bronze, Silver or Special Award entries for the 2022 Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards. I look forward to the event in November, catching up with colleagues and celebrating those who have emanated excellence in communications over the past year.
– April Tellez Green
About Our Board President
April Tellez Green is a versatile, experienced communications professional with extensive experience developing effective public relations, social media and digital marketing campaigns for startups, corporations, and nonprofits. She currently serves as communications manager at the UC San Diego Library. In this role, she oversees the Library’s public relations, email marketing, blog and social media programs, while also assisting with branding, web development, digital advertising and strategic planning.
April has been active with PRSA SD/IC since 2017 and assumed her first role on the board of directors in January 2018. She now serves on the Chapter’s Executive Committee as president-elect. She is also actively participating the LEAD San Diego Impact program, with graduation slated for June 2021.
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