2012 Diversity Distinction in PR Awards Opens
2nd Annual Awards Program Adds Two Categories
New York, NY – (April 26, 2012) – The 2nd annual Diversity Distinction in PR Awards, supported by the Council of Public Relations Firms in association with PRWeek, opened today.
These awards honor excellence in promoting ethnic diversity and inclusion within the public relations sector, and are intended to support and inspire professionals of diverse backgrounds to seek opportunities at agencies and the PR industry more broadly.
Recognition will be awarded in three areas, with new categories for corporations and small and large PR firms added this year:
Best Diversity Initiative – Open to Public Relations Firms only
This award honors a communications firm’s successful initiative to improve ethnic diversity so that it permeates all levels and divisions of the organization. Two winners will be awarded: (1) Firms with $10M or less in annual revenues; (2) Firms with $10M-plus in annual revenues.
Diversity Champion – Open to all Public Relations Professionals
Celebrates an exceptional individual – from a communications firm, an in-house PR team, or academia – who is a role model and champion of diversity in the industry through his or her actions.
Best Community Initiative – Open to Public Relations Firms and Corporations
Entries should relate to an organization’s leadership or support of a community service project or organization that works to promote diversity, fight discrimination, or toward the empowerment of a local neighborhood or group. Two winners will be awarded: (1) An organization/corporation; (2) A PR firm
“We were encouraged by the industry’s strong participation in last year’s inaugural awards program, as it’s important to shine a spotlight on best practices in an area which clearly is a business imperative for our industry,” said Andy Polansky, chair of the Council of Public Relations Firms. “Council members consistently cite finding the best talent as chief among their greatest business needs.”
“Last year’s inaugural Diversity Distinction in PR Awards were a great success and produced many excellent entries and winners that truly define the standard in encouraging diversity in both in-house and agency settings,” said Steve Barrett, Editor-in-Chief, PRWeek. “We look forward to working closely with the Council of Public Relations Firms to build on this foundation and establish the awards as a real catalyst for change in the PR industry, until such a time as they are no longer required.”
The deadline for submissions is June 21st. The winners will be announced at the Council of Public Relations Firms’ annual member dinner, taking place on October 24th in New York City. Click here to read the full rules, categories, and to download entry forms.
The 2011 winners included:
>Best Public Relations Firm Diversity Initiative: APCO Worldwide
>Best PR Firm Community Initiative: Porter Novelli
>Diversity Champion: Kim Hunter, Founder and CEO, Lagrant Communications
The Council of Public Relations Firms is comprised of America’s leading public relations firms. Its membership represents the premier global, mid-size, regional and specialty agencies across every discipline and practice area. The Council’s mission is to advocate for and advance the business of public relations firms by building the market and the value of firms as strategic business partners. For more information about the Council, visit www.prfirms.org.
