Diversity & Inclusion Resources
As the country sees individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences 
make inroads in areas of business and government, it is important for the public relations industry to reflect the society we live in. Ethnic and gender diversity within the ranks of public relations firms is a vital component in building a stronger, more competitive business.
As the industry’s trade association, the Council of Public Relations Firms has led efforts in the area of diversity, including sponsoring career fairs for the historically black colleges and participating in the LAGRANT Foundation’s internship placement program and career development workshops.
Council Programs
Diversity Distinction in PR Awards 2011
The Council of Public Relations Firms is proud to support the inaugural Diversity Distinction in PR Awards, in association with PRWeek. These awards honor excellence in promoting ethnic diversity within the public relations sector. They support and inspire professionals of diverse backgrounds and those who strive to encourage and strengthen diversity across the public relations workforce.
Diversity and Inclusion Educational Session with the FutureWork Institute
The Council of PR Firms held diversity and inclusion train-the-trainers session that assisted in establishing, and/or re-energizing, diversity and inclusion initiatives at PR firms. The program will be conducted by FutureWork Institute, a consulting team, focused on all aspects of diversity and work-life issues, that partners with clients to envision and make real the future of work in North America. Read More
NOTEWORTHY Third parties and industry groups
The following groups are educating, enlightening and strengthening workforce diversity efforts across various industries, including PR/communications. This list will be updated periodically.
The LAGRANT Foundation
The Council has had a long standing relationship with the LAGRANT Foundation in its mission to increase the number of ethnic minorities in the public relations industry. By providing scholarships, career development workshops and internships to African American, Asian, American Indian/Native American and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students, LAGRANT offers the necessary resources and tools to pursue a career in public relations.
Black Creatives
Black Creatives is focused on developing and showcasing the next generation of diverse creative talent for the advertising, communications, media and entertainment industries and encouraging sound practices and success in business design management.
Hispanic Public Relations Association
Established in 1984, The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) is the largest network of public relations, marketing and advertising professionals from agencies, government, nonprofit and corporate companies in the US.
National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communities
NAMIC educates, advocates and empowers for multi-ethnic diversity in the telecommunications industry through its 18 nationwide chapters
Ron Brown Scholar Program L.E.A.D. Series
The L.E.A.D. Series is a leadership and service-centered curriculum aimed at introducing students across the United States, through the use of online standards-based curriculum and mentoring partnerships, to the integrated concepts of leadership and service.
ON Campus: Howard University
The Council is the only trade association to have a co-hosted career fair with Howard University’s School of Communications. Every spring, students have the opportunity to interview one-on-one with recruiters from member firms. The Council also participates in the School of Communications’ fall job fair where member firms participate on a panel to give students career advice and tips.
For the 7th consecutive year, the Council will participate in the Howard University Johnson School of Communications Annual Job Fair and Conference taking place on Thursday, October 21. Contact the Council for more details.
Diversity in Public Relations and Advertising Career Day
As a partner in the Diversity in Public Relations and Advertising Career Day, the Council met with multicultural job candidates and discussed the benefits of a career in the public relations agency business.
The Council’s work in the area of diversity within the public relations industry is ongoing. The Council is working closely with its members to create programs that help meet the needs of the industry and career professionals.