The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association values diversity and strives to be equitable and diverse. Our professional development events are open to anyone who works or is interested in public relations or a related field, or would like to learn more about what we do. We are dedicated to creating an environment of belonging, where our current and future members, speakers and guests feel welcome, included, valued and fulfilled professionally and socially by our chapter and its offerings.
In 2023, the Ocala Chapter board unanimously voted and implemented our IDEA (Involvement/Inclusion, Distinction/Diversity, Evenness/Equity, Accessibility) chair position. This chair position is responsible for the ensuring the following:
- Involvement by working to be supportive and inclusive of different groups of individuals, regardless of their diversities (age, gender, ethnicity, physical ability and neurodiversity).
- Distinction – Ensuring that the chapter embraces all members and prospective members, and enables them to make meaningful contributions to the chapter and FPRA at a State level.
- Evenness – Striving to develop a sufficiently inclusive culture/environment, such that all members feel their voices will be heard.
- Accessibility is the design, construction, development and maintenance of location, information and communication technology, programs and services so that all people, including people with disabilities, can fully and independently use them.
Our Commitment to Diversity
We recognize that diversity encompasses a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and talents. We celebrate and value these differences because they enrich our association, broaden our horizons, and make us stronger. We are dedicated to ensuring that all voices are heard, and all individuals are seen, respected, and empowered within our association.
Equity as a Core Value
Equity is the cornerstone of our DE&I commitment. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, regardless of their background. We actively work to identify and address disparities and systemic barriers that may exist within our organization and the broader field of public relations.
Inclusion as a Practice
Inclusion goes beyond just inviting diverse perspectives to the table; it involves actively engaging, valuing, and leveraging those perspectives. We strive to create a culture where every member feels welcomed, valued, and included. We believe that through the practice of inclusion, we can unlock the full potential of our membership and drive innovation in our field.
Further, we believe it is our organization’s role and responsibility to provide our members with trusted resources and continuing education to thrive in our constantly evolving communications landscape and to strive for diversity in our programming and membership.
