Diversity and Inclusion in Public Affairs

2:00 p.m.            Diversity and Inclusion: Embracing Differences and Communicating Successes with Employee Resource Groups

With the pressure for organizations to speak out on a variety of social and political issues, firms need ways to record and amplify their stakeholders’ preferences. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are one way to better understand and communicate with the workforce. These groups allow employees to grow professionally and personally by providing a safe space for difficult discussions, increasing cross-functional awareness and providing mentorship opportunities. The insights gained from these groups can help public affairs teams develop targeted messaging that brings awareness of important issues to policy makers and the communities they serve.

Participants will learn:

• How to create a welcoming environment for diverse audiences
• Ways to integrate diversity of thought and opinion into company dialogue over issues
• Segmenting public affairs communications to reach diverse audiences
• Ways in which ERGs can impact company policy on social issues
• How to avoid common ERG shortcomings

3:00 p.m.             Networking Break

3:15 p.m.           Enhancing Diversity Through Second Chances and Working with Associations

Organizations are always looking for new ways to engage their employees and communities, as well as find strategies and tactics that can help them meet their diversity and inclusion goals.

As organizations start or continue their diversity and inclusion journey, they will confront new issues and opportunities. Trade associations can serve as a valuable resource to help organizations address concerns, provide benchmarks and promote best practices. Our association representative will discuss how their members are working together to create a more equitable industry.

Expanding the applicant pool grows an organization’s capacity for and understanding of diversity and inclusion. Second chance hiring, or hiring individuals with a criminal record, allows firms to give people an opportunity to improve themselves and their community. Our expert will discuss why and how second chance hiring has impacted their organization.

Our experts will cover:

• How associations can foster diversity and inclusion in an industry
• Ways in which members can influence an association’s diversity and inclusion priorities
• How to set up and manage a second chance hiring program
• Ways to expand diversity and inclusion through hiring and skills training

4:15p.m.             Event conclusion