Proposed 2023 PRSA SE Wisconsin Board

Members of the Southeastern Wisconsin chapter of PRSA will have the chance to vote at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, December 14 at PR Palooza, for its slate of officer’s proposed for 2023.

The nominating committee puts forth the following individuals to serve in leadership positions for the coming year:

President: Angela Hersil

Past President/Paragons Chair: Dave Racine

Treasurer/President-Elect: Jackie Gozdowiak

Secretary: Amy Freeze

Membership: Kaitlyn Backe

Marketing: Brian Knox

Palooza: Marlaina Quintana

Midwest District: Josh Anderson

Ethics/APR: Ann Knabe & Michael Pflughoeft

Director at Large: Rachael Glaszcz

Assembly Delegate: Tammy Belton-Davis

PRSSA Liaison: Heidi Fendos

PRSA Southeast Wisconsin Announces 2023 Public Relations Paragon Award Winners

MILWAUKEE (May 25, 2023) — The Public Relations Society of America’s Southeastern Wisconsin chapter recognized the best public relations programs and tactics implemented in 2022 at its annual Paragon Awards.

More than 35 awards were presented for PR programs and tactics to local agencies, corporations, and nonprofits that exhibit industry best standards in research, strategic planning, and results-driven execution that made an impact. Punch PR received the Best in Show distinction, securing the highest overall score for its social influencer awareness-building campaign with KEEN Utility and the Roswell work boot launch.

Sarah Maio, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Wisconsin Center District (WCD), was honored as the 2023 Communicator of the Year.  The award is given to an outstanding professional who effectively uses public relations and communications skills to perform their responsibilities. Maio oversees marketing and communications efforts for the Wisconsin Center, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and Miller High Life Theatre. Her impact on the WCD has reverberated through the community, most recently with her recognition as a Milwaukee Business Journal CMO of the Year, BizTimes Milwaukee Notable Marketing Executive, co-chair of TEMPO Milwaukee Leadership Event, guest speaker at Marquette University, and Women’s Fund of Milwaukee “Reclaiming Feminism” honoree.

Michael Pflughoeft, APR, Fellow PRSA, Public Relations Director at BVK, was honored with the 2023 Dorothy Thomas Black Award. The award recognizes sustained superior performance in public relations and is the PRSA chapter’s highest honor. Pflughoeft has worked with some of the highest profile organizations in Wisconsin and beyond, including Harley-Davidson, Steelcase, Aurora Health Care, Pabst, Herman Miller, The Marcus Corporation and Doral Dental / DentaQuest. He was inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows in 2015.

Pflughoeft is currently the Accreditation Co-Chair and has served in virtually every board position for the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of PRSA, including two terms as President. He is the creator and founder of the Chapter’s annual “PR Palooza” fundraising event; he helped develop and launch the Chapter’s first formal mentorship program and served as chair of the Chapter’s 50th anniversary program/event.

Public relations programs/tactics recognizing Awards of Excellence include:

  • Benson’s Restaurant Group Unveils The Bridgewater Modern Grill (media relations) – Laughlin Constable Public Relations
  • Sentry Insurance B2B Media Relations Program (media relations) – Core Creative
  • FoodTok (social media campaign) – VISIT Milwaukee
  • I am Advocate Aurora Teammate Features (social media campaign) – Aurora Health Care
  • Panduit Network Infrastructure Campaign (content marketing) – Nelson Schmidt Inc.
  • Project Wonder: The Art of Science (content marketing) – Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation PR Program (content marketing) – Hoffman York
  • “On the Edge of Equity” and the “Leadership is in Session” Master Class (content marketing) – Athena Communications
  • Visit Montana – Meaning in the Mountains (influencer marketing to expand awareness) – Hoffman York
  • Visit Montana – Yellowstone National Park Flood Response (crisis communications) – Hoffman York
  • Wahl ‘Benevolent Beards’ Contest (integrated communications) – Hoffman York
  • Fostering Community Support for a more Diverse Church Mutual (events and observances) – Padilla
  • Sentry Insurance – U.S. Senior Open Media Preview Day (events and observances) – Core Creative
  • Sentry Insurance – El Paso Office Announcement (events and observances) – Core Creative
  • Dancing Grannies Thank You Parade (events and observances) – Aurora Health Care
  • LiuGong North America – Dealer Recruitment Direct Mail (direct mail) – Nelson Schmidt
  • Aurora Health Care Diversity Equity and Inclusion Impact Report (newsletter) – Aurora Health Care
  • Faces of Froedtert (internal communications) – Froedtert Health
  • Church Mutual Insurance Company – Strength of a Few Videos (video) – Nelson Schmidt
  • Lead Balloon Podcast Blue Angels Activation (other creative tactics) – Podcamp Media
  • Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 – Giannis Mural (other creative tactics) – Nelson Schmidt

Public relations programs/tactics recognizing Awards of Distinction (receiving scores 40-45 out of 50):

  • Children of Fallen Patriots Local Media Campaign (media relations) – Punch PR
  • WAHL Influencer Program (influencer marketing to expand awareness) – Hoffman York
  • Milwaukee Diaper Mission (public service) – Serve Marketing
  • Visit St. Pete/Clearwater – Unwind & Be Kind Campaign (public service) – BVK
  • TIKI Brand Crisis Communications (crisis communications) – Cramer-Krasselt
  • Aligning for Effective Crisis Management (crisis communications) – Aurora Health Care
  • Fromm Petfest (integrated communications) – Punch PR
  • Sojourner Lethality Awareness: Know the Facts (integrated communications) – Serve Marketing
  • West Virginia Department of Tourism x AllTrails (integrated communications) – BVK
  • Aurora Medical Center – Sheboygan County Hospital Move & Grand Opening (integrated communications) – Aurora Health Care
  • Maytag Commercial Laundry – Customer Stories Campaign (marketing business-to-business) – Nelson Schmidt
  • Port Milwaukee Annual Report (annual report) – Nelson Schmidt
  • Zurn Elkay Sustainability Report (annual report) – Zurn Elkay Water Solutions
  • Sip Tips & Tooth Tips (video) – Wisconsin Dental Association

“Our chapter members serve as critical leaders and advisors to organizations across Southeastern Wisconsin and beyond,” said Dave Racine, President of PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin. “It’s an honor to meet once again to celebrate our region’s exceptional talent and successes from the past year.”

“The Paragon Awards were created in 1983 to encourage excellence in public relations in the region,” said Don Klein, immediate past president and Paragon Awards chair for PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin. “Nearly 40 years later, the Paragons continue to be a point of proof for our region’s continued growth and leadership in the field of public relations.”

Entries were judged by members of the New Orleans PRSA chapter on a scale of zero to 50 points based on research to guide the program or tactic; clear objectives and target audiences; comprehensive planning and budgeting; creativity and execution; and evaluation against the stated objectives. Entries garnering scores of 40-44.5 points received an Award of Distinction. Those entries with scores of 45-50 received an Award of Excellence. The PR program with the highest score earned the Best of Show award.

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PRSA SE WI Announces 2022 Public Relations Paragon Awards

MILWAUKEE (May 27, 2022) — The best public relations programs and tactics implemented in 2021 were honored by the Public Relations Society of America’s Southeastern Wisconsin chapter at its annual Paragon Awards.

In all, 17 awards were presented for PR programs and tactics to local agencies, corporations and nonprofits that exhibit industry best standards in research, strategic planning and results-driven execution that made an impact. The Wisconsin Dental Association received the Best in Show distinction by securing the highest score and this year we have a tie:

  • Wisconsin Dental Association’s The Drill E-Newsletter
  • We’ve Got your Back. Always. Wisconsin Dental Association 2021 Membership Campaign

Jodie Tabak, assistant director of reputation management at Northwestern Mutual, was honored as the 2022 Communicator of the Year. This award is given to someone who effectively uses public relations and/or communications skills in the performance of their responsibilities. Jodie provides strategic communications counsel and assists with issues triage, contingency planning, company positioning and media relations. Prior to her role at Northwestern Mutual, she served as Mayor Barrett’s chief of staff where she led the 12-person Mayor’s Office and provided guidance and director to the Mayor’s Cabinet of 23 members. She was Milwaukee’s first female chief of staff.

Carl Mueller, founder and chairman of Mueller Communications, was honored with the 2022 Dorothy Thomas Black Award. The award recognizes sustained superior performance in public relations and is the PRSA chapter’s highest honor. Carl has worked for more than 30 years as a journalist, marketing, public relations, media and governmental affairs executive. In addition to managing client projects and the work of the firm’s talented professionals, Carl has served as a manager and advisor to a Wisconsin Governor, several university presidents, a Wisconsin Congressman and chief of staff to the Mayor of Milwaukee.

Public relations programs/tactics recognizing Awards of Excellence (receiving scores 45 or higher out of 50):

  • Fromm Petfest (integrated communications) – Punch Public Relations
  • Beyond Van Gogh (media relations) – Kane Communications Group
  • Wahl ‘Most Talented Beard in America’ Contest (integrated communications) – Hoffman York
  • Hot Dog! Vienna Beef Aids Pandemic Relief with Beefy Challenge (marketing consumer products/services) – Laughlin Constable
  • East-West BRT Groundbreaking (events and observances) – Milwaukee County Transit System
  • Kane Insights Report (integrated communications) – Kane Communications Group

Public relations programs/tactics recognizing Awards of Distinction (receiving scores 40-45 out of 50):

  • UScellular Celebrates the Return of Entertainment (events and observances) – Laughlin Constable
  • Maytag – Bill Rancic Webinar (online communications) – Nelson Schmidt Inc.
  • WDA’s 151st Anniversary Celebration Event (events and observances) – Wisconsin Dental Association
  • WAHL Influencer (influencer marketing to expand awareness) – Hoffman York
  • Panduit Data Center Campaign (content marketing) – Nelson Schmidt Inc.
  • TIKI Brand Media Relations Program (media relations) – Cramer-Krasselt
  • Maytag: The Replacement Brand (content marketing) – Nelson Schmidt Inc.

“We are elated to gather and celebrate the amazing work being done in our southeastern Wisconsin community,” said Christine Dunbeck, PRSA Paragon Awards chair. “Despite another challenging year for communicators, our entries were innovative and forward-thinking while delivering incredible results”

Entries were judged by members of the Central California PRSA chapter on a scale of zero to 50 points based on research to guide the program or tactic; clear objectives and target audiences; comprehensive planning and budgeting; creativity and execution; and evaluation against the stated objectives. Entries garnering scores of 40-44.5 points received an Award of Distinction. Those entries with scores of 45-50 received an Award of Excellence. The PR program with the highest score earned the Best of Show award, this year the score was tied with two Wisconsin Dental Association entries.

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Proposed 2022 PRSA SE Wisconsin Board

Members of the Southeastern Wisconsin chapter of PRSA will have the chance to vote at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, December 9 at PR Palooza, for its slate of officer’s proposed for 2022.

The nominating committee puts forth the following individuals to serve in leadership positions for the coming year:

President: Katrina Schwarz

Past President: Christine Dunbeck

President-Elect & D&I Chair: Lindsey McKee

Secretary: Amy Freeze

Membership: Katharine Foley

Treasurer: Angela Hersil

Marketing: Ryan Nolan

Palooza: McKenna Carrigan

Community: Lynn Griffith

Midwest District: Don Klein

Ethics/APR: W. Patrick McSweeney

PRSSA Liaison: Heidi Fendos

Allyship Check-In: Your Annual DEI Performance Review

It’s been more than a year since renewed calls for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) reached new heights in the United States. You changed your profile picture to a black square on social media. You joined a Black Lives Matter march. You bought a t-shirt proudly proclaiming #StopAsianHate. You shopped at several local diverse-owned businesses. Those were great starts. Now, how have you taken your allyship further?

Approach your allyship check-in as an annual performance review. Celebrate your accomplishments. Acknowledge your areas of opportunity. And make a plan for continued growth.

The Allyship Approach

Let’s begin with a look at your DEI approach. When Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate became more mainstream, many of us in diverse groups wondered how long that mainstream interest would last. As an ally, make it clear in your words and your actions that you are here to stay. You’re not in a temporary state of waking, but you are truly and permanently “woke.”

Your education is not the responsibility of the group you seek to support. Though conversations with diverse groups and thoughtful questions within those discussions will provide important information, the diverse individual standing before you is not your personal tutor. Research the history of various groups both nationally and internationally to provide a foundational knowledge. Then dive into commentary with articles from reputable subject matter experts as well as social media groups that give a respectful platform for diverse experiences and perspectives.

Show up as an ally from a place of authenticity. Accept and admit what you do not know. Especially if you have enjoyed certain privileges based on your skin color or socioeconomic status, certain experiences and considerations may not be automatically apparent to you. Be respectful yet authentic in your response leading with curiosity and a desire to understand and empathize.

Oftentimes, when we feel passionately about an initiative and have a strong desire to help, we have the urge to take over. Remember that your role as an ally is to support, not speak for or over any group. Listen more than speak, providing input and raising your hand to back efforts.

Ally Engagement and Support

One of the most important parts of this renewed push for diversity, equity, and inclusion is to keep the conversations going. Your diverse friends and colleagues received a bombardment of supportive texts, emails, and IMs at the start of this DEI refresh, and many of us have not been spoken to about DEI since. Continue the dialogue, checking in and seeing how you can help.

Saying the wrong thing is inevitable. All of us have done it and will continue to for as long as we are able to talk. But a wording mistake should not be a reason to cease all communications. Allies should accept the correction, apologize, and learn the lesson. That sets the stage for better conversations in the future and builds a trusting and honest relationship.

Those of us in diverse groups have shared an instance of racism or prejudice, only to immediately be shut down or for the instance to be explained away. Rather than a knee-jerk reaction to defend or excuse the behavior, listen, and consider that the situation deserves a deeper look. Ask thoughtful questions, understand the perspective, and follow up to ensure the behavior is addressed and corrected.

Remember that despite a renewed focus on DEI efforts, workplaces especially still have a long way to go. Diverse individuals continue to be underpaid and undervalued by employers. In some cases, diverse individuals are seeing their work go unnoticed or credited to another person. Recognize the work of your diverse colleagues regularly and publicly. Use your voice as an ally to give them a voice when they are not being heard. When your coworkers are quick to dismiss a perspective or idea from a diverse individual, interject with a request to hear out the issue raised. Add diverse vendors, suppliers, and community partners to your list of go-to office needs. Continue requesting and even facilitating DEI trainings and activities.

As trite as it may sound, DEI is not a destination but a journey. Like any trip, you are constantly pausing, reassessing, and determining your next move. Checking in with your DEI efforts and especially your allyship will put you on the path to a moral merit increase in no time. Keep up the great work!

 

 

 

 


Lindsey M. McKee
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair
PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter

Communications Manager
VISIT Milwaukee

Diversity and Inclusion in a Pandemic | Part Three

The Public Relations Society of America Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter (PRSA SE WI) is excited to share a series of blog posts from its Diversity & Inclusion Committee. This blog series features stories about how diverse communities have experienced and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the inclusive communications efforts they employed.

 

Something positive that has arisen out of the COVID-19 pandemic is the emergence of new, bold leaders working on the frontlines. But does bias tend to frame what traits those leaders may possess and, therefore, which leaders receive acknowledgement?

Take a moment and think of a leader, making a note of the image you form. What is that leader’s race or ethnicity? What is their gender? What language do they speak? Do they have a disability? Are they younger or more advanced in their years? Is there a particular faith they follow? Would they consider themselves a member of the LGBTQ community?

As the pandemic has drawn on in Southeastern Wisconsin, there have been many examples of diverse leadership from individuals and organizations. Let’s take a look at a few of those leaders and how they expand the idea of what “typical” leadership might be.

Diversity on the Frontlines

If you did not know Dr. Jeanette Kowalik before, you may know her now from the televised Milwaukee Health Department coronavirus briefings. The health commissioner recently spoke with Bloomberg opening up about the health disparities facing Milwaukeeans, her struggles being a Black woman in a position of power, and her own personal battle with autoimmune conditions.

Last year, Milwaukee’s health department declared racism a public health crisis. This year, the Black community has been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus. Dr. Kowalik and her team led initiatives that produced culturally relevant messages to Black communities, and later to Latinx individuals, rather than general messaging that did not address communities’ specific needs and understandings.

The health department will soon provide free reusable masks to Milwaukeeans with multicultural phrases and designs such as “Living Your Best Life” messaging and a city logo in rainbow colors. Additionally, the Milwaukee Health Department is the community engagement partner for the You Matter campaign – a social initiative keeping people of color informed and hopeful during this pandemic.

Another face you may recognize from the health department briefings is Milwaukee Health Services (MHS) Executive Director Dr. Tito Izard. He leads MHS as a Black male doctor with locations in predominantly African-American communities. Even before COVID-19, Dr. Izard and the MHS staff were addressing the health disparities Black people face through targeted community outreach and sponsorship.

During the pandemic, MHS began offering appointment-only coronavirus testing at its facilities with no out-of-pocket expense, hosted a COVID-19 Safety Kit giveaway on Juneteenth Day, and recorded messages from popular Black actor and comedian Cedric The Entertainer talking about how to conquer the virus. MHS’s Conquering COVID-19 Collaborative even enlists the help of community contributors such as Green Bay Packers Give Back, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Rescue Mission, and Herb Kohl Philanthropies.

African-Americans were not the only ones topping the list for coronavirus cases. The Latinx community soon surpassed all other groups to become the most affected by COVID-19. That effect took even greater hold for many when Hispanic community leader and advocate Dr. Leonardo Aponte died from coronavirus complications. Aponte was celebrating his medical practice’s 45th anniversary of bringing affordable health care to the Latinx community. According to Hispanic News Network USA, the 86-year-old served more than 225,000 patients over the years that hailed from across the globe including South America, Asia, and Europe.

His legacy lives on at his Clinica Latina on Cesar E Chavez Drive in Milwaukee’s predominantly Latinx South Side. The clinic still has testimonials on its website commending Aponte’s mission and medical care. And Clinica Latina is not alone. Local medical facilities located in Latinx communities as well as serving predominantly Latinx individuals have been on the frontlines of providing health care as well as health education, especially during this pandemic.

Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers (SSCHC) is one such example. Under the leadership of President and CEO Dr. Julie Schuller, SSCHC created an entire COVID-19 Community Toolkit sharing bilingual resources and data. Dr. Nicole Fortuna wrote an informative article for the SSCHC blog offering guidance on when to get tested for COVID-19. And Dr. Jorge Ramallo followed up with a SSCHC post sharing what happens after a coronavirus test. Both stories appeared in local Latinx publication El Conquistador, further spreading the word to a key audience.

Many people fight COVID-19 alongside Black and Latinx communities, and members of Milwaukee’s Muslim community recently shared their efforts in the Wisconsin Muslim Journal. Pulmonary and Critical Care Specialist Dr. Abbas Ali works at a hospital in the Sherman Park neighborhood, a predominantly African-American community hit especially hard by the virus early on. Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine Physician Dr. Dima Adl also works on the frontlines of health care during the pandemic, which has been difficult for this mother working night shifts while her family worries about her. Pulmonologist and ICU Director Dr. Raed Hamed works at a hospital in Milwaukee’s downtown area, another part of the city that saw a high number of cases.

Takeaways for Communicators

Representation matters. Communicators have the opportunity to ensure diverse representation in its company’s words and images as well as in the individuals, groups, and community organizations they choose to spotlight. And by no means does this article fully cover the many diverse communities and individuals battling the pandemic.

When telling your company’s stories, determine if there are diverse voices who can speak on your behalf and speak to a group that may have been underrepresented in the past. As you plan your communications, ask yourself whether what you have written or spoken provides a true example of the communities you currently serve or are seeking to serve. And recognize that different audiences have different experiences, wants, and needs that require your special consideration.

This article concludes our Diversity and Inclusion in a Pandemic series. We hope that you have learned something new about the many people, companies, and communities doing their part to make a difference even in the most challenging of times. And we hope that you will have a new perspective when planning your communications as well as determining where and how to provide your support.

 

WRITER

 Lindsey McKee
D&I Committee Chair
PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin

Communications Manager
VISIT Milwaukee

 

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS

 Tammy Belton-Davis
D&I Committee Member
PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin

Founder & Principal
Athena Communications

 

Kim Schultz
D&I Committee Member
PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin

Interim Executive Director
Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee

 

Janan Najeeb
D&I Committee Member
PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin

President
Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition

2021 Programming Survey

PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin wants to hear from you. We are working to put together a fresh lineup of programming and content and we want to know what topics interest you the most. Please fill out this survey or email prsasewi@gmail.com with your ideas.

PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin Elects 2021 Leaders

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Southeastern Wisconsin confirmed its 2021 board appointments at its December meeting and elected Christine Dunbeck, Marketing Manager at MARS Solutions Group as chapter president and Katrina Schwarz, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications at National Fluid Power Association as chapter president-elect. PRSA SE WI is the local chapter of PRSA, the world’s largest organization of public relations professionals, founded in 1947.

“I’m honored to serve as the PRSA SE WI president alongside our dedicated and talented board members,” said Dunbeck. “After an extremely challenging year for our industry, I look forward to continuing to adjust our approach to provide relevant and timely benefits and resources for our members and community.”

PRSA SE WI is comprised of approximately 300 members representing public relations and communications professionals from across the region, ranging from recent college graduates to mid-level professionals to leaders in agency, corporate and nonprofit settings. The local chapter was founded in 1951 by Greta W. Murphy, who served as vice president of public relations and development at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE).

The 2021 board is comprised of 12 local PR and communications professionals and includes:

  • President – Christine Dunbeck, MARS Solutions Group
  • President-elect – Katrina Schwarz, National Fluid Power Association
  • Immediate Past President – Katharine Foley, Kane Communications Group
  • Treasurer – Katrina Schwarz, National Fluid Power Association
  • Secretary – Ryan Amundson, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
  • Membership Chair – Allison Kucek, Trefoil Group
  • Director-at-Large – Community Service – Claire Koenig, VISIT Milwaukee
  • Director-at-Large – PR Palooza – Emily Tau, VISIT Milwaukee
  • Director-at-Large – Marketing – Don Klein, Bethesda Lutheran Communities
  • Director-at-Large Midwest District Liaison – Patrick McSweeney, APR, Fellow PRSA
  • Director-at-Large Ethics Officer – Patrick McSweeney, APR, Fellow PRSA
  • Accreditation Committee Chair – Annie Gentil, APR, Harley-Davidson Motor Company
  • Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair – Lindsey McKee, VISIT Milwaukee
  • PRSSA Liaison – Heidi Fendos, Fendos Public Relations

About PRSA

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the nation’s leading professional organization serving the communications community. With more than 30,000 professional and student members, PRSA is collectively represented in all 50 states by 110 Chapters and 14 Professional Interest Sections, and on nearly 375 college and university campuses through its student organization, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). The Southeastern Wisconsin chapter sponsors student chapters at Carthage College, Marquette University, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Whitewater.

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Proposed 2021 PRSA SE Wisconsin Board

Members of the Southeastern Wisconsin chapter of PRSA will have the chance to vote at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, for its slate of officers proposed for 2021.

Those up for consideration include:

President: Christine Dunbeck, MARS Solutions Group

VP/Treasurer: Katrina Schwarz, National Fluid Power Association

Immediate Past President: Katharine Foley, Kane Communications

Secretary: Ryan Amundson, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Membership Chair: Alison Kucek, Trefoil

Director at Large – Marketing: TBD

Director at Large – Community Service: Claire Koenig, VISIT Milwaukee

Director at Large – PR Palooza: Emily Tau, VISIT Milwaukee

Director at Large – Midwest District Liaison/Ethics: Patrick McSweeney, APR, Fellow PRSA

Director at Large – Diversity and Inclusion: Lindsey McKee, VISIT Milwaukee

Accreditation Committee Chair – Annie Gentil, APR, Harley-Davidson Motor Company

PRSSA Liaison – Heidi Fendos, Fendos Public Relations

About PRSA

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the nation’s leading professional organization serving the communications community. With more than 30,000 professional and student members, PRSA is collectively represented in all 50 states by 110 Chapters and 14 Professional Interest Sections, and on nearly 375 college and university campuses through its student organization, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). The Southeastern Wisconsin chapter sponsors student chapters at Carthage College, Marquette University, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Whitewater.

Diversity and Inclusion in a Pandemic | Part Two

The Public Relations Society of America Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter (PRSA SE WI) is excited to share a series of blog posts from its Diversity & Inclusion Committee. This blog series features stories about how diverse communities have experienced and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the inclusive communications efforts they employed.

 

The novel coronavirus pandemic has flipped paradigms on much of modern society. For faith-based communities, the pandemic has shaken individuals and organizations to their core. Public religious services, rites, and activities in various places of worship ceased. Events celebrating holy observances such as Easter, Passover, and Ramadan were cancelled. Not to mention the weddings, baptisms, funerals, and many more practices disrupted.

In Southeastern Wisconsin, many spiritual groups and organizations have found incredible ways to reach out to parishioners as well as give back to communities in need. These are just a few stories from those diverse faith-based communities.

Making Their Online Presence Known

One of the more visible local initiatives has been The Catholic Comeback by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Masses have been locally televised and streamed from the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, recently allowing a very limited number of in-person guests. Those masses are archived on The Catholic Comeback webpage, adding to the online spiritual repository that includes devotions, reflections, and guides on returning to mass. Several pieces of content are also provided in Spanish. Site visitors may also donate to the Archdiocese’s Coronavirus Emergency Fund to help communities in need during the pandemic.

The Milwaukee Shambhala Center closed its doors as COVID-19 spread, but its Shambhala Buddhism teachings remain open through its robust online offerings. Meditation sessions, courses, trainings, and open houses occur virtually. The center even provides virtual Café Shambhala on Saturday mornings that include group meditation, a reading, and group discussion. Following recent instances of police brutality and racism, the center gave words of encouragement on its website to the Black community and has an online Racial Justice Group Meeting every second Sunday.

Bringing the Spirit to Social Media

Christ The King Baptist Church in Milwaukee has used its Facebook page to keep in contact with its congregation and share vital information. Church services are streamed live and posted for worshippers every Sunday, and posts share when take-home communion sets are available through its socially distant drive-thru. Church leaders share bible passages, prayer calls, and praise dances on the Facebook group in addition to non-spiritual information such as COVID-19 infographics, voting site guidance, job postings, and congratulatory messages to the congregation’s 2020 college and high school graduates.

The church has also found ways to mark special days and anniversaries using the social media platform. Throughout the month of June, Christ The King’s Youth Ministry presented prayer vigils, movie nights, and snack deliveries. A Youth Day post on Facebook featured submitted video from young church members in their homes and an on-screen message from its youth director. Celebration of Christ the King Baptist Church’s 35th annual Founder’s Day came to Facebook as well. Church leaders tuned in virtually from each of their homes to share stories of the church’s founding and continued growth in a posted video.

Continuing to Serve the Community

The Milwaukee Jewish Federation has been part of the city for more than a century, and that community participation has not been slowed by the pandemic. One look at the federation’s Jewish Community COVID-19 Resources page demonstrates its continued service. A searchable directory allows worshipers to find Milwaukee area synagogues that are Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Reform, and unaffiliated. In addition to virtual spiritual education and Shabbat services, site visitors may enjoy online social gatherings as well as virtual exhibits from Jewish Museum Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Jewish Federation also provides information for those who need assistance with rent/mortgage, food, mental health, kids wellness, and much more.

The Muslim community in Milwaukee has nine Mosques, the largest being the Islamic Society of Milwaukee (ISM). ISM’s mission is to “serve all of God’s creation with mercy, justice and respect for human dignity,” and that service continues through these difficult times. During the pandemic, ISM raised tens of thousands of dollars from its members to assist those suffering financially. The ISM also provided free lunches to hundreds of children every day with the Salam School drive-thru lunch program, that serves all faiths.

Business members of the Muslim community also found ways to assist. Hayat Pharmacy distributed 3,200 free masks and gloves in early April and Aladdin’s MKE provided regular breakfast and lunches to health care workers at various medical campuses. Hanan Refugee Group assisted refugee families who lost their jobs and many of the area’s Muslim-owned restaurants offered free meals. The Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition – which operates Our Peaceful Home, a family strengthening program considered a vital service – remained open to assist individuals and families in distress, as well as offering webinars on self-care and stress relief.

Takeaways for Communicators

Though the pandemic has shaken us, it has not broken us. That unbreakable spirit can be seen by these and many other religious communities. A Pew Research study shows that one-quarter of U.S. adults say their religious faith has strengthened as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Americans in historically Black Protestant churches and those who describe themselves as very religious are particularly likely to say their faith has strengthened. How religious communities found ways to keep the faith during the pandemic offers a number of lessons for communicators.

Websites are a crucial part to any organization, and providing meaningful content and resources allows organizations yet another platform to stay in touch with audiences. A wealth of information is important, but communicators must ensure the information is clear and organized. Regular updating and pivoting to meet new demands will be necessary, especially in uncertain times, but the payoff will be meaningful connections with your audiences.

Nothing replaces in-person services and events. But using virtual platforms and social media allows for messages to be disseminated and fellowships to gather from a safe distance. And if you’re creative in those virtual offerings, your audience will feel just as, if not more, engaged with your communications.

Finally, while our heads may be spinning, our hearts remain in the right place. Organizations can take this opportunity to review and enhance their existing business social responsibility initiatives as well as offer new initiatives to meet the needs of those trying to live in this new world.

 

Lindsey McKee
D&I Committee Chair
PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin

Communications Manager
VISIT Milwaukee

 

Patrick McSweeney, APR, Fellow PRSA
Midwest District Liaison
PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin

Managing Director
McSweeney Public Relations

 

Janan Najeeb
D&I Committee Member
PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin

President
Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition


Jeff Jones
D&I Committee Member

PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin

Director of Marketing and Communications
Milwaukee Jewish Federation