Blog

How to Keep the Topic of Diversity Alive Within Our Communications

Posted by Graham24 on Jun. 28, 2025  /  Subscribe 0

Written By: Arianne Murphy, PRSA-IE Director of Diversity

As public discourse around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) becomes increasingly politicized, many communicators find themselves second-guessing their content. “Should I post this?” “Can I still talk about that?” “Will this highlight draw unwanted attention?” The uncertainty is real — especially as federal pressure intensifies and organizations grapple with the potential risks of continuing bold conversations around diversity. However, in these moments of hesitation, we must remember that communication shapes culture. Our role isn’t to retreat — it’s to reimagine how we speak up. Even in restrictive climates, there are still powerful, strategic ways to center diverse voices, stories, and values. The key is to be intentional, authentic, and audience-aware. Here are five tailored approaches for keeping DEIA principles alive in your messaging, regardless of your industry:

1. For Government Sector Communicators:

Tip: Anchor DEIA in service and access.
Use language that ties diversity to the agency’s mission of serving all constituents equitably. Showcase stories of community engagement, language access, or public outreach efforts that demonstrate inclusive governance without leaning on buzzwords that may trigger political scrutiny.

2. For Nonprofit Communicators:

Tip: Let lived experience lead.
Center voices of those directly impacted by your mission. Highlight stories, testimonials, and visuals that show the diverse communities you serve, and frame diversity as a fundamental part of solving systemic challenges, not just a value-add.

3. For Commercial Sector Communicators:

Tip: Link diversity to innovation and relevance.
Consumers want brands that reflect the world they live in. Utilize data and insights to demonstrate how inclusive marketing fosters loyalty and broadens reach. Frame DEIA not just as a moral imperative, but as a business one, and back it up with results.

4. For Private Sector/Corporate Communicators:

Tip: Frame DEIA as a talent and culture strategy.
Internally, emphasize that inclusive communications help attract, retain, and engage top talent. Externally, highlight how your company culture embraces diversity to create a sense of belonging, drive innovation, and reflect the global market.

5. For All Communicators, Across Industries:

Tip: Be consistent, not performative.
Freedom of speech still stands. Weave inclusive storytelling into your year-round strategy, not just during a culture holiday. Audit your visuals, your language, your platforms — and make sure they reflect the diversity of your audiences every day, not just when it’s trending.

Helpful Resources:

• https://www.snyderstrategies.me/post/making-dei-real-how-nonprofits-can-communicate-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-meaningful-and-a

• https://thestrategicfirm.com/blog/dei-communications-strategy/

• https://www.diversitycertification.org/navigating-uncertainty-idc-s-commitment-to-deia

Return to list