Friday 27th October - Members Only Webinar
Overview
While the idea of inclusivity through language isn’t a new concept, the topic of language as a more thoughtful way of speaking for the people around us is, in the grand scheme of things, a relatively new conversation. For this reason, there are many misconceptions, and a fear of saying the “wrong thing”.
Public Relations professionals hold the power to redefine communications on a structural level in organisations, and society at large, and can therefore very constructively support the experiences of people from diverse communities.
In this session we will learn about the building blocks of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), why it matters in public relations, and what allyship through language looks like. We will consider how the words we use can have a positive or negative impact on those around us, how words can entrench or dismantle inequities and how words can, ultimately, build stronger and more authentic connections.
Following ticket purchase we will be forwarding a short pre webinar poll to understand current PR perspectives and attitudes so please check your inbox and spam folder
Your presenter is..
Maretha Smit
Maretha is the Chief Executive of Diversity Works New Zealand, having taken up this role right in the middle of the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.
She has a background and qualifications in behavioural and business sciences and has held three transformational Chief Executive roles in South Africa, prior to her immigration to New Zealand about seven years ago – in the disability sector, local government and health sector respectively.
She has also recently completed a six year term as Trustee of Belong Aotearoa, a specialist settlement agency that focuses on addressing the barriers to successful integration of newcomers in New Zealand.
Maretha has a strong commitment to issues of social justice and a deep understanding of the way in which intersectional layers of prejudice have an impact on societal and employment outcomes.
