Chapter Diversity Awards
The PRSA DEI Committee will award up to three PRSA Chapters with a Chapter Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award. The awards are given to Chapters that embody and demonstrate key values in diversity, equity and inclusion, and that contribute to advancing diversity as shown by submissions of their best practices and/or case studies. .
These awards recognize their local efforts, as well as provide further support for continued achievements at the Chapter level
Application deadline is August 29, 2025.
What These Awards Represent
These awards are presented to Chapters that demonstrate a deep commitment to DEI through impactful programming, member engagement, community partnerships, and thought leadership. Honorees are selected based on compelling submissions that showcase best practices, case studies, and measurable results at the local level.
The Chapter Diversity Awards celebrate the tireless efforts of PRSA Chapters working to create meaningful, inclusive change in their communities and provide visibility and support for continued progress across the organization.
Last year's awards were graciously sponsored by Cone Health and T-Mobile.
Why These Awards Matter Now
At a time when diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are being challenged across industries, the PRSA DEI Committee remains steadfast in our commitment to our members, and to the values that define our profession.
We recognize that many practitioners are operating in uncertain environments, but we also know that progress is often made when others pause. These awards are a celebration of what’s been achieved and a commitment to keep moving the profession forward.
By spotlighting Chapter-led DEI initiatives, we continue to foster a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and impact. While ensuring that every PRSA member feels seen, supported, and empowered to lead
Eligibility
Chapter DEI Awards eligibility is July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025.
2025 Timeline
- July 1: Award entry portal opens
- August 29 @ 5 p.m. Eastern: Entries close
- September 2-12: Judging of entries
- Week of September 15: Inform award recipients
Thank you for your interest in the PRSA 2025 Chapter Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards.
These awards are given to Chapters that best embody and demonstrate key values in diversity, equity and inclusion, and contribute to advancing diversity as shown by their submissions.
ENTRY GUIDELINES & BEST PRACTICES
Up to three Chapters may be recognized:
- By being featured on the PRSA DEI web page
- By participating in PRSA National Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee initiatives (presentations, webinars, social media chats, social media events, etc.)
- Through monetary awards ($300 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third)
The application includes responses that outline:
- Your Chapter's definition of diversity, equity and inclusion
- Your Chapter’s achievements in supporting and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion
Entries MUST include:
- Research: Summarize the primary and secondary research used to identify the opportunities to promote DEI by and within the Chapter.
- Planning: Describe the program’s overall goal, purpose, and/or intended result. Identify the target audience(s), measurable objective(s) and the specific time period. Describe the strategies, tactics and budget and its application to the program. Entries are not judged on budget size, but on the best use of the available budget.
- Implementation: Describe the elements or components, the techniques used, the strategies or tactics undertaken, how the program meets the objectives and how it addresses the audience(s).
- Evaluation/Results: Demonstrate how the program met or exceeded its original measurement methods when available and appropriate to the entry. Media impression figures are not recommended as the sole quantitative measurement.
Chapters are encouraged to include supporting documentation/best practice details that further highlight your Chapter's diversity, equity and inclusion programming in support of your submission.
Criteria:
To apply for this award, your Chapter must have:
- Initiated and/or maintained a diversity, equity and inclusion program between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
- Demonstrated a significant contribution toward diversity, equity and inclusion.
Award entries are due by 5 p.m. Eastern on Friday, August 29, 2025.
Award recipients will be notified in early September.
Best Practices for Submission
- Think big. Highlight comprehensive DEI efforts; big picture is better than a singular program. Demonstrate how your Chapter focused on DEI throughout the eligibility period.
- Focus on RPIE. Research – Planning – Implementation – Evaluation (aka Results). Be prepared to summarize your information for these sections.
- Be clear with research for a stronger entry. What quantitative or qualitative research guided your DEI work?
- Include specific metrics. Demonstrate how you met your objectives.
- Make it informative and engaging. Make the content interesting. Include challenges, successes and lessons learned.
- Highlight innovative approaches. This could be unique partnerships, technological integrations or novel programs that set your efforts apart.
- Demonstrate DEI commitment from Chapter leaders. Show that your Chapter’s top leaders from the Board and/or Past Presidents are involved with your DEI initiatives. This could include a brief quote or a note on the specific actions taken by leaders as a result of the DEI work.
- Demonstrate engagement beyond the Chapter. Did you collaborate with local groups or PRSSA students on your DEI work? Show how the work extended beyond the Chapter to engage others.
- Include attachments to guide your narrative. Do you have photos or designs from an event? Include several on a PDF so judges can literally see what you’re referring to in your entry.
- Proofread! Proof your entry thoroughly for clarity, grammar and adherence to submission guidelines. A sloppy entry or one missing the basic criteria can result in a lower score for what might otherwise be a stellar entry.
