Author: Jorneybaldwin

In the realm of social justice, addressing systemic racism, and enhancing awareness of diversity within communities, Rise to Win (RISE) endeavors to prompt members of the sports community to learn and educate others on the subjects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). RISE’s mission, “Creating a nation unified through sports committed to racial equity and social justice,” is actively pursued by fostering improved race relations across communities in the United States.

Recognizing the urgency of imparting knowledge about race relations to our youth is crucial in today’s society. The history of animosity among different ethnicities and cultures is deeply rooted in American history, and RISE advocates for athletes to educate themselves both on and off the court about the significance of these issues. This nonprofit organization urges young individuals to embrace the differences among individuals by educating themselves within the communities they are already a part of. Initiating discussions on critical topics and integrating them into the everyday communities of the youth is pivotal for fostering healthy development into adulthood.

Connecting with the Target Audience:

RISE employs educational modules, podcasts, and a “digital learning series” to instruct team players and leaders about the importance of comprehending and engaging in these at times challenging and nuanced conversations. While RISE aims to encourage and educate athletes about these issues from a young age, they also have collegiate programs. As a nonprofit entity, RISE has established partnerships with professional sports teams and collaborates with schools, universities (including the University of Oregon), and Boys and Girls Clubs across the nation. Recognition from prominent media outlets such as ESPN, CBS, The New York Times, and others fortifies the organization’s positive representation of social equality and anti-racism for stakeholders and donors.

Despite the prevalence of racism and inequality in everyday life, RISE utilizes sports to sideline these issues from a young age. The program strives to impart the importance of leadership and perseverance to the youth, identifying their struggles and needs through active research and reporting on youth interactions in their communities. Various research reports spanning from 2016-2020, covering topics like “Changing Perceptions and Building Relationships Between Youth and Law Enforcement” to “The Athlete’s Quest For Social Justice: An examination of 2017 Goals and Impact,” provide valuable insights.

RISE tailors programs for both athletes and partnering coaches/athletic staff to encourage healthy relationships and equip them with resources to effectively explain and foster connections throughout the community. By supporting RISE through donations, individuals contribute to dismantling the socially constructed idea of systemic racism and eliminating hate within sports organizations. To make a donation to Rise to Win, click [here](insert donation link).

To donate to Rise to Win, click here. 

Photo by Tom Briskey on Unsplash

Who Qualifies as First-Generation Students?

First-generation students are individuals whose parents or guardians did not attain a college degree. Often hailing from marginalized communities, these students face limited access to higher education options due to their parents’ educational background.

Challenges Faced by First-Generation Students

Being a first-generation student presents an excellent opportunity for personal and familial advancement. While obtaining a college degree significantly influences an individual’s future, various challenges complicate the journey for these students. The lack of awareness regarding resources such as FAFSA, OSAC (for Oregon residents), The Common App, fee waivers, and financial aid options can make the pursuit of higher education seem nearly insurmountable. Despite the support students receive from their families, it may prove insufficient when navigating the complexities of higher education. Access to reliable information on these topics is crucial for fostering equal opportunities in higher education for all deserving individuals.

Supporting First-Generation Students: PR Professional’s Role

Here are a few ways public relations professionals can support first-generation students:

Social Media

Understanding the role of social media in the lives of high school and college-aged students is crucial when targeting first-generation students and their parents. With constant technological evolution and the impact of COVID-19 on communication, engaging and comprehensible social media platforms play a significant role in shaping positive perceptions of college for first-generation students. Utilizing platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook facilitates effective communication and engagement. Facebook, in particular, serves as a platform to involve parents in discussions and share important information.

Resources

A major hurdle for first-generation students is the scarcity of substantial resources. While this challenge affects students across the board, it is particularly pronounced for first-generation individuals. Essential needs like permanent housing, transportation, food, technology, and tuition may seem unattainable. Identifying and providing resources for this population is invaluable. Sharing information about local food banks, housing subsidy programs, and financial aid opportunities can significantly impact these students’ growth and pursuit of their dreams.

Mental Health

Navigating the complexities of high school or college while contending with stressors at home can be exceptionally challenging for students. Providing accurate information, resources, and connections to individuals who can aid in understanding higher education materials can alleviate constant stress. Supporting students emotionally and helping them address familial concerns enhances their ability to focus on academic success. Personal experiences underscore the importance of additional support in navigating familial and emotional challenges to reach college.

When examining the disparities in achievements between large companies before and after incorporating diversity and inclusion strategies, there is often a shift in target audiences, extending the reach beyond a specific population.

In the realm of creating a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) brand, the artist Lizzo has made a significant impact with her new brand, Yitty, challenging conventional norms of shapewear by ensuring inclusivity for all shapes and sizes. The Forbes article titled “Lizzo Launches Yitty, Her Own Shapewear Brand, With Fabletics” delves into the efforts to make this brand universally cohesive and accessible to bodies of all types.

The essence of constructing a successful brand lies in catering to individuals who can benefit from or be influenced by the presented media. From an external perspective, Lizzo effectively communicates with her fan base, utilizing social media authentically to showcase her identity as an individual and a professional, revealing the daily connections.

The alignment of Lizzo’s goals and aspirations as a songwriter, singer, and businesswoman with her values becomes apparent when referencing the Forbes article “The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion For Today’s Companies,” where Tynes explores diversity and inclusion on a systematic level.

Tynes breaks down the topic into four distinct categories:

1. Utilizing Diversity and Inclusion
2. Maximizing Opportunities with Diversity
3. Creating an Inclusive Atmosphere
4. Monitoring Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

In the development of a brand or business, these four aspects are crucial considerations. Lizzo’s approach to the Yitty brand exemplifies this strategic thinking, acknowledging the role that shapewear plays in the lives of diverse individuals.

1. Unlike other shapewear brands, Yitty stands out for its inclusivity, resonating with a diverse audience connected to Lizzo and her values.
2. Prioritizing size inclusivity enhances the brand’s opportunities.
3. Lizzo ensures an inclusive environment through the brand’s website and social media.
4. The evident success of Yitty reflects the positive impact of incorporating diversity and inclusion in the business strategy.

When strategically planning professional or individual brands based on values, emphasizing and catering to the needs of diverse populations can draw more attention to the brand and foster a deeper connection with a broader audience.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/11/12/how-diversity-can-help-with-business-growth/?sh=46ba7c1352ad

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyaklich/2022/03/30/lizzo-launches-yitty-her-own-shapewear-brand-with-fabletics/?sh=633a8f47316d

I am shaping my career path by delving into the intricate relationship between Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the profound impacts that corporate organizations, higher education institutions, and the media’s discourse on these matters can have on the mental well-being of diverse individuals.

My approach involves leveraging my comprehension of ecological frameworks to establish emotional connections with the communities surrounding me. I actively engage and cultivate trust in my relationships, driven by a deep passion for comprehending the multifaceted influences of DEI on organizations—from economic and business perspectives to personal dimensions.

During the past summer, I utilized insights from my research at the National Student Leadership Conference at Yale University to underscore the significance of DEI from a public relations standpoint for high school students. Engaging in nuanced conversations with students and equipping them with tools often overlooked by businesses and corporations made me feel like I was contributing to the development of the next generation of leaders, fostering deeper connections within themselves and with others.

On a personal level, I serve as the Native American Liaison for the University of Oregon counseling services. In this role, the powerful act of connecting my community to mental health services, addressing stigma within our culture, and instilling belief in the available services is paramount.

Translating this to a public relations standpoint, the act of linking underrepresented communities to essential services and conveying the authentic narrative of DEI is an imperative for all PR professionals across various organizations.

In this blog, I intend to delve into the intricacies of community and connection within prominent companies. Through this exploration, I aspire to guide others in engaging with this critical topic, shedding light on the significant influence of PR on individuals’ mental health, and emphasizing the importance of authentic representation throughout the media.