PRSA Phoenix Kicks off 2023 with Mass Signing of Code of Ethics
Posted on Feb. 9, 2023 / Subscribe 0
To kick off 2023, PRSA Phoenix focused on helping PR professionals navigate the ethical issues we often face in our field while discussing and reaffirming members’ commitments to the PRSA’s national Code of Ethics.
2021 PRSA National Chair and CEO of Lambert, Michelle Olson, APR, led a group of PR pros through an interactive discussion about ethics in public relations. The attendees divided up into groups to discuss some real-life ethical scenarios the world of public relations is currently facing and analyze what they would have done if they were in those shoes. Members discussed the similarities and differences in their responses over complimentary tacos and cocktails at Pedal Haus in Tempe on Tuesday, Jan. 31.
PRSA Phoenix members participate in a mass signing of the PRSA code of ethics
Event attendees ranged from seasoned public relations professionals to people who have just graduated from college. They also varied in industry and practice including agency employees, social media account managers, and in-house specialists.
Attendees discussed various topics, ranging from Elon Musk buying Twitter and Kanye West’s controversial Tweets to the ethical use of ChatGPT for creating press releases and media campaigns. Each table had a different take on the situation and attendees were able to bounce ideas off of one another to better understand ethical decision-making in public relations. For example, when discussing ChatGPT and other AI technology, event attendees acknowledged having to balance the ability to create work quickly with the ethical dilemma of passing such work off as one’s own–as well as the difficulty of using technology to reflect a person’s unique tone and voice authentically.
“The quality of the discussions at our Ethics Kickoff showcased the impressive adaptability of PR professionals in today’s changing environments,” said Heather Vana, PRSA Phoenix chapter president. “It’s our job at PRSA Phoenix to offer tools and training so we can continue to serve as ethical leaders in Valley companies. Our upcoming events in 2023 will help our members further their professional development and meet new friends in the industry.”
Former PRSA National Board Chair, Michelle Olson (CEO of Lambert) and current PRSA Phoenix Board President, Heather Vana (Sr. Director of Communications at Avnet), show off their signed PRSA Code of Ethics
After five separate situations were discussed, attendees were invited to participate in a mass signing of the PRSA code of ethics to reaffirm their commitment to making ethical choices in public relations. The PRSA code of ethics is a multi-page pledge dedicated to creating a uniform set of guidelines for ethical public relations decision-making. Each attendee received a special graphic to add to their LinkedIn and other social media profiles noting this pledge.
PRSA Phoenix members who attended the event get special recognition of their commitment to the PRSA Code of Ethics through social media
“Ethics are extremely important to the overall public relations profession,” said Michelle Olson, APR. “I am impressed with the PRSA Phoenix chapter’s mass commitment to put ethics first in their work and to act as role models for other communicators. By leading discussions on ethics in PR and encouraging members to reaffirm their commitment to the national Code of Ethics, the Phoenix chapter has laid the groundwork for other chapters to follow.”
The event drew in close to 40 public relations professionals from all around the Valley who wished to learn more about ethics and network with each other. PRSA Phoenix members and prospective members will have the opportunity to attend more professional development and networking events throughout the 2023 year.
Photos from the event can be viewed on the PRSA Phoenix website.
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