A presentation given by Ashleigh Johnson on March 3rd covering the Georgia Southern's PRSSA Chapter meeting over Georgia's 15th annual PRSA conference held February 24-26.

1. PRSA:THE PATH
FORWARD
Georgia’s 15th Annual Conference
February 24-26

2. Karen Cole: PRSA president
■ A lot has changed for organizations all across the world, but what hasn’t changed in
the principles of our profession
– “We must continue to be strategic counselors, acting ethically and upholding
authentic, transparent, and truthful communications”
■ Defines the past forward as self investment, taking leaps, learning new skills, and
staying connected.
– How do you define your new “path forward”?

3. Meg Fligg – From Shadow to Spotlight:
Georgia-Pacific’s wildTP Ride
■ Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Director at Georgia-Pacific
■ During a crisis – GP’s strategy:
– Be transparent
– Be proactive: respond when the tweet/email comes through
– Correct misinformation:TP made in the US and not in china, how many rolls you
needed to m minimize hording,
■ Personal Development tips : From #TPNerd to #BelloftheBathroomBall
– Try to take what we learned in 2020 and stay connected in 2021
– and work harder to keep them – ex: Influencers
– Inclusion and diversity
– Give up complete perfection
■ Focus on the message and be adaptable

4. Philip Polk: Preparing for the New
Mainstream: Understanding, Addressing,
and Acting on our Implicit Biases and
Microaggressions.
■ “Our country isn't changING, It has CHANGED”
■ Why we need to prepare for the new mainstream? “The rise of the ‘Minority’”
■ Tangible benefits to companies:
– Employee attractiveness
– Increased innovation
– Higher profitability
■ What is implicit bias?
– “Attitudes/stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious
manner”
– Everyone has implicit bias but they arent all the same and can be unlearned through intentional
training
– Asses before we act - a lot of implicit bias is seen through your gut reaction
■ What is a microaggression?
– “Subtle verbal or nonverbal insults or denigrating messages communicated toward a marginalized
person”
– Acting on Implicit bias becomes microaggressions -