Learn to Use Your Voice and Be An Advocate

Troy Blackwell Jr., PRWeek’s Most Purposeful Person Under 30, shined as keynote speaker for the 4th annual Allen H. Center Distinguished Lecture.

Troy Blackwell Jr. laid out his corporate advocacy playbook during his keynote at the 4th annual Allen H. Center Distinguished Lecture in Public Relations. Blackwell tackled why and how we must use our voices for their brands.

Given that Blackwell is PRWeek’s Most Purposeful Person Under 30, he has the resume needed to help PR professionals use their voices on behalf of their organizations for social justice or advocating for equity.

Blackwell jump-started partnerships with more than 50 public relations agencies on diversity pipeline initiatives.

Blackwell’s six part plan includes:

1. Actually acknowledge that there is an issue.
2. Understand activism has many faces.
3. Embrace employee resource groups and diversity committees.
4. Realize you are never too young to lead.
5. Be prepared to ask for what you want.
6. Hold brands accountable.

How Do We Make a Difference?

During the lecture, Blackwell encouraged us to ensure individuals are involved, developed and empowered by their organizations.

We start by becoming allies. This includes:

• Listening to understand.
• Understanding that there is a nuance in social issues.
• Speaking up when you see something that isn’t right.

The Future of Gen Z

If you take into consideration the viewpoint of young professionals who are in the process of searching companies to work for, how strongly do they feel included and represented? According to a 2020 Porter Novelli study, 56% of Generation Z professionals do not see themselves represented within a company’s marketing and communication techniques.

When Gen Z’ers are considering companies to work for, 83% of them look into a company’s purpose to social progress. The challenge at hand is not awareness, it’s implementation.

Watch the Webinar

The archived webinar is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G25qqspr-3w.