Building a Culture of Belonging in the Association and the Profession
At the Florida Public Relations Association, we believe in the power of communication to advance understanding, connection and progress. As professionals in a field built on relationships and trust, we know diversity makes us stronger — it is essential to our success and relevance. FPRA is for everyone.
We are committed to creating a welcoming space where everyone has the resources they need to become successful. Workplaces and communities that create opportunities for all don’t just reflect our values — they drive innovation, engagement and excellence.
Why It Matters
According to a 2026 survey by Understood.org, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults now identify as neurodivergent, and the U.S. Census shows us that today’s workforce includes more than 10.5 million adults with disabilities.
By 2045, more than half of the U.S. population will come from racially and ethnically diverse communities — groups that have been primary driver of population growth since 2020, according to the U.S. Census.
Additionally, Gen Z, the most diverse generation in history, began entering the workforce in 2016. According to Gallup, 48% identify as racially and ethnically diverse and more than one in five identify as LGBTQ+. These changes underscore an urgent truth: our ability to connect and build relationships with diverse audiences will define our profession’s future.
These population and workforce changes underscore an important truth: our ability to build relationships with, understand and value varied backgrounds, identities and perspectives will help shape the future of our profession.
Our Commitment
FPRA is committed to building a culture of belonging where all members feel embraced, respected and valued regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, life circumstance, disability or neurodiversity.
Building Community Through FPRA Circles
Belonging is more than feeling welcomed. It’s having meaningful opportunities to connect, build relationships and find your community.
FPRA Circles brings that commitment to life by creating small, supportive communities where members can connect with one another, share experiences, exchange ideas and build relationships across chapters, career stages and backgrounds.
Circles are completely member-driven. They’re created and run by member volunteers to center around any shared reality or interest, and every circle is open to all. Whether it’s Solo Practitioners, Healthcare Communicators, Emerging Leaders or the FPRA Bourbon Buddies, through Circles, FPRA is creating intentional opportunities for connection and community. When members know one another, learn from one another and feel connected to something bigger than themselves, everyone has a greater opportunity to belong and thrive.
We are dedicated to:
- Creating opportunities for connection and community where members can build meaningful relationships, share experiences, support one another and find a sense of belonging within FPRA
- Empowering members with resources and guidance to build teams, communications and leadership practices that foster genuine belonging.
- Expanding our reach by actively inviting and engaging all manner of communications professionals to join and enrich the FPRA community.
- Reflecting our commitment to Belonging in leadership so our association mirrors the communities our chapters represent.
- Growing the profession by encouraging and supporting pathways for underrepresented individuals to pursue careers in public relations.
To learn more about the history of this effort within the Association or to join in moving it forward, please visit Committees as Change Makers.