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Join Us for the Celebrating Equity Through Inclusion Kickoff and Continental Breakfast at the NSPRA 2024 National Seminar!

2023 Equity Mixer attendees.Monday, July 15, 2024
7:15 - 8 a.m. PT 
Hyatt Regency Hotel: Common Grounds Lounge
Evergreen Ballroom Foyer Northside
900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Sponsored by

Alboum Translation Services


Hundreds of Seminar attendees celebrate their diversity at the annual Celebrating Equity Through Inclusion event hosted by NSPRA’s Communication Equity and Diversity Task Force. New in 2024, it will become a morning event with coffee and continental breakfast to kick off the first day of Seminar learning sessions.

Open to all registered Seminar attendees. Just wear your Seminar name badge for entry!

Want to bring a guest? Guest registration is available for attendees who would like to bring a guest, spouse, partner, etc. to Seminar networking and reception events. Learn more about guest registration.

Experience Diversity Through Music with NSPRA's DEI Playlist

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant beats of diversity, equity and inclusion with the specially curated NSPRA Communication Equity and Diversity Task Force playlist! Designed to celebrate the rich tapestry of our community, the playlist is a collection of songs that resonate with our core values, ready to be enjoyed whether you're attending our upcoming conference or from the comfort of your home.


Spotify Playlist

Apple Playlist

Add to Our Event Playlist to Help Us Celebrate!

But wait, there's more! We want your voice to be heard—literally! We're inviting all NSPRA members to contribute to this unique musical experience. Have a song that uplifts, inspires, or speaks to the spirit of inclusivity? Submit your track and share the sound of diversity that moves you. Let's make this playlist not just a set of songs, but a celebration of our collective commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Join us in making music that makes a difference. Click below to submit your favorite DEI song(s) to add to the playlist. Songs will be selected to be played at the event! 

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Don't miss these equity-focused learning sessions at the NSPRA 2024 National Seminar!
Check the Seminar mobile app (launching in early July) for room locations and further details.
 
  • Monday, July 15
  • Tuesday, July 16
  • Wednesday, July 17

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM PDT
Broadening the Circle: Amplifying Student and Underrepresented Voices in DEIB Work

Join us for a conversation about the real-world implementation of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging work in support of student achievement. In a climate where constituents often view DEIB through a political rather than educational lens, Snohomish welcomes everyone into the conversation, from all social, demographic and political backgrounds. Explore the guiding belief that everyone should have a meaningful opportunity to shape how their public schools serve all students. Delve into practical strategies for how to empower and amplify – not take over – students’ authentic voices, and how to move beyond “giving a seat at the table” toward a place of true belonging.



1:20 PM - 2:50 PM PDT
Navigating Political Currents: A DEI Guide for Effective School Communication

In today's complex world, schools increasingly face the challenge of navigating political current events, from international conflicts to local changes in the geo-political landscape. This session, led by NSPRA's Communication Equity and Diversity Task Force, will equip school communicators with the tools and strategies they need to address political current events with confidence. Attendees will learn how to identify and analyze political issues relevant to their school community, develop clear and concise messaging that is aligned with the district's values, and respond effectively to media inquiries and public concerns. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped to navigate the complexities of political currents.



3:10 PM - 4:10 PM PDT
Utilizing Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Video Messaging in School Communication

Explore the cutting-edge realm of artificial intelligence in school communications with this session that delves into creating digital avatars capable of delivering messages in multiple languages, bridging the gap in diverse educational communities. The presentation will guide you through scripting effective video productions using widely accessible AI tools, demonstrating how these innovations can streamline your workflow and enhance audience engagement. Whether you're new to AI or looking to refine your skills, this session offers practical insights into leveraging technology for more impactful, inclusive and efficient communication within the educational sector.



4:30 PM - 5:30 PM PDT
Increasing Engagement with Diverse Families

Learn how a one-person communications team at a small suburban school district utilized existing resources to increase engagement with families whose home language is one other than English. From increasing the number of communications sent with translation to involving our families in more activities, District 146 took a number of steps to be sure English language learner families felt valued, heard and accepted.


8:00 AM - 9:00 AM PDT
Breaking Barriers: Embracing the Ramps and Curbs of Our Digital World

Most do not recall a time when ramps and other accommodations weren't available in public buildings. As our world becomes more digitally focused, accessible communications are our next frontier. Schools communicate daily to stakeholders, but is everyone able to access the information that we share? District 128 will share its journey from the Office of Civil Rights website complaint to more accessible overall communications. This session will help set participants on the path to accessible digital communications, with clear examples of what is and isn't accessible, and guidance and tips that can be implemented immediately and effortlessly in daily communications.



3:10 PM - 4:10 PM PDT
Building a Beloved Community: A Partnership in Communications Strategy With Our Superintendent

Discover how to unravel the intricacies of a divided community with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Beloved Community movement. Explore the journey toward becoming a culturally-cohesive community, how to build it using communication to inform and inspire, and how sharing cultural identity mobilizes and unites a community to engage with district administration. From developing media strategy to crafting compelling narratives through district communications channels, to navigating the delicate balance of transparency and trust, participants will emerge equipped with skills to sculpt a narrative that transcends traditional communication boundaries.



4:30 PM - 5:30 PM PDT
Equity in School Communications

Effective communication leads to feelings of inclusion and support, which are a part of equity work. This session focuses on one district's efforts towards improving equitable access to information and improved communication; from determining district specific needs, to budget and planning, as well as implementing internal Best Practices principles. Participants will leave this session with new ideas and tools that will be beneficial to their district.


8:00 AM - 9:10 AM PDT
Gold Mine Roundtables Session 1

Check the Seminar mobile app (launching in early July) for Gold Mine Roundtable sessions with an equity focus.



9:20 AM - 10:30 AM PDT
Gold Mine Roundtables Session 2

Check the Seminar mobile app (launching in early July) for Gold Mine Roundtable sessions with an equity focus.


 
 

Explore Full Program


Learn More

The Communication Equity and Diversity Task Force invites you to learn more about the importance of communication equity in school public relations. Explore the NSPRA resources below.

Webinars

DEIB Webinar

Redefining District DEIB Efforts

NSPRA PR Power Hour Webinar

April 2024

Watch

DEIB Webinar

Institutionalizing and Internalizing Equity Efforts in School Districts

NSPRA Leaders Learn Webinar

January 2024

Watch

DEIB Webinar

Keys to Multilingual Communications

NSPRA PR Power Hour Webinar

April 2023

Watch

DEIB Webinar

Developing an Inclusive Language Guide

NSPRA PR Power Hour Webinar

October 2022

Watch

 
Sample Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Communication Sample Templates and Resources  
NSPRA Members Only
Sharing Our Diversity Member Survey
NSPRA Members Only

In summer 2022, NSPRA members were invited to participate in Sharing Our Diversity: An NSPRA Member Survey to provide their input on NSPRA’s work in the realm of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as well as on school district-specific efforts in these areas. Overall, the survey showed that association members' school districts and the members themselves are all at different places in their personal and professional paths of learning on DEI.

Access Survey Results 

Rubrics of Practice and Suggested Measures, 2023 Edition: Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Communications

This benchmarking tool for Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Communications includes a rating feature that will streamline your department or school district’s self-evaluation process. NSPRA members enjoy a $15 discount.

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