Diversity of voice.
Australia is a diverse and multicultural country, yet there is a problem with the diversity of voice and cultural representation in our media and communications industry. Communications professionals, across all kinds of roles, are responsible for the voice of businesses and organisations. Commsgrad is contributing to finding a solution that can help improve the diversity of voice not only in media and communications but ultimately the voice of businesses and organisations.
At Commsgrad, we are by no means experts, and we recognise that we are part of the problem, that is why we are committed to learning and sharing important resources that can encourage other businesses to do the same.
Below is a great starting point for starting your learning journey and reflecting on diversity in your business and audiences.
Improving diversity of voice in the communications industry in Australia by 2030.
Commsgrad is working together with agencies, industry bodies, Media Diversity Australia, and students to create tangible contributions to improving diversity in the media, marketing, & communications industry in Australia by 2030.
HOW CAN YOU TAKE TANGIBLE STEPS TO DO THIS IN YOUR MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS TEAM?
A great start is working through the below simple, tangible steps.
Short term steps
Reviewing Media Diversity Australia materials HERE to further understand the problem, consider supporting with a tax deductible $10 monthly donation
Read over the below resources to further your understanding from experts and those with lived experience (note, we are not experts - they are)
Review current employee diversity of voice in your organisation
Reviewing recruitment processes that encourage diverse hiring - this doesn’t mean throwing a copy/paste paragraph about being an inclusive employer, review and adjust in a meaningful way
Review the public profile and marketing of your business to be inclusive - do people with diverse backgrounds feel welcome to apply and become part of your team?
Create an annual review process
Long term steps
Identify individual business targets for employee backgrounds in your marketing and communications team
Improve employee goal targets 10% year on year
The above commitment is not intended to be laborious, the intention is to be considered and simple. Tangible.
Unstereotype Alliance and shEqual Australia
shEqual Australia is the first coordinated effort in Australia to promote gender equality and address the drivers of violence against women in the advertising setting. The Unstereotype Alliance is a thought and action platform that seeks to eradicate harmful stereotypes in all media and advertising content.
Media Diversity Australia.
Media Diversity Australia (MDA) is a national not-for-profit organisation, led by journalists and media professionals that are aiming to improve the state of diversity 'in the media and communications industry in Australia
Diversity Council Australia.
Diversity Council Australia (DCA) is an independent not-for-profit peak body leading diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Dear Founder by Maynard Webb and Carlye Adler
Dear Founder by Maynard Webb and Carlye Adler covers startup and business subjects including diversity and inclusion, no matter how big or small your organisation is ☝️