Events

Tragedy struck Fort Worth in 2019 when Atatiana Jefferson, a young Black woman, was fatally shot by a police officer while babysitting her nephew. This heartbreaking event, echoing the senseless killing of Botham Jean by a police officer in Dallas, exposed deep wounds in our community.

But amidst the grief, a powerful realization emerged: Black voices felt unheard, and a need for change resonated louder than ever.

From this tragedy sprouted a beacon of hope. Ashley English, Jacqueline Lambiase, and Julie O’Neil launched a research initiative dedicated to the art of authentic listening in divided communities. They are on a mission to redefine “listening” beyond surface-level gestures.

Join us on Feb 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at TCU to learn about “no-agenda listening” and how to engage your audience from diverse backgrounds and experiences on a deeper level, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.

This radical act of empathy can transform how we engage with one another, paving the way for:

Amplifying unheard voices: Giving marginalized groups a platform to share their experiences and needs.

Building deeper connections: Fostering meaningful engagement by understanding what truly matters to others.

Sparking inclusive solutions: Incorporating diverse viewpoints into decision-making processes for a more equitable future.
In this session, you will learn:

Research-backed techniques for strategic listening

How to create listening opportunities for your constituents and respond appropriately to what you hear

How to cultivate a deeper level of engagement with your community through no-agenda listening

Why marginalized groups don’t feel heard

The importance of listening in a world of constant content bombardment

The different kinds of listening and why we find it so hard to move beyond the monologue

Hosted with the TCU Department of Strategic Communications at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center. 2820 Stadium Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76129.

A Reuters Institute 2023 report claims, "Three-quarters of newsroom leaders in our survey say generative Artificial Intelligence will help newsrooms increase productivity and improve workflows, but only a fifth think it will fundamentally change every role in the newsroom. Meanwhile, two-thirds said their newsrooms have implemented hybrid or flexible working." It's no secret that news organizations are adapting to, embracing or struggling with issues around hybrid and remote working, artificial intelligence, and recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. Join us to hear from three long-time local media members about how news and newsrooms have changed over the last few years and how we as PR pros can better connect with them.

Speakers:
Ryan Welton, Director of Digital Content for Griffin Communications
Dick Pryor, General Manager for KGOU
Ray Rivera, Executive Editor for The Oklahoman

Join us for an insightful luncheon on Saturday, February 24 at 11:30 a.m., themed "Future Proof Your Brand." Led by Veronica Sopher from PRSAY, our podcast-style event will feature discussions on:

1. Adapting to New Technologies (AI) with Kami Huyse of Zoetica Media
2. Crisis Fire Drills (Creating Crisis Comm Plans) with Becky Myers of MyHart Communications
3. Brand Storytelling in the Digital Age with Amanda Fenwick of San Jacinto College

We aim to engage a diverse audience with three seasoned PRSA members as guests, addressing current topics. Before the event, an interactive forum will allow attendees to submit questions, fostering participation.