Communicators Need Community Too
Posted by admin on Aug. 31, 2026 / Subscribe 0
September is Ethics Month for PRSA. Ethics Month reminds us that communicators are, in many ways, the ethical conscience of our organizations. We are the ones who raise the hard questions few people have the courage to ask, advocate for transparency, and help leaders understand the reputational and human impact of their decisions.
That role is more important now than ever.
The latest headlines involve global and local companies facing ethical scrutiny — from Meta’s recent settlement related to youth wellness on its platforms to Good Good Golf and Callaway’s recent advertisement that received tons of backlash.
These moments reinforce a truth many of us know can happen: ethical lapses don’t happen in isolation. They happen when teams move too fast, when pressure outweighs perspective, and when no one feels empowered to say, “This isn’t right.”
Communicators are uniquely positioned to be that voice.
But to do that well, we need something many professionals underestimate: a strong, diverse, professional community.
The Pace of Change is Too Fast for a Solo Mindset
Our landscape is shifting faster than ever — technology, regulation, audience expectations, cultural norms, and the speed at which reputational damage can occur. That pace of change means one thing:
Your internal network is not enough.
If the majority of your professional relationships are people inside your company, you’re limiting your exposure to broader perspectives to help you navigate ethical dilemmas, anticipate risks, and stay ahead of industry shifts.
Communicators are relationship builders by nature.
But too often, we forget to build relationships for ourselves.
Community Sustains Us
Over the past few months, I’ve heard and read comments from communicators saying:
- “I wish I had joined a professional organization earlier.”
- “My network is mostly people I’ve worked with — I need more than that.”
- “I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I got involved.”
These reflections matter.
Your network cannot be only your coworkers, clients and vendors.
Your growth cannot depend solely on your employer.
Your professional identity cannot be limited to your job title.
And here’s something I always find interesting:
Oftentimes it’s easier to talk to a stranger or an acquaintance than someone you know well.
When you’re surrounded only by people who’ve worked with you for years, every conversation comes with history, assumptions, and expectations. But when you talk to someone outside your organization — someone who doesn’t see you through the lens of your job title or your past — you can be more open, vulnerable, curious, even ambitious.
That’s why mentors and executive coaches are in high demand.
But both can be hard to find — and executive coaching can be expensive.
A professional community can help fill that gap in multiple ways – it can help with crowdsourcing wisdom and experience often for the price of a cup of coffee and a few hours’ time commitment.
Your Invitation This September
As we enter fall, I encourage you to reflect on three questions:
- Am I surrounding myself with people who challenge me to be an ethical leader?
- Am I staying open to change — or resisting it because I feel isolated?
- Am I investing in a professional community that expands my perspective and strengthens my career?
If the answer to any of these is “not yet,” this time of year is the perfect time to begin.
PRSA Dallas is here to support you — not just in your work, but in your growth, your confidence, and your leadership.
Start by taking advantage of upcoming programming at both the local and national levels:
- Sept 25: PRSA Dallas Nonprofit Workshop – Next Is Now, The Future of Nonprofit Fundraising and Relationships. Register here
- Sept 28: Webinar - The Human Guardian: Defining Essential Ethics Skills for AI-Mediated Public Relations. Register here.
- Did you have a project or program from the past year that you’re proud of? Share it with us by submitting for a Pegasus Award! The regular deadline (before fees increase) is Tues, Sept 8. Final deadline is Sept 21. We want to celebrate your work! Learn more here.
Let’s move forward together.
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