Honestly, Risk, Issues, Crisis, Recovery and PR in the Third Sector were two pretty challenging chapters to complete reading. But I did manage to learn two main things:
The first is that PR practitioners have to be flexible, and recognise that no matter how unsalvageable the situation or circumstance seems, there is hope and opportunities.
"Awareness of vulnerability is a key part of understanding risk and issues."
And vulnerability is what makes a crisis possible.
Not that any of us hope for a crisis to take place, but I realised that this much is true. To allow one's self to be vulnerable, is to open one's heart to hope, optimism and opportunity should crisis hit. There is risk in almost every situation and even when crisis strikes, people need to learn to move ahead instead of retreating into sorrow.
"Reality following a disaster will not be the old reality. This is gone forever. But a new reality may present unexpected opportunities and benefits."
The second is that PR has already made and can continue making and leaving a lasting positive impact on the Third Sector.
Reason being, people need people to help and support each other. Without aid, people would not know how to go about publicizing or informing others about either products, services or purely brilliant ideas.
The reading taught me that what sets the Third Sector aside is its critical edge, people power and dexterity. Because of this, PR practitioners need to be holistic thinkers who are sensitive to the sector's characteristics, history and complex role and place in broader society. It is also because of these conditions, communication becomes less hidden and more transparent.
This way, PR is able to grow and flourish because the more open people are to each other's opinions and ideas, the easier it is for good working relationships to be established.
In conclusion, this quote from the reading truly left a mark so here goes:
"You must never, never, never, give up on something you feel strongly about, and where a great wrong is being done... bulldozers aren't always the strongest form of power. The hearts of people are a mighty strong force, and it's infectious." :)
you've really said it this time! we must understand our inequities to further defend against crises! that is a very important fact, and one of the Sun Tzu's art of war! very impressive!
ReplyDeleteand i like the quote too! power to the people! however we must always remember our code of ethics, and consumerism can be combated by transparency. if we show everything that we've got the lobbyist cant do anything right? :) just a thought.
in any case nice job!
cya!