Community, Engagement, and Democracy: Re-envisioning Public Relations and Public Interest Communications through Civic Professionalism

Abstract

This paper explores how public relations and public information communication can rise above an era of fake news and alternative facts. The author investigates how public relations and public interest communications fit with the concept of civic professionalism as a way of building community and engagement. Civic professionalism is a framework that incorporates the values of education with civic inquiry, reflection, and practical work. Thoughts for how public relations may shape and contribute to public interest communications by promoting dialogue in support of democracy to keep social trust and civic bonds intact are also examined.