Public Relations Review (2024)
Authors: Kaiping Chen, Isabel Villanueva, Amanda Molder
Abstract: This research aims to address gaps in the knowledge and practice of engaging underrepresented communities in public communication and policymaking on environmental justice issues. Through a quasi-field experiment conducted in Madison, Wisconsin, we investigate how Black and Latinx communities perceive environmental justice issues and how these perceptions are associated with intersectional identities such as education level, income, and gender. Additionally, we explore the impact of different information material designs on fostering inclusive and diverse discussions. Our results highlight the nuances of environmental justice perspectives within communities and underscore the importance of tailored approaches in community engagement and public relations. Furthermore, the study reveals the effectiveness of visual information materials in stimulating diverse discussions, emphasizing the significance of audience accessibility and comprehension in communication design. These findings provide both theoretical implications for the field of public relations and practical applications for science communicators, public relations professionals, and community-engaged scholars to promote more inclusive and personalized strategies in community engagement.