Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Inclusiveness and Diversity
Adopted April 1991 – Reviewed and deemed relevant November 2017 – Membership Services Commission
The National Congress of Mothers, irrespective of creed, color or condition,
stands for all parenthood, childhood, homehood.
Alice McLellan Birney, 1898, Cofounder of National PTA
Those words, true in 1898, are even truer today. PTAs everywhere must understand and embrace the uniqueness of all individuals, appreciating that each contributes a diversity of views, experiences, cultural heritage/traditions, skills/abilities, values and preferences. When PTAs respect differences yet acknowledge shared commonalities uniting their communities, and then develop meaningful priorities based upon their knowledge, they genuinely represent their communities. When PTAs represent their communities, they gain strength and effectiveness through increased volunteer and resource support.
Conversely, PTAs must recognize that prejudice exists based upon socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, language ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and physical abilities. Such discrimination is hurtful, unfair, hostile and unwelcoming. When PTAs tolerate these acts, they repel members, lack representative leadership, and fail to serve all. Prejudice diminishes a PTA’s ability to advocate effectively for all children, youth and families.
Therefore, California State PTA believes that PTAs at every level must:
- Openly assess beliefs and practices to assure inclusiveness and guard against discrimination;
- Make every effort to create a PTA board and membership that is inclusive and reflective of its community;
- Encourage that all PTA activities at the school be planned by a committee which is representative of the population;
- Foster programs and practices that eliminate bias, prejudice and misunderstanding within their communities;
- Become acquainted with the leaders of the many diverse groups in the community and collaborate with them to increase parent, family and community involvement;
- Educate its leaders and members to the needs, cultural beliefs, traditions and family structures of the population they serve; and
- Propose change wherever discriminatory practices are perceived.
California State PTA values and appreciates diversity, which enriches and strengthens the structure of our society within our state and nation.
†This position statement should be used in its entirety with no portion quoted out of context.
Outreach, Diversity and Inclusion
Outreach is a commitment to create an inviting climate, to form respectful relationships and to share important information about PTA with all community members. Outreach includes efforts that focus on enlisting the participation of all parents, students, and community members in the educational process, and establishing collaborative relationships focused on positive impacts by:
- Using languages represented within your community at your meetings and in your communications.
- Working to build representative leadership and voice within your PTA of all community groups. The makeup of your board members should reflect the makeup of your school community.
- Understanding that everyone has value.
- Assessing your outreach success regularly. Are there new board members and new members at your meetings that represent all parts of your community?
- Including students, teachers, community and extended family members.
Inclusion is a commitment to involve the entire school community in planning, as well as enjoying, PTA programs and activities. Bringing in many different views is the key to building a robust and meaningful PTA in your community. Members come with their own views, experiences, cultural heritage and traditions, skills and abilities, values and preferences. California’s public schools are a rich weave of these diverse threads, and their PTAs must be as well. Discrimination or prejudice, even behind closed doors, cannot be tolerated.
To be inclusive:
- Recognize that involvement of diverse populations enriches PTA activities and enhances the wellbeing of all children and youth.
- Listen to all voices so that your PTA can be an effective voice for ALL children.
- Celebrate diversity. Break down barriers that discourage people or minimize their involvement.
- Include in your active membership a representation of all ethnic, cultural, religious, economic and social groups in the community.
- Ask: Are there large underrepresented groups of California’s population missing from your PTA’s active membership? Is there enough representation from all groups to give an understanding needed to be advocates for all children? Does your PTA seek a diverse membership?
PTSA and SRVUSD's Shared Vision for Equity
The San Ramon Valley Unified School District is committed to nurturing and educating the whole student. Our equity leaders strive to interrupt any inequitable practices in school culture and curriculum and eliminate barriers to personal and academic success. Further, we establish each place of learning as an institution that validates and celebrates each student as an individual and as a part of a larger human family.
