PTA represents parents, caregivers, educators and communities of all children, which enables us to best achieve PTA’s mission to make every child’s potential a reality. Our collective backgrounds, perspectives and ideas allow us to create the strongest future and direction for PTA. To more effectively serve ALL children and families, we need to understand who is in our community.
Not sure where to start? We recommend listening! It’s particularly important that you prioritize listening to members of your community who you haven’t traditionally engaged with. Connect with the families who may not participate during meetings or may not be members at all. Use the conversations as an opportunity to collaborate, brainstorm and create a foundation for ongoing relationships. If you are not sure about the demographics of your community, the DEI Community Profile Template helps you identify who in your community is represented in the PTA and who is missing. [Available in Spanish] To find data on your school’s demographics, look to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Report Card which provides data on student demographics, student performance and school staff throughout Washington State.
Second, reach out and start talking with your community. The facilitator’s guide empowers leaders to start conversations with people who they have struggled to engage.
Third, use the DEI action plan template to develop steps to become more inclusive.
National PTA has many resources to help you learn about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion issues, discuss these topics in your community and take action to more effectively serve ALL children and families.