Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion cannot be the stand-alone work of one committee or even a small group of individuals. It is the work of every PTA member who decides to serve the families and children in their community.

DIVERSITY

Diversity is representation of, and respect for, people from different backgrounds and identities—including but not limited to race, culture, religion, socio-economic status, age, geographic area, sexual orientation and gender identification, language, learning style and physical appearance.

To embody and live this value, PTAs must:

  • Actively recruit and elect a team of leaders who represent the school community you serve.

  • Support units from less represented or resourced areas, backgrounds and perspectives.

EQUITY

Equity provides fairness in resources, opportunities and outcomes so that all communities get what they need to be engaged and successful. It moves beyond “equal” to:

  1. Recognize and address bias and privilege.

  2. Understand and attend to specific individual and community needs, providing additional resources to those with greater needs.

To embody and live this value, PTAs must:

  • Prioritize and advocate for innovative, sustainable solutions that work for a diverse range of children and families, especially those underrepresented and/or marginalized in our communities.

  • Persist in the face of challenges and hold ourselves and our partners—including educators and policymakers—accountable.

INCLUSION

Inclusion is actions, behaviors and social norms that ensure all people feel they are safe, welcomed and that they belong. This means putting diversity into action with skill and intentionality to ensure everyone feels respected, supported and valued—and can fully participate with equal voice and right to be heard. This includes actively seeking out voices that have been traditionally underrepresented and/or marginalized.

That means tending to power dynamics where they occur and setting up a level playing field for all to engage in our work.

To embody and live this value, PTAs must:

  • Engage a diverse range of voices and lived experiences from members and prospective members— and seek to meet individuals and communities where they are—especially those currently or traditionally underrepresented and/or marginalized in our association.

  • Solicit stakeholder input, incorporate it in visible and meaningful ways, and share credit.

  • Account for cultural, status and power dynamics in our many relationships.

LGBTQ GLOSSARY

National PTA partnered with the Human Rights Campaign to develop a glossary to help ensure your PTA understands and uses appropriate, affirming language to create inclusive environments for LGBTQ children and families.

Click here to view the LGBTQ Glossary.

CALIFORNIA STATE PTA POSITION STATEMENTS

NATIONAL PTA POSITION STATEMENTS

RESOURCES