Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion

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 presence 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.

Some communities your PTA can reach out to include cultural and ethnic groups, English language learners, non-English speakers, single parents, working parents, stepparents, foster parents, grandparents, students, teachers, school staff, school administrators, peace officers, government agencies, senior centers, civic organizations, and businesses. Include everyone and invite them to join PTA!

The California State PTA recognizes that involvement of diverse populations enriches PTA activities and, more important, enhances the well being of all children and youth. When all aspects of the community are represented, all voices will be heard, and PTA will be an effective voice for ALL children.

As advocates for children, PTA is most effective when we:

  • Celebrate our diversity.
  • Identify and break down barriers in our association that discourage people or minimize their involvement.
  • Create and work together on common goals.
  • Include in our active membership a representation of all ethnic, cultural, religious, economic and social groups in the community.

In evaluating whether or not the PTA is as effective as it can be, here are some questions to ask:

  • Are there large underrepresented groups of California's population missing from the PTA's active membership?
  • Is there enough representation from all groups to give us the understanding needed to be advocates for all children?
  • Does the way the public perceives PTA allow us to attract a more diverse membership or lessen our ability to be heard as advocates for all children?