DIVERSITY & INCLUSION / CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Nicole Ponziani, CFE

Diversity Chair

Forsyth County Council of PTAs

DIVERSITY

AGENDA

Diversity

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity Toolkit

Implementing Diversity

Conflict Resolution

WHAT IS DIVERSITY?

•PTA Diversity DefinitionRecognizing diversity within organizations means valuing differences and similarities in  people through actions and accountability. 

For Georgia PTA, these differences  and similarities include age, ethnicity, language and culture, economic status,  educational background, gender, geographic location, marital status, mental  ability, national origin, organizational position and tenure, parental status,  physical ability, political philosophy, race, religion, sexual orientation, and  work experience

DIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT

•To create a high-performing, productive association through an inclusive community environment in which each individual is valued for his/her unique skills, talents and contributions in order to capitalize on the innovation inherent in diverse populations.  Diversity affects our mission-driven programs and services, our public image, interpersonal, personal, and organizational activities.

IMPORTANCE OF INCLUSION

•Our communities and demographics are changing and will continue to evolve• It is imperative that we have committees and programs in place to reflect the diverse interests of the people being represented•Having a diverse organization is a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other while impacting positive change in a community•A unified assembly of diverse individuals is one way to provide inclusiveness in decision making

• Referenced from National PTA

IS YOUR PTA DIVERSE?

DIVERSITY WITHIN PTA

DIVERSITY TOOLKIT

Ideas to make you PTA more diverse and inclusive

Do a self assessment

Try new ideasCreate effective communication for all audiences

DIVERSITY TOOLKIT

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

•Organizations move in the direction of their conversations

•You have a responsibility to lead the organization in the appropriate direction

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

•When conflict is left to brew it only dismantles the relationship, if dealt with appropriately it actually strengthens the bond in the relationships.

COMMON CONFLICTS IN PTA

•What type of conflicts arise in your PTA?Volunteers – the no-show and the uber volunteerExpectations are not met Money SchedulesCommunication

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Communication

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

•The role of communication in conflictCommunication is foundationalVerbal and Non-verbalCommunication can be destructive or constructive

CONFLICT RESOLUTION – STEP BY STEP

•Step 1Stay calm, centered and in controlBe aware of your emotions and your nonverbal communication patternsActively listen

CONFLICT RESOLUTION – STEP BY STEP

•Step 2 – Remember these thingsFocus on the conversationPhones down

Make the conversation a priorityReally, put your phone down

Know what is important to youLead the conversation in the right directionFocus on finding a resolution to the conflict

CONFLICT RESOLUTION – STEP BY STEP

•Step 3 – BeginStart by focusing on the common groundWe all have a common ground in PTA

QUESTIONS