National Representative2011 – 2012

Diversity & Multiculturalism

By the end of this workshop you will be able to :

• Understand the meaning of diversity.• Understand the value of growing a more diverse

PTA.• Engage diverse populations.

National PTABy the Numbers

• Most of us can trace our family roots to places outside of the United States.

• There is a great pride felt by U.S. citizens for their ancestral homelands.

• We celebrate diversity in communities across the country.

The Melting PotA Nation of Immigrants

• Past research has shown PTA is NOT a diverse organization:– By ethnicity (82% Caucasian)– By gender (94% Female)– By geography (66% suburban)– By income (81% of PTA HHs

have incomes of $50K+)

National PTA By the Numbers

Data: 2008 NPTA Member/Leader Survey

Former 2005 data showed 34% of children in public schools were of color.

Data trends indicate that by 2020, at least 46% of public school students will be of color.

Data: Pew Charitable Trust & U.S. Census Data Projections

National PTA By the Numbers

UnderstandingTheMeaningOfDiversity

Diversity is…

The recognition of diversity within organizations is valuing differences and similarities in people through actions and accountability. 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.

Adopted by the National PTA Board of Directors in 2010

• Hold flexible meetings vs. meetings held at same time and place?

• Include everyone in events & activities vs. certain populations?

• Represent various cultural groups in your community vs. the majority view?

• Communicate in various languages vs. English only?

• Have homogenous leadership on any level?

Does Your PTA …?Inclusivity & Cultural Sensitivity

“We have become not a melting pot, but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”

Jimmy Carter39th President of the United States of America

UnderstandingTheValueOfDiversity

Group DiscussionThe recognition of diversity within organizations is valuing differences and similarities in people through actions and accountability. 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.

Adopted by the National PTA Board of Directors in 2010

1. Have you ever witnessed an act of prejudice against anyone?

2. What did you do?

3. What did you say?

4. How did it make you feel?

Diversity & MulticulturalismA Checklist

Do you have clear policy statements about your PTA’s commitment to diversity?

Does your membership and leadership reflect the diversity of your community and the children you serve?

Are your meetings accessible and appealing to a broad range of potential members?

Do you collect and maintain demographic data to help in planning and evaluating your efforts?

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. If [people] can learn to hate they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela, Former President, Republic of South Africa

How do we get there

?

PTA ResourcesFor Diversity

PTA ResourcesFor Diversity

• National Standards for Family-School Partnerships

• Urban Family Engagement Initiative (UFEI)• Outreach to Fathers/Male Involvement (PTA

MORE)

• Emerging Minority Leaders Conference (EMLC)• NPTA Committee on Diversity• More to come…

YourYour

NextNext

StepsSteps

Moving Diversity & Multiculturalism Forward

Diversity & MulticulturalismMoving it Forward with Next Steps!

• Learn more about the diversity of your community.o Use data sources to understand the demographics in

your area.

• Build your own “diversity” goals.o Pick some areas that you can easily change (perhaps

gender diversity) and some that might be a stretch for your PTA.

• Pick some areas you can easily change to make your PTA a welcoming place for all.

o Look for alternate times or places for your meetings. Ask parents and others who don’t come to PTA meetings what would get them to attend. Be creative and responsive!

Tell us what works for you!

Use the Great Idea Bank at PTA.org

to get and share ideas!

Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.”

- Author Unknown

Questions?

(800) 307-4PTA (4782)info@pta.org

PTA.org