Arkansas PTA

Arkansas PTA

Diversity & Inclusion Policy

PTA DIVERSITY DEFINITION
The recognition of diversity within associates is valuing differences and similarities in people through actions and accountability.  These differences and similarities include, but are not limited to age, ethnicity, language and culture, socio-economic status, education background, gender, geographic location, marital status, mental ability, national origin, organizational position and tenure, parental status, physical ability, political philosophy, race, religion and work experience. 

PTA DIVERSITY PLAN VISION STATEMENT
Arkansas PTA will be recognized as the leading liason for connecting its members to local, state and national inclusion and diversity resources to ensure equal access and equal outcomes for all students.

Diversity affects our mission-driven programs and services, our public image, interpersonal, personal and organizational activities.  

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.  

THE ARKANSAS PTA CULTURAL DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
From the Ozark Mountains to the Gulf Coastal Plain, Arkansas is a land of variety and diversity.  Like the land of our state, the people of Arkansas have a historical and cultural diversity.

Arkansas PTA recognizes the growth and changes of the families and the students of Arkansas while working to preserve the positive traditions of our state.   

ARKANSAS PTA’S GOALS TOWARD CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Arkansas PTA’s Board of Managers has established a Committee on Diversity.  The goal of Arkansas PTA and this committee is to address the challenges facing Arkansas families, students, schools and communities.

Our inclusion policy addresses the needs of Arkansas students regardless of the differences and similarities including but not limited to age, ethnicity, language and culture, socio-economic status, education background, gender, geographic location, marital status, mental ability, national origin, organizational position and tenure, parental status, physical ability, political philosophy, race, religion and work experience. Utilizing our Diversity Plan and Mission Statement helps create a greater opportunity to achieve academic success in our schools 

ACCOUNTABILITY
Success occurs when each member of the association is held accountable.  For this reason, existing policies and processes need to be evaluated to ensure that diversity is a core competency aligned with local units and committee chair responsibilities.

Therefore PTAs at every level must:

• Openly assess beliefs and practices to assure inclusiveness and guard against discrimination;
• Make every effort to create a PTA board and membership that is inclusive and reflective of its community;
• Encourage that all PTA activities at the school be planned by a committee which is representative of the population;
• Foster programs and practices that eliminate bias, prejudice and misunderstanding within their communities;
• Become acquainted with the leaders of the many diverse groups in the community and collaborate with them to increase parent, family and community involvement;
• Educate its leaders and members to the needs, cultural beliefs, traditions and family structures of the population they serve; and
• Propose change wherever discriminatory practices are perceived.

• The Diversity Process
• Improve Diversity to Make a Stronger PTA
• National PTA Emerging Minority Leadership Conference