Diversity is quite the hot button issue in these strange and changing times. It is something that has always been important, but is now getting the attention that it deserves.
National PTA Multicultural Calendar 2021
When scheduling PTA programs and meetings, be aware to avoid having it on the same day as a significant cultural event for the families in your school community.
It is very important that our school PTAs are representative of the diverse populations that are in our schools. PTA doesn’t just advocate for one group of students and teachers. We need to be advocating for all students and teachers. Such groups are our racially marginalized peoples, Special Education, LGBTQA+ among others. If you don’t already have a committee for this topic established, the time to start one has been now for a long time.
That being said, you may not personally know the terms and phrases that are commonly used when delving into this type of advocacy. One of the first steps toward change for our diverse community is gathering knowledge. Be willing to open yourself to information that can act as a guide.
A caveat: This list isn’t exhaustive, nor is it the final word. As the Diversity and Inclusion field develops, many of these terms may evolve too. The point: We all keep learning, and growing our vocabulary, together.
Ally Noun: Advocates for people from underrepresented or marginalized groups. An ally takes action to support people outside of their own group.
Cisgender Adj: A term used to describe people whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. Often abbreviated to cis.
Corporate Social Responsibility Noun: Practicing good corporate citizenship by going beyond profit maximization to make a positive impact on communities and societies.
Emotional Tax Noun: The combination of being on guard to protect against bias, feeling different at work because of gender, race, and/or ethnicity, and the associated effects on health, well-being, and ability to thrive at work.
Equality Noun: Treating everyone the same way, often while assuming that everyone also starts out on equal footing or with the same opportunities.
Equity Noun: Working toward fair outcomes for people or groups by treating them in ways that address their unique advantages or barriers.
Intersectionality Noun: The intertwining of social identities such as gender, race, ethnicity, social class, religion, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, which can result in unique experiences, opportunities, and barriers.
Neurodiversity Noun: The concept that there is great diversity in how people’s brains are wired and work, and that neurological differences should be valued in the same way we value any other human variation.
Non-Binary (also known as Genderqueer) Adj: A category for a fluid constellation of gender identities beyond the woman/man gender binary.
Unconscious Bias Noun: An implicit association, whether about people, places, or situations, which are often based on mistaken, inaccurate, or incomplete information and include the personal histories we bring to the situation.
If you have any questions or concerns about starting a Diversity & Inclusion Committee please reach out to Chuy Zárate, diversity@rrisdpta.org.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE OUR PTAs AND SCHOOLS
THE MODEL OF REPRESENTATIVE DIVERSITY AND EQUITY. MAKE CHANGE A PRIORITY.