Welcome to the Utah PTA Policy on Diversity and Inclusion
Utah PTA values every individual and is committed to ensuring that our organization reflects and serves the entire state's population through awareness-building, constructive dialogue, and meaningful collaboration among home, school, and community. By doing so, we strengthen society through increased parental involvement and student success.
Across the state, families, students, and educators thrive when every child has the access, resources, and support necessary to reach their full potential. To fulfill this mission, Utah PTA adopts the following core principles to guide PTA leaders:
We Believe Collaboration Must Be Inclusive
We can only achieve our mission and vision in full collaboration and partnership with the broadest possible set of volunteers, staff, educators, schools, and communities. We foster an environment where everyone feels they belong, which is integral to achieving our vision, and have the opportunity to flourish and contribute at the highest level. That means tending to power dynamics as they arise and establishing a level playing field so that all members can be active, engaged, and empowered participants.
We Believe Diversity is Our Strength
We represent parents, caregivers, educators, and communities of all children, which enables us to best achieve PTA’s mission to make every child’s potential a reality. Our collective backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas allow us to best reflect the rich fabric of 21st-century children, families, educators, and community members—and create the strongest future and direction for PTA.
Do you want to learn more about welcoming diversity and inclusion into your PTA?
Check Out National PTA's Welcoming Diverse Perspective PDF
Graceful Conversations
A difficult conversation took place over the summer of 2021, with much debate. In August, the Utah State Board of Education approved Rule 277-328 on Educational Equity. Per the rule, they aim for "fostering a learning environment and workplace that are safe and respectful of all students and educators". This rule aims to ensure that no student is made to feel guilty for being a member of a particular group and promotes the message that all races are equal. Utah PTA encouraged and modeled civility and constructive dialogue by hosting a "Graceful Conversations" webinar.
Our goals for the Graceful Conversation webinar were to:
1) Gain a better understanding of opposing perspectives on this issue
2) Build bridges with other community members
3) Create a resource for parents who want to learn more
We hope this is the first step in a positive dialogue about what our children are learning.
Watch the Recording
PTA is committed to bridging disparities in our communities by being more diverse, equitable, and inclusive in our mission. An organization that recognizes diversity values differences and similarities among people through its actions and accountability. When PTAs respect differences, acknowledge shared commonalities that unite their communities, and develop meaningful priorities based on their knowledge, they genuinely represent their communities. When PTAs represent their communities, they gain strength and effectiveness through increased volunteer and resource support.
National PTA has a wealth of information on making your PTA more inclusive and bridging gaps in your community.
PTA Local Leader Guidance for DEI