We hear the buzz word, “diversity,” quite often.  When diversity is used, it is often used in a very narrow scope, usually referring to race or religion.  But diversity encompasses a broad spectrum and if we embrace it, we will all find the beauty of diversity.

National PTA has placed much emphasis on diversity and inclusion, having recently adopted a Diversity and Inclusion Policy.  National PTA uses the following definitions for Diversity and Inclusion:  

Diversity means including and realizing the potential of everyone regardless of 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.  
Inclusion is defined as a practice of ensuring that people in organizations feel they belong, are engaged, and connected through their work to the goals and objectives of the organization.  

Ohio PTA is launching a new committee in 2010 to address these areas.  It is called the Ohio PTA Mosaic Committee.  The “mosaic” concept is derived from the fact that we want our PTA’s to be reflective of the communities that we serve.  Rather than wanting every family to come in and just blend into our units, we want each family’s culture to be integrated into and embraced by our PTA’s.  If you picture a mosaic work, each unique piece is bonded together by mortar creating a beautiful design.  We want PTA to be the mortar that bonds each distinctive piece of the school community together creating a mosaic.  

Our Ohio PTA Mosaic Committee is designed to:
•    Help develop and expand Ohio PTA’s Diversity and Inclusion Plan
•    Address challenges that PTA’s face in the areas of diversity and inclusion
•    Help ensure that local PTA’s reflect the communities they serve
•    Strive to insure that local PTA’s are inclusive, making each family feel invited and valued and that each family has a sense of belonging
•    Solidify PTA’s position as the “Go To” organization in the area of diversity and Inclusion
•    Create programs to educate leaders and members on the needs, cultural beliefs, traditions and family  structures of the population they serve
•    Help give insight into different cultures
•    Help translate materials

Ohio PTA will be taking applications for those interested in being a part of the important work of the Ohio PTA Mosaic Committee.  The committee will determine how often it will meet.  If you would like to apply, please complete the application below and send to the Ohio PTA Office, 40 Northwoods Blvd, Columbus, OH 43235

Applications must be received by January 15, 2010.

Feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

Lisa Mack     lmack@ohiopta.org
Vice President of Leadership

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION

 
PTA MORE (Men Organized to Raise Engagement) is a coalition of like-minded organizations that work to ensure greater father and male involvement in programs that support the safety, health, and academic and social development of all children. To encourage more male involvement, PTA brought together organizations dedicated to raising the level of engagement between children and the important men in their lives.

Studies show that greater involvement of men—fathers, uncles, grandfathers, non-related male role models—in the lives of children help them achieve success socially, intellectually, and academically. The quality of the interactions becomes as important as the amount of time spent with the children.

Click>> More about PTA MORE   and learn about these organizations and their efforts for children.