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Welcoming All Families:

Creating an Equitable and Inclusive PTA

Strengthening Family-School Partnerships Across Wake County

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Why Inclusion Matters

  • Wake County is one of the most diverse districts in NC
  • Students speak over 215 languages at home
  • inclusive PTAs = stronger schools
  • “When all families are engaged, all students succeed.”

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What Do We Mean by Diverse, Equitable & Inclusive PTA?

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Benefits of Welcoming All Families

Higher student achievement

Stronger school communities

Increased membership & volunteerism

Broader perspectives in decision-making

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https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/family-partnerships/

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The 4 Pillars of Family Engagement Framework�

  1. Is your School a 4 Pillar School?
  2. Does your school Share Power and Responsibility?
  3. Does your school Facilitate Positive Interactions?
  4. Does your school have a Welcoming Environment?
  5. Does your school provide Two-Way Communications?

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In WCPSS Family engagement work is done through the Dual Capacity Building Framework

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https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/family-partnerships/

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Current Barriers Families Face

Language & communication challenges

Transportation & childcare needs

Work schedules

Lack of representation

Cultural misunderstandings

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PTA’s Role in Family Engagement

Bridge

between school & families

Advocate

for all children

Provide

resources, workshops, and opportunities

Encourage

diverse voices in leadership

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Inclusive Practices for PTA Units

Flexible meeting times

Hold events in community spaces

Provide childcare during meetings

Offer interpreters at events

Translate flyers & social media posts

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Building Relationships

Use culturally responsive communication

Invite families to share traditions

Listening sessions for family voices

Partner with community organizations

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Representation in Leadership

Encourage

Encourage diverse parents to run for roles

Rotate

Rotate meeting facilitators

Create

Create parent ambassador/liaison roles

Share

Share leadership opportunities

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Success Stories

Family cultural night with food & performances

PTA translated newsletters = doubled membership

Providing transportation = more parent attendance

Take the PTA to the community

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Action Steps for Wake PTA Units

Share

success stories across Wake PTA

Offer

family-friendly, accessible events

Partner

with local organizations

Set

1–2 equity goals this year

Assess

your unit’s inclusivity

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Call to Action

“Every family has a place at our PTA.”

Commit to one new inclusive practice this semester

Use Wake PTA & NCPTA resources

Explore National PTA DEI Toolkit

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Thank You

Contact: Wake PTA / NCPTA

Dr. MariaRosa Rangel

Stephanie Mitchell

equity@wakepta.org

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Together we can make every family feel welcome!