Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
Mission Statement
DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) aims to foster an environment where differences are celebrated from a strengths-based perspective, personal biases and privileges, as well as systemic disparities, are acknowledged and addressed head-on, such that everyone can be their authentic self and develop to their full potential in a cohesive and supportive community.
“Across the country, students, families and educators experience vastly different education systems that either support—or hinder—the ability for all children to reach their full potential. These differences are often due to disparities in opportunities, access and financial resources—and whether or not parents are respected as equal partners in their child’s education.”
National PTA
Diversity: The representation of, and respect for, people of different identities and backgrounds. These include (but aren’t limited to) race, culture, disability and/or neurodiverse status, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, learning style, language, and physical appearance.
Equity: Focused on fairness, equity recognizes the variety of disadvantages different groups and individuals face. Equity provides support to those in need with the goal of achieving equal outcomes for all. This support will not be the same for all (as in equality), but rather tailored to meet each individual’s needs.
Inclusion: Actions, behaviors and social norms that aim to create an environment in which everyone feels safe, welcomed, valued, supported and respected – and, through intentional efforts and attention to power dynamics, can participate fully with equal voice and right to be heard. Inclusion involves full collaboration and partnership with the broadest possible set of community members and includes actively seeking out voices that have been underrepresented or marginalized.
Belonging: Belonging is the desired effect of DEI(B) work. A shared sense of belonging is reached when all members of a community can participate fully as their authentic selves safely and with confidence, and are connected to and valued by their peers. Though the “B” for belonging is not always included explicitly, it is an important element and indicator of “DEI” work.
By definition, DEIB initiatives are meant to create positive change and lasting impact within organizations, communities, and workplaces. The Melrose PTO DEIB goal is to encourage and promote: (1) Learning & Growth, (2) Representation, (3) Inclusivity, (4) Advocacy, and (5) Community through:
- Providing learning opportunities with accessible and varied forms of resources and facilitated discussion groups
- Advocating that PTO boards and membership are inclusive and reflective of the Melrose community
- Ensuring PTO activities and communication at schools are representative of all Melrose families
- Supporting and advocating for activities and practices that increase awareness of our own implicit biases, and attempt to address and eliminate prejudice and inequities within our school communities
- Encouraging families to build relationships with one another and school staff and share opportunities to broaden their family’s exposure to various lived experiences, histories and cultures not currently represented
The Melrose PTO DEIB Representatives are committed to building an anti-racist, inclusive and equitable community. The DEIB Representatives believe that equity is just and fair inclusion in which all can participate, prosper, benefit, and reach their full potential. We recognize the history of oppression that has resulted in a broken system. We believe we have a powerful opportunity before us to create a welcoming place for all to participate and we believe the first step in doing this is to raise awareness of our own biases and operationalize our mission and goals.
Why Get Involved in DEIB at Hoover?
Engaging in DEIB makes for a stronger Hoover community by:
- Encourage community collaboration
- Bringing awareness of personal gaps in understanding and awareness
- Creating a stronger culture amongst the PTO through the DEI lens
How to get involved with DEIB at Hoover?
Fill out our Hoover DEI Volunteer Form.
What can volunteers to?
- Work closely with key Hoover leaders to identify strengths and areas of growth with an equity and inclusion lens to determine key improvement strategies for the Hoover community
- Helping to make Hoover events more equitable and inclusive
- Help plan DEIB centric events
- Provide monthly DEIB resources to families
- Aid in planning DEIB inclusive enrichment programing for students
Melrose PTO, Inc 