WM PTSA DEI Mission Statement/Objectives

Mission Statement:
The West Mercer Elementary PTA is committed to raising awareness of the systemic inequities (including institutional racism, see the West Mercer anti-racism resolution). We are dedicated to providing an inclusive and barrier-free environment for all students so that they can participate in school as their whole, authentic selves. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as core strengths in our community and want to engage each student to help them thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

Objectives/Activities:

• Foster and maintain a safe environment of respect and inclusion for the school and community we serve. As the PTA, it is our aim to maintain a safe environment of respect and inclusion for our parents/caregivers, students, and greater school community.
• Call up on our PTA members to listen, educate and advocate to demand meaningful change at West Mercer Elementary community to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Work with community-based organizations and establish conversations with our members and community to understand the negative impact from institutional racism as well as bias due to socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, and different physical characteristics or abilities.
  • Educate members and community on the historical disparities among Black, Indigenous, and students of color on issues that are raised such as healthcare, nutrition, etc which will help to understand the impact on school performance and academic achievements.
  • Advocate at all levels to help mitigate the negative impact of institutional racism and other biases that prevent children from reaching their full potential.
    
• Creatively provide programs and environments that reflect the diversity of our communities and elevate cultural awareness.
• Ensure fair and inclusive access to our programs, resources, and services, and ensure that all our policies and practices are inclusive and equitable.
  

If you have any questions about work the WM PTSA is doing with DEI please email: diversity@westmercerpta.org.