It’s the start of a new year and the season to commit to improving. If you set resolutions, hopefully they’re still going strong. And hopefully one of your goals includes doing more great things for your PTA.
We encourage you to add “mindful communication” to your 2023 goals.
We’d like to tackle each tip, one by one, throughout 2023, starting with using inclusive imagery.
A key thing to remember in selecting inclusive images is to avoid ones that stereotype people in any way–whether they’re considered “good” stereotypes or “bad.”
Context matters, of course, but if you’re picking generic (or stock) photos, avoid things like showing someone who’s African American engaged in conflict, an Asian person excelling at math, or a gay person marching at Pride. We are more than our stereotypical depictions, so it’s really important to expand our portrayals of one another.
Identify images that represent the makeup of the members of your community and society at large.
Remember, “family” is more than the typical depiction of a mom, dad, and 2.5 biological kids. It can be a single mom and child, two dads and 5 kids, a foster family, grandparents raising their grandchildren….There are too many wonderful configurations to possibly name them all. Remember, the PTA is here to support all children and their communities. Every child deserves to see their family depicted positively and overtly through the PTA’s choice of images.
If you’re ready to make this a priority for your PTA, Wired Impact gives 5 tips for selecting or creating diverse imagery. Also, the National PTA website has wonderful resources for all things related to Diversity, Equity, and
