Berkeley PTA - Recommit to the PTA Mission!
"The mission of the California State PTA is to positively impact the lives of all children and families by representing our members, and empowering and supporting them with skills in advocacy, leadership and communications."
Dear PTA Community,
We are entering a frightening and difficult time; the new political climate has enabled those with hateful views to feel more comfortable expressing them openly. We are already hearing that hate crimes and hate speech are on the rise throughout our nation, even in our own extended community. For our children and their families who are of color, immigrants, LGBTQ, Muslim, female, Latina/o, disabled, and from any other number of communities, the danger and fear are very real.
In this time when hatefulness is on the rise, we call on all our members to join with the Berkeley PTA Council in affirming our key mission: to build strong communities for ALL of our children and their families.
The PTA is many things to many people, but at our core we are an activist organization. We are one of the few organizations with the reach and distinct purpose of organizing our communities for the betterment of us ALL. In challenging times like these, it is our role to support those in our community, whether they are members or not, and to remind them that the PTA is more than fundraising and fairs.
Please be proactive in reaching out to your school community, reminding them that we are here for them and that PTA meetings are a safe space. Make sure that they know we are their allies. Let us be ready to be a clearinghouse for resources to help our students and their families to understand what is happening and what is available to them for help, should the need arise.
The next few years are likely to be challenging for this country. While we are somewhat fortunate to live in a community and state that supports diversity and all that means, we cannot become complacent or smug. The PTA is an organization built to support the community, particularly our youngest and most vulnerable. We are here to help you all as we progress and hope you will help us, as well. We’re all in this together to build strong communities for ALL of our children and their families.
Yours,
Board of Directors, Berkeley PTA Council
Christine Staples, Council President
Ramona Coates, Council Diversity and Inclusion
Tom Killilea, Council Communications
Tracy Hollander, Council Legislative Advocacy
Maria Rohlsson, Council Secretary
Mimi Pulich, Council Treasurer