Virginia PTA Mission Statement

• To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children;

• To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children;

• To encourage parent and public involvement in the health, education and welfare of children

Virginia PTA Values

PTAs everywhere must understand and embrace the uniqueness of all individuals, appreciating that each contributes a diversity of views, experiences, cultural heritage/traditions, skills/abilities, values and preferences. When PTAs respect differences yet acknowledge shared commonalities uniting their communities, and then develop meaningful priorities based upon their knowledge, they genuinely represent their communities. When PTAs represent their communities, they gain strength and effectiveness through increased volunteer and resource support.

The recognition of diversity within organizations is valuing differences and similarities in people through actions and accountability. These differences and similarities include age, ethnicity, language and culture, economic status, educational background, gender, geographic location, marital status, mental ability, national origin, organizational position and tenure, parental status, physical ability, political philosophy, race, religion, sexual orientation, and work experience.

Therefore PTAs at every level must:

• Openly assess beliefs and practices to assure inclusiveness and guard against discrimination;
  

• Make every effort to create a PTA board and membership that is inclusive and reflective of its community;
  

• Encourage that all PTA activities at the school be planned by a committee which is representative of the population