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Looking for ways to get more diversity in our Executive Board

I am going into my second year as President and am looking for any ideas that any of you have. We are trying to figuire out ways to get more diversity in our Executive Board. We all make jokes about it that we are all white women but it is a sad fact. We have 2 International Nights and do many "racially diverse" programs but we just can't seem to get over the stigma that the board is "clickish" and that it is only for women. So what ideas have any of you used to not only get more involvment but to also get a more diverse crowd? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Tags: diversity

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Permalink Reply by Carissa Dollar on July 24, 2010 at 10:17pm

I think we do a decent job of having a diverse executive board.

Three years ago we had a Hispanic president, 2 men, and 3 white moms.
Two years ago we had 2 men, 3 white moms and a mom with an Indian background.
Last year we had 3 men and 3 white moms.
This year we have 2 white moms, 1 man, one AA mom and one AA grandmother. Still trying to fill one officer position.

Have you personally approached people? Personal invitations are HUGE. Maybe just asking people to give a meeting a try would be a step towards them doing more?

Take the time to talk to people at events and make them feel welcome. Make sure the current board isn't standing around chatting as people come in to meetings or events to help get beyond that "cliquish" feel. Get out there and greet people.

Try just getting to know people on the playground or on a field trip. Ask someone out to coffee. If you can make a connection with people away from PTA work, you can slowly try to work them into doing little things to help. If you can find something small that fits for them, then you can maybe work them up to more responsibility later.

Talk to teachers and find out who comes and helps in their classroom or goes on field trips. Who do they think might be good to approach?

Talk to people you think might be good candidates and ask them what it would take to get them more involved.

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Permalink Reply by Brenda Drummer Martin on July 25, 2010 at 1:07pm

Michelle, When you have one of your "racially diverse" programs, do you have "conversations" with diverse attendants beyond "hello"? Consider telling some of those parents (one-on-one at one of those programs...) how you are trying to diversify your board and you noticed that they are Supportive in these programs, and that you wish he/she would consider joining your board (and when/how often it meets of course). Share an Insecurity you might have felt when you were a new president last year! Tell them that their opinions and perspectives are needed and are Important to you, the board, and the school as "We are all here for All children." I Praise your effort and would like to remind you that diversity also includes a parent of Special Needs student, etc. (Smile) Please keep us posted.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Jesse on August 7, 2010 at 8:22pm

I try to speak to everyone as much as possible. With very few volunteers I usually end up working the tables we have so I don't get to speak to ANYONE much and I hate it. With new students coming in this year I am hoping we will get some new people attending and volunteering to free me up to actually speak with everyone. We do have one parent on our board that has a special needs child which we are glad about since we only have a few special needs children in our school. We have one man and he is the principle of the school so no actual parents that are men.

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Permalink Reply by Brenda Drummer Martin on August 12, 2010 at 7:36am

I see. Sounds like you are putting in a lot of Effort! Just don't give up. Many of our units with few workers are burning out the leadership. Maybe you can try having a little thank you note that you have typed and only have to add the name and give to each worker after their first volunteer experience. That way you can some of things above that you do not have time to say to each person. Maybe tape a piece of candy, or flower, or attach inside a blank thank you card. Good luck... keep sharing the challenges....you are not alone...