This month, we had the privilege of participating in the “Foundations of Social Justice” diversity, equity and inclusion workshop led by the insightful Ilsa Govan. The session offered transformative perspectives on dismantling inequities and building a culture of belonging within our schools and community. Below are the core themes and actionable reflections to guide us forward:

Key Themes From the Workshop

1. Unlearning Prejudices to Build Equity
The journey toward social justice begins with unlearning the biases and narratives we may unconsciously carry. These internalized preconceptions often hinder inclusion and equity. Ilsa reminded us of the importance of questioning fear-driven assumptions, urging us to ask, “Am I really in danger?” and to resist climbing the “ladder of fear.”

2. Representation and Accountability
A profound takeaway was: “I am a member of this group, but I am representing me.” This underscores the complexity of intersectional identities. It’s essential to create space for individuals to express their authentic selves while also addressing systemic inequities.

3. Applying an Equity Lens
Equity begins with critical self-inquiry:

• What does it mean to apply an equity lens?
• How can our policies, practices and interactions ensure all voices are valued?

Recognizing how race intersects with other social identities is vital for creating meaningful change.

Practical Strategies for Social Justice

1. Model Vulnerability in Leadership
Vulnerability is a cornerstone of trust and connection. Leaders are encouraged to ask, “Do I create a safe space for others, or do I unintentionally cause shame?” By embracing vulnerability, we normalize shared experiences and build genuine relationships that foster belonging.

2. Prioritize Collective Care and Co-Creation
Ilsa emphasized the power of collective care—supporting one another intentionally to strengthen our community. Mistakes are a natural part of learning, and avoiding important conversations out of fear only perpetuates exclusion. True inclusion emerges from co-creating solutions and challenging systems that perpetuate inequities.

3. Listen to Understand, Not to Rebut
Active listening is the foundation of authentic engagement. Instead of listening to critique or respond, we are encouraged to listen to understand. By avoiding the “predatory listener” mindset and fostering curiosity, we can navigate difficult topics—like race and privilege—with respect and openness.

Creating Cultural Connections

The workshop concluded with actionable ideas for embracing cultural diversity and fostering community, such as:

• Hosting cultural potlucks to build connections.
• Sharing cultural knowledge and traditions.
• Creating spaces that honor complex and intersectional identities.

These efforts enrich collective understanding and promote inclusivity at every level.

Final Reflections

This workshop reminded us that building equity begins with small, intentional actions. As a community, we have the opportunity to:

• Unlearn what holds us back.
• Apply an equity lens to reimagine possibilities.
• Lead with authenticity and vulnerability.

Together, we can create a society where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. Let’s move forward with courage, compassion and collective purpose, continuing this vital work together.

Warm regards,
Zahra Eslami & Mansi M. Majeed
LWPTSA Council DEI Committee Chairs

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Reflecting on the DEI Workshop: Foundations of Social Justice

Building Bridges, Not Walls

The path to social justice demands more than acknowledgment—it calls for the courage to gather in our diversity, to truly hear one another’s stories, and to co-create solutions rooted in empathy and shared humanity. Is it challenging? Certainly. Is it unattainable? Not when we commit to walking this journey together.

Our Recommendation:

Fuel meaningful conversations within your PTA by exploring these transformative resources:

• Foundations of Social Justice — Checklist for Schools (PDF)
• Dr. Caprice Hollins’ TEDx Talk: What White People Can Do to Move Race Conversations Forward

Our Vision:

Together, we can cultivate an inclusive and equitable tomorrow for future generations.

Let’s turn challenges into opportunities, conversations into actions, and diversity into unity. Together, we’re stronger.

Need Support?

We’re here to guide you:
Zahra Eslami & Mansi M. Majeed
LWPTSA Council DEI Co-Chairs
Diversity@LWPTSA.net