Otha Thornton, the newly installed president of the , wants to lead a more inclusive PTA, an organization sometimes stereotyped as catering to suburban moms.
Thornton, 45, the first African-American man to head the National PTA, said in an interview that the organization鈥檚 membership must become more diverse as it advocates on behalf of the nation鈥檚 children.
The National PTA will take a grassroots approach to diversify its membership, which will include attempting to set up more units in urban and rural communities, Thornton said. During the recent selection process for members at the national governance level, Thornton emphasized that the National PTA鈥檚 leaders needed to reflect the country鈥檚 ethnic and racial diversity. Last year, he noted that of the 1,087 state PTA board members, only 47 were Hispanic.
鈥淭hat really does not reflect our population,鈥� Thornton said. 鈥淲e want our audio to match our video.鈥�
A retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, Thornton plans to draw on his military experience to provide PTA members in every state with a clear vision and a disciplined message as they advocate for their children鈥檚 education. And although the PTA is nonpartisan, he also is calling on PTA members to invite elected officials to tour their schools so that lawmakers can see the education issues first hand.
鈥淲e need informed advocates at the table,鈥� he said. 鈥淟aws can be passed if we are not vigilant and well read.鈥�
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