By Shereen Walter, California State PTA President

“…it is crucial for all of us to give new meaning to the word ‘tolerance’ and understand that our ability to value each and every person is the ethical basis for peace, security and intercultural dialogue. 

“A peaceful future depends on our everyday acts and gestures.  Let us educate for tolerance in our schools and communities, in our homes and workplaces and, most of all, in our hearts and minds.” –Federico Mayor, Director-General of UNESCO (from his address at the dedication of the Museum of Tolerance, February 8, 1993)

These words clearly resonate with our California State PTA mission to positively impact the lives of all children and families. That was the conclusion of the PTA leaders, staff members, and unit leaders from around the state who participated in a two day “Tools for Tolerance” program at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles at the end of May, 2024.

I was deeply affected by the experience and I know the same was true for everyone else who attended. My conundrum was how to adequately share it with all of you.

How could I summarize what each individual person learned, felt, or internalized during our recent training?  How could I bring each person’s experience alive for the reader?  How do we collectively convey our gratitude for the care and thought that went into the facilitation and design of this very powerful experience?

I decided the best choice was to use the words of the PTA leaders who participated. Here was our experience!

“The Museum had a wonderful program with two facilitators, time in the museum to experience the exhibits, a consultant to walk us through some equity program design, and my favorite, two guest speakers – a Holocaust survivor and…the daughter of an interned Japanese family whose paths intertwine with a Hispanic family subject to racial segregation…the Mendez family of the landmark Mendez v. Westminster case that resulted in school desegregation in California seven years before Brown v. Board of Education.” – Heather Ippolito, President-Elect

The Experience Delivered Personal Impacts

“We had time to reflect—together, in small groups and as a whole—on all that we were experiencing and how we can move our organization forward using this information.” – Heather Ippolito, President-Elect

“Beyond the history lesson that is taught through imagery in the Museum, the first-person survivor’s narrative defines not only that one moment in history but the on-going challenges society faces each and every day.” – Barbara Smith, VP of Communications

“The content is extremely relevant to the work we do and our current state of the world, and it has moved me to be more empathetic and understanding towards others that might share different beliefs, interests, or views…Walking through the exhibits to hear the tragic history of the Holocaust gave us just a glimpse of the experience, and while it was emotional and horrific, it is so necessary to learn and understand the depths of this history in order to move forward and operate in a lens of love and empathy that is free from hate, discrimination, and bias. I believe this program is necessary for any person that considers themselves a leader, whether an educator, administrator, youth serving institution, or mentor.” – Lydia Vi, Communications and Marketing Manager

“The MOT experience was a powerful reminder of how far we have yet to journey to truly understand, respect and treat everyone as they would want to be treated. While firmly rooted in the Holocaust, their updated exhibits bring home that we have struggled to make progress in our goals of trying to promote inclusion and access for all and the elimination of stereotypes and group think about individuals who may appear different than we are. I really enjoyed the weaving of the “Me to We” training that Emily brought to us along with some very foundational ways for us to start to work through the issues.” – Will Sanford, VP of Convention

“The interactive workshops with Emily were invaluable. She provided an open platform for us to communicate and discuss our opinions as a group. It was important to know that some of my colleagues felt the same way I did. Since everyone comes from different backgrounds, it was heartwarming to see how we all came together in mutual understanding on these matters.” – Kellianne Saephan, Development and Programs Assistant

We Saw Clear Implications for Children and Schools

“I loved the Social Justice Standards* we learned about that provide a framework for anti-bias education at every grade level for our students.  This learning should be incorporated in all schools.” – Shereen Walter, President

“Attending this event made me realize how my school experiences made me feel like I didn’t belong because I didn’t look or act “Mexican enough” like other students did. I never fully understood the depth of that impact until the workshops provided a space for reflection and discussion. Despite not holding a grudge against my past, acknowledging these feelings was an eye-opening experience. It highlighted the importance of providing students with an educational experience that fosters understanding and prevents stereotyping.

Creating an environment where students feel safe and accepted is crucial. By being honest with them and providing a “brave spot” where they can openly share their thoughts and experiences, we can help prevent feelings of exclusion and promote a more inclusive atmosphere in schools. It all starts with educating the children.” – Jacqueline Flores, Communications and Marketing Coordinator

We Explored Ways to Strengthen Community

“I particularly appreciated the idea of Beloved Communities. It was an elegant articulation of my own hopes for the betterment of all human interactions that constitute our communities and institutions. I also appreciated the tools provided to help build scaffolding so that such communities can be constructed.” – Jonathan Schultz, IT Manager

“Hearing the testimonials of a Holocaust Survivor and a family member of those that were interned in California reminds us about the importance of hearing and telling stories that help impact and inspire those around us. It reminds us that history can be tough, but that the human spirit is resilient and can bring us together to continue to bring positive change. I loved the “Platinum Rule” – “Treat others how they want to be treated.” Communicate and ask community members how they want to be treated so you can be respectful and lead with respect.” – Eric Thompson, Reflections Chair

“I learned a lot about myself, my colleagues, and the many difficult realities that face our students and schools in our modern and complex society. I am leaving inspired by the framework for social justice that was presented. I truly believe it can greatly improve our public education system and that we need to be active stewards of this important work.” – Casey Becker, Director of Development and Programs

“The program not only taught me the importance of tolerance and empathy but also inspired me to think about how we, as PTA members and leaders, can foster these values in our community.” – Kellianne Saephan, Development and Programs Assistant

We Believe Everyone Would Benefit from This Experience

“The environment was welcoming and naturally encouraged participation.  This is an experience that would benefit all PTA leaders.” – Lauren Moffat, Parliamentarian, Pennekamp Elementary PTA

I would love to see all of our PTA leaders and members get to have this experience. If your unit, council or district PTA is interested in going through the Tools for Tolerance program at the Museum of Tolerance, please reach out to jyoung@museumoftolerance.com to see if you are eligible to participate (there is a 25 participant minimum).

To learn more about student tours and student-facing programs, visit this page. 

If you are interested in bringing your students to the museum, please call the Field Trip Coordinator at (310) 772-7639, or by emailing Kale Hinthorn (khinthorn@museumoftolerance.com) to further assist you. 

*Social Justice Standards: The Learning for Justice Anti-Bias Framework, Second Edition
© 2014-2022 The Southern Poverty Law Center, Inc.
https://www.learningforjustice.org/sites/default/files/2022-09/LFJ-Social-Justice-Standards-September-2022-09292022.pdf