Equanimity.  That has been my key word for these past few weeks. If you're not familiar with that word, please take a moment to Google it.  (Don't worry.  I don't use it often so I had to verify myself that I was using it in the right context!)

Why this key word, you ask?  Well, let's see.  When we pour over making the best decisions based on the information provided, and inevitably someone with less information or a different viewpoint angrily challenges us; when my Facebook feed fills with posts of hate and ridiculous conspiracy theories and the urge to click the "Un" button is almost overwhelming; when we spend precious time handling issues that stem from personality conflicts and the inabilities to work as a team - when our main desire is to spend that precious time focused on helping children and families in our communities have better opportunities.....those are the times when I needed equanimity.  Calm. Composure. Peace.

This may sound like a rant, but in actuality it's an insight.  No matter how chaotic our days become, no matter what the situation presents, no matter how difficult taking a stand may be, it's our responsibility as leaders to choose our reaction.  Indeed, choosing our response to these situations is the only thing we can control. I read once:  "Successfully functioning in a society with diverse values, traditions and lifestyles requires us to have a relationship to our own reactions, rather than be captive of them."   Robert Kegan

As we approach the time when we begin to focus on what we're thankful for, I wish for someone to be thankful for the way I handled a difficult situation, or a kind word I said when it wasn't expected.  The impression we leave as we speak to others leaves an indelible mark.  We will always have those that challenge us, disagree with us and take our focus away from our goals.  That's our opportunity to take a deep breath, smile and remember why we signed up for this.  We're going to make a difference and give so many others something to be thankful for.

I'm most thankful for you.

You are cordially invited to attend the ALL Children Are OUR Children State Summit !  In keeping with our long history of advocating for the physical and emotional well-being of every child, Florida PTA has reached out to state agencies, community organizations, and school districts to work collaboratively in this endeavor.

On  Saturday, December 3rd , the Florida PTA  ALL Children Are OUR Children State Summit  will build on this effort by bringing together PTA leaders, educators, and experts from around the state to explore how we can better support our state's most vulnerable students through resources and programs designed the strengthen families and support all children.  This event will be held at Middleton High School in Tampa.

 

For years, Latha has led efforts in Florida to engage families and the community to advocate on ballot measures, host candidate forums and encourage greater civic engagement across the community. Latha explains the civic duty PTA members regarding elections in a  One Voice guest blog.

 

She recently hosted a candidate forum for contested state legislative, county commission and sheriff races in partnership with Kids Voting Broward and the League of Women Voters. Latha and two students sat on the panel and asked the candidates questions on their education platforms and how to involve more families in their child's education. The forum was later aired on a local television station.  Click here to view the recording. 

Thank you, Latha, for continuing to advocate for children!

Charmain Postel

Membership Chair