GSA Agenda 11/1/10

Basic Info Dr. Z visit Make It Better! Safe Schools School Climate Survey Released Mix It Up Day!

"It Gets Better" video, Gene Robinson of New Hampshire The Anglican Communion's first openly gay Episcopal bishop, tells lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender kids that, despite what some might say, they are exactly the way God made them

Have You Heard About the Make It Better Project? The Make It Better Project is supported by a host of LGBT organizations and charities and is aimed at LGBT youth with the message that, yes, it does get better, but you don't have to wait. There are people out there wanting to help you to stop the bullying right here, right now; all you have to do is to reach out to them. For more information, and links to resources for LGBT teens, their parents, educators and straight advocates Visit the Make It Better Project WebsiteVisit the Make It Better Project Website

Safe Schools State(ment) Update GLSEN's Public Policy Associate, Alison Gill, gives updates about safe schools policies at the state and local level from Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

GLSEN Holds Congressional Briefing to Address LGBT Bullying In light of recent tragic deaths of students who suffered from anti-LGBT bullying and harassment, GLSEN held a congressional briefing on October 14th at the Dirken Senate Office Building as part of our continuing work to educate Congress about the need to pass federal legislation to protect all students.

This new report, the 2009 National School Climate Survey, documents the continuing crisis of anti-LGBT bias and harassment that shapes the experience of so many young people. It also points the way toward effective measures schools and educators can take that can offset the life-crippling effects of a hostile school environment. Recent events, and the glare of increased media attention, have made it painfully clear that more work needs to be done.

I am writing to you on behalf of the students and staff at Communities in Schools Lehigh Valley. We would like to invite the William Allen HS's Gay Straight Alliance to help us in "Breaking Down the Walls of Intolerance" on November 9, 2010 for National Mix It Up day. We love the idea that on "Mix It Up at Lunch Day", members of the school community can continue to help tear down the walls collectively, uniting as one. We have begun to review the materials on Teaching Tolerance.org (a project of the Sothern Poverty Law Center). We would like to invite GSA to a community outreach by participating in a Lunch Day Mixer at CIS. Can you as the GSA advisor and a few outstanding group members attend a pizza lunch at CIS from 10:45 to 11:45 AM on November 9, 2010?

Diversity LCTI Monday, October 18th, 2010 Monday, November 15th, 2010 Monday, December 20th, 2010 Monday, January 24th, 2011 Monday, February 28th, 2011 Monday, March 21st, 2011 Monday, April 18th, 2011 Monday, May 16th, 2011 LCTI, 2010/2011 Committee Meetings, Restaurant Conference Room (Unless otherwise noted) 2:15 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.