|
Free GSA Conference at Yale University
Yale University's Fierce Fierce Advocates wo uld like to invite all New Haven area GSAs, diversity clubs and interested students to it's first annual Generation Equality Conference.Being held on Saturday, December 4th from 9:00am - 3:30pm, there will be workshops, caucuses, a theater performance and time to network. Lunch will be provided.For more information or to register email Kati Moug or Fierce Advocates.
|
Successful
SAFE Trainings Continue
Just last week we held a very successful SAFE (Schools Are For Everyone) Training through our partnership with ADL, True Colors, and the Governor's Prevention Partnership Program held at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England's training site. For more information on the SAFE training click here. If you'd like to have the SAFE trainers come to your school or district, please e-mail Leif Mitchell.
|
"We're Here, We're Queer!"
Join GLSEN's Research Department and the National Collaboration for Youth for their next upcoming webinar
Thursday, December 16th from 3:00pm-3:45pm.
For LGBT youth, being able to be out or open about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity at school may not only enhance their feelings of school belonging, but also contribute to healthy development and positive well-being. Yet, being out may also be related to increased vulnerability at school.
This webinar will present findings from the 2009 National School Climate Survey on how being out in school is related to in-school harassment and assault, psychological well-being, and attachment to school.
If you have missed any other webinars from the GLSEN Research Department's fall webinar series you may view them here.
|
|
GLBT History Month Posters Still Available  Increasing the visibility of LGBT historical figures in school curriculum is a great way to make your school climate safer and more inclusive.
GLSEN and the Equality Forum produced a wonderful resource for GLBT History month, which was in October. If you would like to receive this poster and resource materials - which can absolutely be used all year long - just email Liane Roseman with your name and school information. We'd be happy to send some to you. |
Thank you for taking our survey!
Thanks to all of you who took our Membership Satisfaction Survey! We appreciate the time you spent. The data we've gathered will be a great help as we plan for the future and strengthen our chapter even further. And congratulations to the three lucky winners who will be receiving their $50.00 Amazon gift certificates very soon!
|
|
Greetings!
With Thanksgiving around the corner, our thoughts have turned reflective. This has been a fall filled with extremes, and emotions ranging from despair to hope.
The wave of horrific tragedies has certainly garnered significant media response, and increased public awareness of the plight of our LGBT youth. Yet we know there are many more unreported losses, and so many LGBT students suffering. Please remember that it is never too late to help make things better! Closer to home we have been busy at conferences, trainings and workshops around the state. Every heart we touch and mind we open moves us further along the path toward safe schools for ALL students. We are inspired by your willingness to get into the trenches with us, and want to reiterate that support and resources from GLSEN Connecticut are always just an email away. We will take an extra moment this Thursday to remember each student who felt there was no way out, and to send love to their families and the communities that are still reeling. Our resolve is stronger than ever to make Connecticut's school climates safe. And because this movement needs all of us, please accept our heartfelt thanks and endless appreciation for your energy and support.Peace,
|
|
Resources To Improve School Climate for Transgender Students
|
|
Our New Student Leadership Team Has Been Created
Dear Students, Teachers and Allies,
I am excited to inform you that Layne Gianakos, our Student Coordinator, and I have selected eight bright, enthusiastic high school students to form GLSEN Connecticut's Jump-Start Student Leadership Team for this school year. While we sought to create a team of students with diverse interests and locations, each student chosen has already made a difference in their school communities. Efforts range from being president of their GSA to creating anti-bullying educational events in their school and lots more.
In a few weeks we will hold our first Leadership training with our student team. We look forward to building our first annual student summit on safe school issues this coming spring.
Jump-Start is one of many ways for Connecticut high school students to become more involved in making schools safe for LGBT youth. We welcome student volunteers to help us with various events around the state, and students are welcome to attend our monthly Board meetings. We will open applications for next year's student leaders in the fall of 2011. Please contact me if you want to pursue any of these ideas.
Thank you for spreading the word about this exciting program. All the candidates were of the highest caliber, and GLSEN Connecticut congratulates the eight chosen student leaders. Thank you all for your continued support of our work and the important work we are all doing in our schools. We look forward to building this program in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Alberto Cifuentes, Jr.
Adult Coordinator, Jump-Start Student Leadership Team
|
|
Start Your Planning Now
As hard as it is to believe, January will be here before we know it. Now is the time to plan your activities for No Name Calling Week. Resources are available here.
And, as always, you may apply for a FREE No Name Calling Week Kit from GLSEN Connecticut - they sell for $125.00. One of the most important aspects of our application is making sure that you can show demonstrated Principal support for both the goals and activities of No Name Calling Week. So, make sure to talk to your administration and get those applications in before the holidays.
|
A Note from our GSA Coordinator
Hello GSA Friends and Advisors!
The school year has certainly gotten off to a busy start. I'm glad to have received updated contact information from so many of you. We'll be in touch soon about creating a network so we can all stay connected and invigorate each other. The tragic events of the fall are certainly still on the minds of so many of us. We're glad to hear that many schools took advantage of Ally Week last month to continue raising awareness about the need for schools to be safe and accepting for all students, as well as to increase the number of visible Allies in our schools. And hats off to those stalwart Allies who have always made their presence known! Ally Week is something that can take place anytime throughout the school year; it doesn't necessarily have to occur during the scheduled dates. Many schools adapt the timing to suit their needs. How could it ever be the wrong time to thank those LGBT allies that support your school?
I just learned some inspiring ideas from SAGA (Straight And Gay Alliance) Advisor, Angie Catalano, from Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk, and asked her if I could pass these along - maybe they will help you!
Make daily announcements during Ally Week using the PA system or whatever your administration will allow. Offer to make the announcements yourself or find someone who would like to do it.
Make a GLBT History Exhibit for Public Display. Angie's group called theirs, "History Has Set the Record a Little Too Straight," and showed pictures of LGBT people in history along with short bios. Even though GLBT History Month was in October, increasing the presence of LGBT figures in school curriculum is valuable at any time.
Create your own School Climate Survey. Yes, this is a big step. This is something to consider if you feel you can generate enough faculty allies lined up in support of this idea first, and if you are prepared to develop a comprehensive presentation of the idea to your administration.
Maybe one of these ideas will inspire you. Maybe your school or GSA isn't yet ready for some of these. And maybe you can mold a better idea for YOUR school.
Thanks, Angie! And to the rest of you out there "working it," share what you are doing - every action makes a difference.
GSA Coordinator
|
|
Volunteers Needed!
We are always looking for energetic volunteers - both student and adult! Whatever your skills, interests and available time I'm sure we can find a match with our needs. Any amount of time you have will be put to good use. Just
|
GLSEN Connecticut is a member of Community Works of Connecticut, a progressive workplace giving program.
| |
|
Please Note: This electronic message from GLSEN Connecticut contains information and opinions deemed relevant to ending anti-LGBT bias in schools and other items which may be of interest to the LGBT community and its valued allies. Not all opinions expressed are those of GLSEN Connecticut. | |
|
LGBT must also be protected and supported. Many 
