Dear GSA Activist,
Our movement keeps growing! There are currently 685 GSAs registered in CA! As well as 4 new member states of the National Association!
In this issue of GSA Network News we welcome two fabulous employees: Jackie Downing is our new Communications and Development Manager and Monica Ann Arrambide is our new Program Director.
We also focus on the upcoming YES conference in Northern California, check in on the Q Camp of the Inland Empire, and much more!
In solidarity,
GSA Network
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GSA Network Highlight: 1st Annual Q Camp in the Inland Empire a Huge Success
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1st Annual Q Camp, Co-Sponsored by GSA Network and Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance, a Huge Success
GSA Network and Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance (RPYA), a center for LGBTQ and straight ally youth based in San Bernardino, collaborated to host
the first Q Camp for LGBT and ally youth in the Inland Empire counties
of San Bernardino and Riverside. Over 35 youth from as far away as La
Quinta, San Bernardino, Corona, Moreno Valley, and Menifee attended the
intensive 3 day camp that provided leadership training in many areas of
GSA activism as well as workshops on developing positive body image,
learning healthy communication skills, and how to build strong
friendships. Q Camp is part of GSA Network's commitment to supporting
the growth and development of empowered youth activists throughout
California. Organizing a camp for LGBT and straight ally youth in
Southern California's Inland Empire is an important step in providing
leadership opportunities for GSA youth activists outside of Los Angeles.
Q Camp presented a great partnership between GSA Network and RPYA that
drew upon the strengths of both organizations. GSA Network provided the
curriculum for workshops such as How to Have a Kick Ass GSA, Know Your
Legal Rights, and Race, Power, and Privilege. 
All GSA workshops were led by GSA Network Youth Trainers Bay Nguyen (Garden Grove High), Cynthia Schroder (I-Poly High), Leonor Bautista (Huntington Park High), Nik Cardona (San Andres High), and Richard Avlies (Foshay Learning Center). Maggie Hawkins and Amanda Weil, RPYA staff, organized all logistical details for Q Camp including raising funds for the free camp, recruiting college aged leaders, and presenters for other workshops.
Collaborations such as Q Camp present an opportunity for GSA Network to
develop the skills of youth throughout California, connect them with
local organizations that can provide day to day support, and create the
structures needed to fight homophobia and transphobia in every school.
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GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS
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1. Youth Empowerment Summit DEC. 6th! Register Now!
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**Featuring Special Guest DJ: B-Somebody from SF's The Crib!**
**Featuring Keynote Speakers: Phyllis Lyon and Tom Ammiano!**
Saturday, December 6 - San Francisco, CA
 YES is
a FREE conference for LGBTQQI youth activists and their allies who are
dedicated to defeating homophobia and transphobia, and creating safe,
supportive schools for everyone. The target audience is high school and
middle school students, teachers, GSA advisors and the community. The
YES conference is a chance for LGBTQQI and straight ally youth to
network and enjoy free workshops on activism and topics related to
queer life.
Register Now! For presenter and community table fair info, please contact Kiely Hosmon at [email protected] or call 415-552-4229.
Who: LGBTQQI youth activists and their allies
Where: Everett Middle School, 450 Church Street, San Francisco,CA
When: Saturday, December 6, 2007 - 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Cost: FREE, including breakfast and lunch!
What else: The after-YES dance, 5-8pm!!
** Phyllis Lyon: Phyllis Lyon came to San Francisco and the Bay Area in 1953 with her partner Del Martin. In 1955 they started the first social and political organization for lesbians called the Daughters of Bilitis. Also, with Del, joined the National Organization for Women (NOW) and was the first lesbian couple to do so. The couple also worked with now Senator Dianne Feinstein to defeat discrimination in employment for gays and lesbians. They have been historical icons and role models for the LGBT community. Phyllis continues to support and work tirelessly for it today.
** Tom Ammiano: Tom Ammiano, another historical figure in the LGBT community, first started his career in 1977 against the Briggs Initiative, to ban all gay people from teaching in California. He worked closely with fellow activists Hank Wilson and Harvey Milk. He also received support from Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. In 1990 he was first elected to the San Francisco Board of Education and was President in 1992. He is now a member-elect of the California State Assembly, District 13, and set to be sworn in December 2008.
If you are a general volunteer or an ASL interpreter contact: kielyormonica
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2. GSA Network Welcomes New Staff!
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Program Director:
Monica Ann Arrambide has over 15 years of queer activism
experience, including 7 years as Director of Programming
for the sixth largest LGBT Center in the US. She opened
the first LGBT Youth Drop-in Center on the central coast
of Califiornia. She also re-established the Texas GSA Network. Monica was awarded the Lauren Wyeth Award for
her work with LGBT youth and the Pacific Pride Foundation
Award for her years of work with queer communities in
central California. She is a proud owner of a 5-pound
Chihuahua who is the sparkle of her eye. She has retired
from being an Elvis impersonator and from time to time
you can catch her curl her lip and swing her hips. She
was born a Texan and will always be a Texan no matter
where she lives!!! GO TEXAS GO!!
Development and Communications Manager:
Jackie Downing grew up in Massachusetts, where she started a Gay-Straight Alliance a t her high school in 1998. A graduate of Oberlin College, Jackie's work history includes nonprofit fundraising, special event organizing, communications, volunteer coordination, direct action and group facilitation (she has led workshops in nonviolent communication, conflict resolution and anti-oppression since 1999). Before joining GSA Network, Jackie was the Co-Director of World Bridges, a youth empowerment organization in Oakland, CA. Jackie is a long-time member of SOA Watch, an international human rights organization, where she has promoted accessibility, diversity and multicultural change. She also works with legendary Chicana activist and educator Betita Martinez. Jackie is the recipient of the 2001 Howard R. Swearer National Student Humanitarian Award which is given annually to five U.S. students in recognition of outstanding grassroots humanitarian work. Jackie lives in Emeryville with her partner, Anita Anderson and their mischievous cat, Oliver.
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3. GSA Network's National Association welcomes 4 more states!
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The National Association of GSA Networks, which is coordinated by National
Program Manager Danielle Askini, is pleased to welcome four new states to
the National Association: Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.
The National Association of GSA Networks provides support to statewide GSA Networks operating around the nation. Earlier this year, Alabama and New Jersey also joined. These six states represent a large growth for the Association, which now has 25 member states, or 50% of the states in the US!
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4. Ventura County GSA Summit! Jan 31, 2009
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As part of our mission to empower youth activists, we are holding GSA Leadership trainings throughout Southern California. GSA Network will be holding a FREE leadership summit for GSA activists in Ventura County on Saturday, January 31st from 10am to 5pm at the offices of Ventura County Rainbow Alliance in Ventura. We are asking all youth who wish to attend to pre-register through our Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/socalgsanetwork or by emailing us at [email protected]. Youth who attend will: -Learn how to Have a Kick Ass GSA! - Connect with other GSAs throughout Ventura County! - Gain leadership skills! RSVP BY 1/16/09
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5. LGBT Inclusive Curriculum at Your School?
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Are You Interested in having LGBT Inclusive Curriculum at your School?GSA Network's Statewide Advocacy Program is excited to announce the creation of a statewide working group for developing a LGBT Inclusive Curriculum Campaign in schools. The Statewide Advocacy Council is looking for youth who would like to be involved in developing the campaign materials and willing to develop a campaign at your school to try out the new materials. This working group will be hosted by the Statewide Advocacy Council, a group of 15 youth from across California, who focus the priorities of the Advocacy work of GSA Network. If interested, please contact t. aaron hans at [email protected] or call 415.552.4229.
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6. 2008 Preventing School Harrassment Survey
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Take the 2008 Preventing School Harassment Survey
Deadline is Dec. 9th!
We
need your help! You can make a difference in only 20 minutes by
improving our understanding of safety and discrimination in our schools.
If
you are a student, you can help by filling out the survey yourself and
promoting participation among your friends, classmates, and student
groups. Take the survey online now!
In
partnership with the Gay-Straight Alliance Network, the California Safe
Schools Coalition is surveying high school and middle school students
across California -- with a focus on LGBT students -- to learn more
about safety, discrimination, and harassment in schools. The 2008
Preventing School Harassment Survey is a vital tool for local and
statewide efforts to make schools safer for all students by ending
discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender
identity.
Please take the survey online today!
For
this effort to be successful, we need hundreds of participants from
schools all across California. You can help by getting your friends,
classmates, GSA and other student groups to participate. It only takes
about 20 minutes to complete the survey.
Go to
www.casafeschools.org to take the survey online or download a hard copy
of the survey. If you have any questions, please contact us at (415)
552-4229 or [email protected]. |
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7. Volunteer for the YES Conference!
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The Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) is fast approaching and the conference needs your help!
We're
expecting over 400+ students, community members, teachers, and GSA
advisors to attend the YES conference which means we need volunteers to
help out.
If you'd like to volunteer some of your time, please contact Kiely at [email protected] for a volunteer registration form.
We have multiple shifts so start thinking about which one works best for you:
7-10 am 9 am-noon noon-3 pm 3-6 pm
Adults 21 & over may chaperone the dance: 5-8 pm
Clean up: 8-9 pm
Volunteers will get free breakfast, lunch, and dinner!!
So come out and help your community and volunteer a portion of your time.
Contact Kiely at [email protected] or at 415.552.4229.
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8. GSA Site Visits! GSA Network Staff can visit your GSA
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Is your GSA running out of ideas for meetings? Is it lacking members?
Does your GSA want a peer-led training on pretty much anything GSA
related? Or do you just want someone cool and totally fun to come and
sit in on your meeting and share resources?
Well then time to contact the GSA Network!
Here
at GSA Network there are 3 Program Coordinators for every region of
CA (Kiely, Daniel, and Robin) that would love to come and visit your
GSA and provide resources, feedback, or your own personalized mini
training!
Due to budget and time restraints, program
coordinators can only travel a certain distance. However, if we can't
make it to your school because it's too far, we're more than happy to
answer any questions by phone or email. We love talking with GSA
members!
And our mini trainings are freakin' awesome! These
trainings are youth led, so what's better than learning about GSA
organizing from another experienced GSA member?
So if you want
to be like all the cool youth who are doing it, be sure to contact your
local GSA Network Program Coordinator today!
Northern California
For more info contact [email protected] or call 415-552-4229
Central Valley
For more info contact [email protected] or call 559-268-2780
Southern California
For more info contact [email protected] or call 213-482-4021
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9. FREE ride to YES for Sac Students!
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The Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center has acquired a large bus and wants YOU to fill the seats. This bus will be transporting Sacramento students to the Youth Empowerment Summit in San Francisco.
For more information about time and location please contact Enrique at 916.442.0185 or at [email protected]. They need to fill 30 bus seats so start calling and emailing Enrique!
And don't forget to REGISTER! Please do that here: www.gsanetwork.org/yes
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10. Re-Register your GSA!
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Keep your club registered! Get new resources & stay informed!!
Before
you plan any events for your GSA, remember to register or re-register
your group with the GSA Network. Do it NOW to make sure you receive our
student resource sheets, FREE posters, other resources, and
notifications of future GSA Network or LGBT-related events. (Mailings
will go out only to California GSAs in middle and high schools.)
Register online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php
If you have any questions or concerns contact:
[email protected] |
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11. GSA Network Recap: Filing a Complaint
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Unfortunately, in the wake of the passing of Proposition 8, we have been hearing from youth, parents and other organizers about an increase in harassment and discrimination towards LGBT students in schools all across California.
While we hope that you are not experiencing this, we also want to let you know that if you are, you are NOT alone. Please, contact us if you need support, want to know what your rights are, or want to create a campaign to change the climate at your school.
You have the right to file a complaint if you are being harassed at your school. You can ask for a complaint form in the main office or find one on the district website, and if they don't have one, write your own one up. You need to document and keep copies of EVERYTHING! You want to make sure that the following is covered in your complaint form:
Start by saying that you are filing a complaint based on discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression, under the uniformed complaint procedures.
-Make sure to include the five W's: Who, What, Where, When, and Witnesses.
-Make 3 copies of the complaint - turn them into the principal, the superintendent of your district (or the person responsible for complaints at the district level) and keep a copy for yourself.
-Take notes each and every time you talk to somebody about the compliant.
-Lastly, follow up with them about your complaint to see what they are doing about it (we recommend giving them a week or so, but make sure that you have a follow up conversation). You can take others with you to this conversation: a parent, an adult you trust, or even other students.
Here are the critical time restrictions:
You have 6 months from the date of the incident to file a complaint.
Once you have filed a complaint, the school has 60 days to resolve and report to you what has happened.
If you are unsatisfied with the outcome, than you have 15 days to appeal to the California Department of Education.
Lastly, if you are in "imminent danger" (you are experiencing violence or threat of physical violence) than you can call the California Department of Education and file a complaint directly with them. Call Toni Valadez at 916.445.9174 or email her at [email protected].
If you are interested in or are filing a complaint at your school, please contact t. aaron hans, Advocacy Program Manager at GSA Network, [email protected] or 415.552.4229.
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OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
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GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events,
resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not
sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views
and opinions of GSA Network. |
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NATIONAL
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12. National Student Protest Dec. 3rd.
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Organized on Facebook:
On December 3rd there will be a NATIONWIDE student protest against Prop 8.
Spread the word to Gay-Straight Alliance groups so that they are aware of it!
Go to the following facebook page for more info:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=99329430393
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13. Queer Musical: "Were the World Mine" now in Theaters
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If you had a love-potion, who would you make fall madly in love with you?
After an award-winning turn on the film festival circuit, WERE THE WORLD MINE kicks up its heels in movie theaters across the country.
WERE THE WORLD MINE
A musical dream come true
Timothy escapes his dismal high school reality through dazzling musical daydreams. But when his eccentric teacher casts him as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, he stumbles upon a recipe hidden in the script and creates a truly magical purple love-pansy. Armed with the enchanted flower, Timothy imposes a new reality by turning much of his narrow-minded town gay -- beginning with the rugby-jock of his dreams... Ensnaring family, friends and enemies in this heart-wrenching chaos, Timothy forces them to walk a mile in his musical shoes.
Trailer & Complete Theater Listings available at:
http://www.weretheworldminefilm.com/
http://www.myspace.com/weretheworldmine
Opening Friday, November 21st:
San Francisco, CA - Opera Plaza Cinema (601 Van Ness Avenue)
Berkeley, CA - Shattuck Cinemas (2230 Shattuck Avenue)
New York, NY - Cinema Village (22 East 12th Street)
Opening Friday, December 5th:
Boston, MA - Kendall Square Cinema (One Kendall Square)
San Diego, CA - Ken Cinema (4061 Adams Avenue)
Opening Friday, December 12th:
Los Angeles, CA - Laemmle's Sunset 5 (8000 Sunset Boulevard)
Washington, D.C. - E Street Cinema (555 11th Street NW)
Chicago, IL - Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Avenue)
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14. One Voice: Reproductive Health and Population Summit
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One Voice: Reproductive Health and Population Summit Win a trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in the fourth annual One Voice: Reproductive Health and Population Summit Enter an essay contest for youth advocates co-sponsored by Advocates for Youth, Feminist Majority Foundation, SIECUS, and the Sierra Club! If you are interested in sexual and reproductive health and rights and in uniting local-to-global advocacy efforts around issues like international family planning, comprehensive sexuality education, gender equity and environmental protection, then the One Voice Summit is for you. With the upcoming shift of power in the Whitehouse, find out what YOU can do to take real action for the issues you care about! There is a direct connection between our health and the health of the planet. Today, more than one billion adolescents- the largest number ever- are entering their reproductive years. At the same time, we face an increasing lack of access to reproductive health information and services and pressing global challenges like water scarcity, global warming, and poverty. The choices this generation makes will have an impact on our world for years to come. We invite advocates ages 16-24 to tell us in an essay of no more than 500 words about the potential roles youth can play in advocating for a more just and sustainable world, where all people have access to sexual and reproductive health services and a healthy environment. Tell us how, if chosen to participate, you would use your experience from the One Voice Summit to create a year-long action plan that will make a difference on these issues in your school and/or community. To qualify, contestants must be between the ages of 16 and 24, currently reside in the United States, and demonstrate a passion to work on issues of sexual and reproductive health and rights and the environment. One reference is also required. The organizers will fly the winning contestants to Washington, D.C. for the One Voice Summit taking place February 6- 9, 2009. Accommodations and meals will also be covered. CONTEST DEADLINE ISMONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2008 at 5pm EST.For more information about the One Voice Summit or essay contest, please e-mail [email protected]To submit your contest entry, please email the following completed form and the text of your essay to: [email protected].
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15. Did a GSA Change Your Life?
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You could lend your voice to LGBTQ history and let the world know how your GSA has affected your life.
If you are a current high school or junior high student that is non-heterosexual and you have gone to at least one GSA meeting at your school, your experiences are invaluable to a graduate school study. You could lend your voice to LGBTQ history and let the world know how your GSA has affected your life.
The study is an anonymous Internet survey that takes about 20 minutes to complete. You can take the survey without parental permission and no one will ever contact you from the study. You can fill-in the survey by using this link: GSA Survey until the end of Dec.
If you have any questions about the survey, would like to receive a flyer advertising the study or want to receive the results once the study is complete, please feel free to email Nicole Hermann at the following address: [email protected]
And don't forget to spread the word at your next GSA meeting!
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16. Day of Pink
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The first Day of Pink was 'born' in 2007 when a gay youth in Nova Scotia
was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. Hundreds of his
classmates stood up to the discrimination by wearing pink shirts to
school.
Working with millions of youth across the world, Day of Pink
(www.DayOfPink.org ) promotes this international day of action (February 19, 2009), and includes FREE RESOURCES (posters, guidebooks, stickers...) and support for students, teachers, and administrators to get involved and make a difference.
All you need to do is this:
* Wear pink on February 19, 2009; and getting others to do the same
* Go to DayOfPink.org; download or order free posters, stickers and buttons to advertise the event.
* Register your school at DayOfPink.org to enter to win cool prizes.
* Find out how you can organize other diversity activities to make your Day of Pink POP.
* Donate to Day of Pink to support this international day of action
WOW: By getting involved you are also entered to win cool prizes like a
trip to Iceland or the Caribbean, and Sony digital cameras.
Should you have any questions, please contact Jeremy at:
www.jersvision.org
877.868.8292 x6486 |
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CA STATEWIDE
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17. Black LGBT Testimonials Sought
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With heightened tensions between the black and LGBT communities over Proposition 8, it's vital for people who are members of both communities to speak out. I'm seeking fellow black, openly LGBT volunteers (6 women, 6 men) for a short video to be posted online (Youtube, Myspace, etc.) as a response to Proposition 8. I'm also seeking LGBT families with black children willing to be featured in the video. more info: Tommy Roddy [email protected]
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NOR CAL
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18. Jewish Youth for Community Action! (Bay Area)
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Jewish Youth for Community Action!
Hey Teens!
Do you want to. . .
-make great friends with other teens who care about social justice?
-learn, build and practice leadership skills?
-explore the connections between Judaism and Activism?
Come to the JYCA Program Information Night
Sunday December 7th 7-9pm
1300 Grand Ave in Piedmont
(sorry parents- teens only)
We are seeking high school aged-teens to join our 2009 New Group!
JYCA is an innovative leadership training program dedicated to empowering Jewish youth and contributing to social justice. JYCA forms a tight-knit group in which everyone is respected for their individuality. All genders, sexualities, races, and abilities are welcomed and valued. Everyone's ideas are taken seriously, and enthusiastic participation is the norm.
Know anyone who might be interested?
Email [email protected]
For more info go to www.jyca-justice.org
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19. GLBT Historical Society exhibit Opens! (S.F.)
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Passionate Struggle: Dynamics of San Francisco's GLBT History
Featuring hundreds of artifacts and images from the GLBT Historical Society's extensive archives including:
-Founding documents from the earliest queer organizations
-Iconic objects such as Harvey Milk's personal effects and the sewing machine that made the first rainbow flags
-Photos and footage capturing everyday life and major episodes
-Scrapbooks, diaries, and art from individuals well-known and not
-Buttons, protest signs, fliers, and t-shirts from important events
Open every day from 11AM to 7PM (except major holidays). $3 admission.
For more information visit our website: http://www.glbthistory.org/passionate_struggle/index.html
Mailing Address:
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society
657 Mission St
Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94105
US
Contact Name: Paul Boneberg
Telephone Number: (415) 777-5455
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Central Valley
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20. Youth Alliance Meetings Fridays (Fresno)
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So Cal
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21. Youth Art Activism at Palm Springs Art Museum
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The Palm Springs Art Museum is hosting an event with Gay Associated Youth (GAY), the Coachella Valley's only organization working wih LGBT and straight ally youth, on Saturday December 20th from 10 am to 4pm.
The museum's Teen Art Group will work with members of the Museum and GAY to create an in gallery collaborative experience centered on viewing the works in the Keith Haring exhibition and responding through writing and personal interaction as a means of empowerment.
The exhibition presents work Keith Haring, who died from Aids at the age of 33, produced after his early mural and graffiti art. Included in the exhibition are 70 paintings, drawings and one sculpture spanning from works he created for his first gallery exhibition in 1982 to others made closer to his death in 1990.
To attend, please call GAY's Center at 760-568-3332. Lunch will be provided.
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22. Free Movie at Crossroads! (Santa Monica)
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Free Movie Screening at Crossroads School! (Santa Monica)
As part of Crossroads School's queer film series, sponsored by FLAG (our gay/straight alliance), we will be having our next movie screening of the year on Friday, Dec. 12th, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. We invite you to join us for a great event!
We'll be screening a film called Breakfast with Scot, a funny and touching story that was featured at many queer film festivals this year. (See movie description below.)
Special Holiday Bonus: Video countdown of the "gayest" holiday cartoon characters ever!
Students and advisors from Gay/Straight alliances are welcome. It's a great way to meet new friends, or see old ones. We expect students from many gsa's will be attending--come meet them!
The movie is FREE and free pizza and drinks will be provided! But please reply and let us know if you might come, so we have an idea of how much pizza to get.
**When you reply, make sure to include your name and the school (if any) you are from, as well as how many people you are bringing-this helps a great deal.
Please email us at [email protected]
Directions:
Crossroads is at 1714 21st St. in Santa Monica, at the corner of 21st St. and Olympic Blvd.
The screening room we're meeting in is on the 2nd floor of the Arts Building.
Here's what you do--when you turn onto 21st from Olympic, take an immediate right onto
a driveway-looking street and find a place to park. You'll see our "quad" which looks like a parking lot
or an alley, and which we call (of course) the alley.
Walk to the end of the alley to the tall building on the left, enter and climb the stairs to the 2nd floor. You should see people.
Hope the directions aren't too confusing. It's not really that hard once you see it, and you can always ask people.
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23. "Naughty or Nice" Xmas Bash (L.A.)
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Bienestar presents:
"Naughty or Nice" Xmas Bash
On December 22nd, 2008 at 7pm.
Location:
"La Casa" Drop in center. 5301 E. Atlantic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90022
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24. "Sex and the City" Pajama Party (L.A.)
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Bienestar Presents:
"Sex and the city" Pajama Party (feat. "Sex and the City" The Movie)
on December 8th, 2008 @ 7 pm.
Location "La Casa" Drop in center. 5301 E. Atlantic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90022
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25. Inland Empire Human Rights Teach In
Dec. 10
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Teach-In and other human-rights awareness on Dec. 10
Inland Empire Human Rights Coalition presents a Human Rights Awareness
teach-in forum at Starbucks in Grand Terrace, located at 22488 Barton
Rd. Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 7:00-8:00 PM. FREE. ALL AGES.
Dec. 10, 2008, is International Day of Human Rights Awareness. 2008 is
the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To
commemorate both of these events, IEHRC is organizing a human-rights
awareness teach-in and discussion forum at Starbucks (on the corner of
Barton Rd. and Mt. Vernon Ave.) in Grand Terrace.
Scheduled lectures include: "Religion and Human Rights," by The Reverend
Jonathon Edwards, Pastor, Bethel United Church of Christ in Ontario;
"Women and Human Rights," by Renae Bryant, feminist writer and performer
as well as owner of On The Rag Records; and "Education and Human
Rights," by Ed Gomez, Professor, History Dep't., San Bernardino Valley
College. Information will also be presented by Amnesty International and
Inland AIDS Project.
Starbucks is NOT sponsoring this forum--we are just meeting there.
Organizers ask that all who attend this forum make a small donation to
Starbucks-supported human-rights charities or causes and/or buy some
Starbucks product.
Other Dec. 10 coordinated activities include: day without a gay, spend
gay for a day, walk against h8, and more. Check for more details and
events at www.eqredlands.org
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26. GMCLA's A-LIVE Music Project, available to So Cal Schools and GSAs
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GMCLA'S A-LIVE Music Project is dedicated to proving that music and song are community building. In the case of the A-LIVE Music Project, uniting our 200 member, all male chorus and young audiences in an effort to highlight the unique experiences shared by all humans-regardless of race, class, gender or sexual orientation. Our project takes place during the school day with the intention of providing music education and hands on experience in order to assist an educator's annual curriculum. We are committed to changing hearts and minds through music, and inspiring students to use their art in order to make their individual voices and political desires/opinions heard!
WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT GMCLA'S A-LIVE MUSIC PROJECT?
ABSOLUTELY FREE, GMCLA's A-Live Music Project offers schools:
-Access to live choral performance
-Historical information and education about various genres of music, composers, and important social issues such as racism, discrimination, civil rights, and human rights movements (LGBT focus).
-Lyric and music analysis experience
-Professional introductions from GMCLA singers about their careers and personal experience in the chorus.
-A panel discussion in a historical Los Angeles theater with professional -GMCLA artistic and production staff about their roles, duties, and specific job functions.
HOW DOES GMCLA'S A-LIVE MUSIC PROJECT WORK?
GMCLA's program content, informational worksheets and other educational materials will be sent to participating educators prior to our appearance. These materials can be used for the purposes of pre- discussion or related lessons in music, arts, composition, history, etc. as educators deem fit based on their annual testing and curriculum needs.
GMCLA singing members and professional staff appear on school campuses to provide a free, live choral performance. There will be a Q & A held after the performance, and students will be asked to evaluate the program as to its effectiveness and worth. This program can be done in an hour long assembly format for a large volume of students, but would ideally take place during scheduled class periods for smaller groups to deliver a deeper impact.
Students and chaperones are invited to attend a Monday evening rehearsal at the GMCLA rehearsal hall (bus transportation provided by GMCLA free of charge)
Students and chaperones are given free tickets to a live GMCLA performance at the Alex Theatre in Glendale (bus transportation is provided by GMCLA free of charge). After the show students will be able to participate in a panel discussion with professional GMCLA artistic and production staff.
To book this program or obtain further information please contact Jeffrey Morris at 323.467.9741 x2 or email: [email protected]
I will be happy to meet with GSA advisors and presidents, school administrators, performing arts instructors, or music/choral directors at ANY school location in Southern California.
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27. LGBT Youth Calendars (L.A. and San Diego)
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Check out these new calendars for LGBT Youth!
Los Angeles Youth
http://lalgbtcalendar.pbwiki.com/
http://www.virsil.com/
San Diego Youth
www.ourlgbtevents.org/
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JOBS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
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28. eQuality Scholarships
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The eQuality Scholarship Collaborative honors and encourages northern
and central California students for their service to the
lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender community by providing scholarships for
post-secondary education at approved institutions. In 2009, about nine
$5000 scholarships will be awarded.
Applications are now available from high school guidance counselors.
Applicants must:
- be a resident of northern or central California but may study
elsewhere (go to the web site for a map of specific counties);
- have completed or expect to complete high school or equivalent between
1 Jul 2004 and 30 Jun 2009;
- plan to attend or began attending an accredited post-secondary
institution (college, university, or vocational/trade school) in the
United States for the first time in 2009 (proof of enrollment will be
required before scholarship funds are disbursed);
- have demonstrated service to the LGBTQ community (applicants of all
sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible); and
- be available for an interview either by phone or in person on 29 Mar
or 4 Apr 2009.
Completed applications, including transcripts and a letter of
recommendation, must be postmarked no later than February 21, 2009.
Completed applications should be mailed to:
eQuality Scholarship Collaborative
P.O. Box 191311
San Francisco, CA 94119-1311
The Collaborative is the joint effort of a group of organizations based
in the San Francisco Bay Area. It began in 1989 as a scholarship program
by PG&E's lesbian and gay employee association, now PG&E PrideNetwork.
The following year, the Bay Area Network of Gay and Lesbian Educators
(BANGLE) - now Ally Action - joined the effort. The other organizational
members of the Collaborative are: KP Pride, Out & Equal Workplace
Advocates, Genentech Out & Equal, and GSA Network. |
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29. Point Foundation Scholarships for 2009-2010
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The Point Foundation is truly a great organization and is making a
difference in the lives of 90 scholars this year! Point Foundation is
the nation's largest scholarship granting organization for LGBT students
of merit. Point provides support through multi-year scholarships,
leadership training, mentoring and hope to LGBT students who are
marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or
gender expression.
Applications for the 2009-2010 school year become available at
www.pointfoundation.org
December 12th, 2008 with a February 9th, 2009 deadline.
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30. Key Change - Music Scholarships
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Doing something noteworthy with music in your community?
FOCUS: Using MUSIC to make a difference
AMOUNTS: 20 $500 grants
5 $3000 grants + a paid trip to the GRAMMY� Awards
DEADLINE : December 15
WINNERS NOTIFIED: January 9
WINNERS ANNOUNCED: End of January
ELGIBILITY: US or Canadian citizens 19 and under
For more information and to apply, visit
http://www.dosomething.org/keychange
POWERED BY the GRAMMY Foundation� |
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31. Eduacation and Mentoring Scholarships
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Do you want to improve education in your community?
FOCUS: Education and Mentoring
AMOUNT: 10 $500 grants
DEADLINE: December 15
WINNERS ANNOUNCED: February 1
ELGIBILITY: US or Canadian citizens 25 and under
For more information and to apply, visit http://www.dosomething.org/grants/teachsomething
POWERED BY Tutor.com
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NEWS
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32. NEWS: Collateral damage: Young casualty of Prop 8
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Collateral damage: Young casualty of Prop 8
SF Gate
by Amy Graff
November 21, 2008
Robin McGehee was a dedicated parent at St. Helen's Catholic School in Fresno, Calif. Even before the Mississippi transplant enrolled her son, Sebastian, in the pre-K program last year, she volunteered at the school because it was right in her neighborhood. She helped St. Helen's secure their first email address and Web site and worked with students on public speaking since she teaches communications at the local College of the Sequoias.
When McGehee enrolled her son, she, of course, became even more dedicated and generous. She helped with lunch duty, in the classroom, at holiday-themed parties. For the school's annual dinner-auction fund-raiser, she purchased two tables ($250 each) for her guests and bought several items at the live and silent auctions. And she helped Sebastian win first place in the walk-a-thon. He raised $1,100, while the second-place student brought in $400.
"She was a highly involved parent who not only donated her own time, but money as well," says Tiffany Rodriguez, whose four children attended school with Sebastian.
When the president of the school's Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), Letty Baldwin, decided to return to work and give up her post, she asked McGehee to become the new president. The principal, Dr. Toni Amodio, phoned McGehee and encouraged her to accept--and McGehee did in May 2008.
But McGehee didn't last in the position long because on November 7 the school requested that McGehee resign.
Why?
McGehee was involved in the "No on Proposition 8" campaign. Yes, McGehee is an LGBT parent. Soon after the California Supreme Court ruled that gay marriage was legal, on June 17, 2008, she married her longtime partner Kathy Adams. Together, they have two children 5-year-old Sebastian and 2-year-old Jackson. Also, two fathers, William "Aj" Kruth and Aaron Olson, are a part of the family.
McGehee is the Central Valley program coordinator for the Gay-Straight Alliance Network and she attended many "No on Proposition 8" rallies in Fresno. She was interviewed on television a few times, and she invited the Rev. Geoffrey Farrow to speak at an anti-Proposition 8 rally before the November 4 election. Farrow was relieved of his duties at a northeast Fresno Parish after he told worshippers that he opposed Proposition 8.
To read the full blog, visit:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfmoms/detail?&entry_id=32758
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