Dear GSA Activist,
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, GSA Network's Offices will be closed on Jan. 19th, 2009.
Since our last edition we welcomed 1 new GSA!! Welcome Mammoth High School GSA of the Central Valley! There are now 696 GSAs registered with GSA Network in CA for the 2008-2009 school year!
This issue of GSA Network News includes a highlight on GSAs and anti-racist organizing, as well as the exciting upcoming events in 2009, including the Expression Not Suppression Conference on Feb 7th!
In Solidarity,
GSA Network
|
 |
GSA NETWORK NEWS HIGHLIGHT:
Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mobilize your GSA to build an anti-racist LGBTQ movement!
|
Kick-ass GSA activists are dedicated to fighting racism because they understand what Martin Luther King, Jr. meant when he said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." They know that if we want to win LGBTQ equality, we must stand up for the rights of all oppressed people and work together to build a movement to defeat all forms of oppression.
How do we build this movement? First, we address attitudes and behaviors within ourselves and our groups that perpetuate oppression. Second, we build coalitions with others. Coalitions allow us to learn from each other and take action as allies on the different issues that threaten our communities.
What is your GSA doing to fight racism and build coalitions?
Lea & Michael, GSA student leaders in Marin, CA suggested the following idea:
"Have a joint meeting with the BSU (Black Student Union) at your school and talk about the connection between different types of anti-oppression work. Also, show this film called Brother Outsider about Bayard Rustin, who was influential in the civil rights movement, but got little recognition because of his sexual orientation."
Did you know that GSA Network has many resources that can help you?
Check out these online resources:
Building Anti-racist GSAs - link to: http://gsanetwork.org/resources/antiracist.html
Coalition Building - link to: http://gsanetwork.org/resources/coalition.html
Just as racism divides our society, it divides our movements. If we want to build a broad-based, diverse and democratic movement that can win, we have to get serious about fighting oppression within our own groups.
Gay-Straight Alliance clubs are founded on the belief that we can end oppression by building alliances. GSAs are engaged in social justice work all over the state and country, working not only to make their schools safer for LGBTQ and queer youth, but all students seeking a safe place to go to school free of all kinds of harassment and discrimination.
Let Martin Luther King, Jr. Day jumpstart your GSA's anti-racist work. And when the work ahead seems daunting, remember this other wise saying from Dr. King: "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
If you have questions or need ideas, contact your local Program Coordinator!
Northern California: [email protected] or 415-552-4229
Central Valley: [email protected] or 559-268-2780
Southern California: [email protected] or 213-482-4021
|
| |
GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS
|
|
| |
1. GSA Network Award: Apply for a 2009-10 Bulldog Pride Fund Scholarship!
|
The Bulldog Pride Fund is accepting applications for three $2,000 scholarships ($6,000 total) to be awarded in 2009-10. One scholarship is the GSA NETWORK AWARD.
The Bulldog Pride Fund awards scholarships to incoming or returning, undergraduate or graduate students in good academic standing who have demonstrated pride in the community.
For 2009-10, the deadline to apply for all scholarships at Fresno State, including the Bulldog Pride Fund, is Feb. 28, 2009.
Details online @ www.bulldogpride.org
|
| |
2. Ventura County GSA Summit! Jan. 31, 2009
|
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! Register by 1/16/09!!
|
| |
3. Expression Not Suppression (Fresno)
Save the date!
|
Gay-Straight Alliance Network and Community Link present: Expression Not Suppression (ENS) 
Save the date: Feb 7th, 2009
REGISTER NOW!
ENS is a FREE conference for LGBTQQI youth activists and their allies
who are dedicated to defeating homophobia and transphobia and creating
safe and supportive schools for everyone.
The target audience is high school & middle school students.
Teachers & GSA advisors are welcome.
Workshops include:
� Same-Sex Marriage - Why youth and STR8's need to be involved
� Feel Yourself: Tips to creating a more Positive You
� KickBUTT: LGBT youth and the tobacco industry
� Organizing 101: Activism After High School
� Your Role in Changing the Political Climate
� Queer Literature: an exercise in expression
� Organizing a Powerful Day of Silence
� Fight the Power: Know Your Rights
� Coming out: Tips and Strategies
� Gender, Gender Everywhere
� Queers and Spirituality
� How to Do Drag
Cash Prize to the Best YOUTH DRAG performance before Dance
� How to Have a Kick-Ass GSA - GSA Leaders meeting
� Resources, Tools and Networks for Safe Schools Advocates - Adviser Training
� Safer Sex
plus, Get down & dance with everyone you've just met at a special, youth-only Freedom to Marry Valentine's Dance
The event will be held on Saturday, February 7th from 12pm-9:30pm.
The location will be 2131 N Van Ness Blvd, Fresno, CA 93704
The conference features workshops and speakers that will help you feel comfortable with who you are, explore how you express yourself, and develop tools to change the world around you.
After the workshops, there is a free dinner, dance and drag show!
If you'd like more info or would like to help with planning,
please call 559-268-2780 or email [email protected]
REGISTRATION OPENS 1/9/09
All interested youth should register at www.gsanetwork.org/ens after
1/9/09.
REGISTER NOW!
|
| |
4. Public Policy and Advocacy Program Intern 2009
|
Are you interested in the business of securing equality for LGBTQ students in California? Through Gay-Straight Alliance Network's Advocacy Program, we lobby members of the California State Legislature and Department of Education to strengthen safe school policy and promote equality. The Policy Intern will work with GSA Network's Advocacy Program Manager to research, develop and advocate for our policy goals.
In particular, the 2009 intern will help organize Queer Youth Advocacy Day (QYAD) on April 17-20th. The goals of QYAD 2009 are to educate the Legislature on the importance of passing several bills that focus on creating Harvey Milk Day and mental health access for youth and to continue our administrative advocacy work on successful implementation of policies protecting transgender and gender non-conforming youth.
To apply, send a resume, cover letter, a 2-3 page writing sample (excerpt is fine, any subject), and the names of 2 references or letters of reference, to t. aaron hans at [email protected] or mail to 1550 Bryant Street, Suite 800, San Francisco, CA 94103.
This position will be starting mid-February and will run through mid-May at our San Francisco Office.
Applications are due Feb 1, 2009.
(GSA Network is currently unable to pay interns, but we can provide assistance in attaining course credit for eligible interns. We can support MSW student academic plans as well as other academic credit programs, depending on your academic institution's requirements.)
Public Policy Intern qualifications include:
- Commitment to LGBT youth and public policy.
- Excellent research, analysis and writing skills
- Attention to detail, team player.
- Strong computer skills including Excel.
- Facilitation skills a plus.
|
| |
5. GSA Site Visits! GSA Network Staff can visit your GSA
|
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!
We'll do our very best to visit your GSA, and if we can't
make it to your school for a visit because of distance or scheduling, 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
|
| |
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
|
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. |
| |
NATIONAL
|
|
| |
6. YP4 2009 National Summit
|
Young People for National Summit
Washington, D.C.
February 12-16, 2009
Presidents Day Weekend
Info:
www.youngpeoplefor.org/summit
|
| |
7. Add verb Productions Seeks Writing From Youth For Queer And Ally Writing Project
|
Add Verb Productions is seeking performance texts/compositions written by and for queer and allied youth. 
Age exceptions will be made for the 'young at heart' who have the advantage of some perspective, but the majority of accepted pieces will be youth written. Preference will
also be given to high artistic and activist merits.
Add Verb's mission with this project is to create a resource for queer and allied youth who are interested in using performance as a tool for activism,
education, and visibility in their communities - either independently or
through GSAs and other queer campus groups.
The intersection between performance and activism around queer issues
is a powerful, dynamic, and radical space. Theater and performance art
are inherently queer spaces as well, and the queer theatrical
tradition offers a range of influential works that have called people
to action or promoted deeper understanding, with an unparalleled
aesthetic, wit, and fabulousness.
Add Verb aims to add to the existing body of work by focusing on exploring what it takes to be an ally, how allies are created, and illuminate how everyone, in all settings of our lives can be an ally to others.
Submission Deadline is 2/1/09
For application Information or if you have questions please feel free to contact via email,
Vanessa Romanoff at [email protected]
|
| |
CA STATEWIDE
|
|
|
| |
8. Student Board Member of the CA State Board of Education 2009/2010 Application
|
2009-10 Student Board Member Application Form
Every summer, the Governor appoints one high school senior to the State Board of Education (SBE) for a one-year term. The student member functions as a regular voting member of the SBE. This packet explains the application and selection processes, and contains a copy of the application.
More Info:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/pn/pn/
|
| |
NOR CAL
|
|
| |
9. MLK Celebration- Bringing the Noise for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.in S.F. historic Herbst Theater
|
On January 20th, millions of people will arrive in Washington DC to witness the beginning of a new time in American history. They want to be part of the change this country needs, and want to be inspired by the possibility of tomorrow.
Well, here in the Bay Area we will be starting the celebration a day early.
Join us in celebrating our 12th Annual Bringing the Noise for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday January 19th at San Francisco's historic Herbst Theater to listen to some of the best young writers in the Bay Area speak to the change we all are hoping for--
This year's theme for the event is A Certain Kind of Fire, an idea taken from Dr. King's final speech in 1968, during which he said "--there was a certain kind of fire that no water could put out" in reference to his life's work for social change and the Civil Rights Movement. We at Youth Speaks recognize that we are once again at a point in history - a movement towards change - and the young people of America have proven to be an unstoppable force when they have change in sight.
This event is an opportunity for their voices to be heard, and for all of us to come together to commemorate the legacy of Dr. King through the power of eloquence and expression.
Every year, Bringing the Noise For Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr is an evening of inspiration and renewed belief in the promise of young people and our future. This event will sell out, so get your tickets now.
We look forward to seeing you there, and at all our exciting programs to come in 2009.
Youth Speaks Presents the 12th Annual Bringing the Noise for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tickets on sale NOW
Join Youth Speaks in celebrating our 12th Annual Bringing the Noise for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 19th at Herbst Theater. This event takes place on the night before Inauguration Day, and we want to start the celebration a day early. If you can't make it to DC, than join us for night of inspiration and possibility.
Since it started in 1998, Bringing the Noise for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has brought together young poets and performers in commemoration of Dr. King's legacy. This event is a celebration of voice and eloquence from across all social boundaries; a celebration of the promise and potential of the next generation. In the spirit of Dr. King's mastery of language, and his belief in the power of the spoken word to create social change, we have continued to present works that are relevant, urgent, and speak to the needs and demands of young people who are insistent on having a presence in larger political and social discourse, young people who refuse to be silenced and ignored.
Monday January 19, 2009
Herbst Theater
401 Van Ness (in the War Memorial Veterans Building)
San Francisco
For advance tickets go to www.cityboxoffice.com, or call 415.392.4400
General Admission: $16, Youth Under 20 & Seniors Over 65: $6
|
| |
10. Activist CLEVE JONES to speak at UC Berkeley on January 29th - Free! (Bay Area)
|
You saw him portrayed in the movie, MILK -- now you can meet the real Cleve Jones!
January 29, 2009, 4:30 PM
UC Berkeley Multicultural Center
Heller Lounge, MLK Building
Corner of Telegraph and Bancroft in Berkeley
Come hear first hand about what it was like to work alongside HARVEY MILK.
Cleve's career as an activist began in San Francisco during the turbulent 1970s when pioneer gay rights leader Harvey Milk befriended him. He worked as a student intern in Milk's office while studying political science at San Francisco State University.
In 1983, when AIDS was still a new and poorly understood threat, Jones co-founded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Jones conceived the idea of the AIDS Memorial Quilt at a candlelight memorial for Harvey Milk in 1985 and in 1987 created the first quilt panel in honor of his friend Marvin Feldman. The AIDS Memorial Quilt has grown to become the world's largest community arts project.
How can young activists take the lessons of Harvey Milk's life and apply them today?
Come hear Cleve Jones speak about the importance of community and public service. There will be opportunities for students to find out about internship and volunteer opportunities at local LGBT Organizations.
Sponsored by: GSA Network, Pacific Center & Gender Equity Resource Center
|
| |
11. YouthAware Educational Theatre at the New Conservatory Theatre Center Proudly Presents: Cootie Shots (S.F.)
|
YouthAware Educational Theatre at the New Conservatory Theatre Center Proudly Presents:
Cootie Shots
Theatrical Inoculations Against Bigotry
Edited by Norma Bowles with Mark E. Rosenthal
Directed by Sara Staley
Bullying Prevention and Diversity Education for Grades 2-5
FREE Performances at The New Conservatory Theatre Center
February 17th - March 5th
Mondays through Thursdays at 10am & 11:30am
Join us for the newest YouthAware Educational Theatre program! Cootie Shots returns after a highly successful preview run for SFUSD in 2008. This innovative live performance features short scenes and poems that provide a constructive way to promote tolerance, prevent bullying, and celebrate diversity of races, cultures, religions, families, appearances, genders, and gender roles. The script is updated yearly to include a variety of issues and stories appropriate for grades 2-5. Each performance includes a discussion between the cast and student audience after the play, and handouts are provided for teachers to continue discussion in the classroom. For more information or to download a copy of the 2008 version of the script, visit http://www.nctcsf.org/cootie_shots.html .
� All YouthAware performances will be held at the New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness Ave. (at Market St.) in San Francisco.
� The program lasts about an hour, including the discussion.
� We can seat up to 130 students, teachers and parents per performance.
� Email [email protected] to reserve seats for your school or group. Please email your top 3 choices of dates & times and the number of seats you would like to request including chaperones.
YouthAware Educational Theatre at NCTC is Supported in Part By: CA Wellness Foundation, James Irvine Foundation, Grants for the Arts, William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, MAC AIDS Fund, Academy of Friends, Macy's West (Passport), Morris Family Foundation, San Francisco Foundation, San Francisco Unified School District, Small Change Foundation, Travelers Foundation, Until There's A Cure Foundation, Van Loben Sels/Rembe Rock Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation, David B. Gold Foundation, Fleishhacker Foundation, Western Union Foundation, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., The Lucius & Eva Eastman Foundation, Google, and the generous contributions of our individual donors.
Sara Staley
YouthAware Program Director
New Conservatory Theatre Center
25 Van Ness Ave. LL (@ Market St.)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 694-6149 (415) 861-6988 (fax)
www.nctcsf.org
|
| |
12. Community Action Training (CAT) (Bay Area)
|
Center for Third World Organizing is Pleased to Announce...
Community Action Training (CAT)
When: February 27th-March 1st (3 days)
Where: Oakland, CA
CAT is a weekend-long, intensive introduction to community organizing. The three-day training provides entry-level organizer training to individuals, staff, and members of community-based organizations through field work, role plays, and discussions. During this high-intensity three day training, CAT participants learn how to door-knock as a tool for recruiting and mobilizing constituents, participate in campaign development and actions, and learn to appreciate the legacy of organizing in communities of color and its relevance in today's fight for social justice. Learn from experienced organizers, share skills and knowledge with other activists, and have fun meeting others dedicated to building a movement for social justice!
CAT Highlights
History of social movements
Principles of Community Organizing
Approaches to Social Change
How to ask for money without guilt
The fundamentals of doorknocking
The basics of an effective direct action
Framing your fights in campaigns
Spaces fill quickly. Register today!
Registration form online at
http://www.ctwo.org/index.php?s=30
For more information about the Oakland Community Action Training, please contact Jackie @ 510-533-7583 ext. 12
This CAT will be co-hosted by People Organized to Win Employment Rights (POWER). POWER was founded by a group of welfare recipients in 1997 so that low-income people could have a space to impact the policies that affect their lives. Since that time, POWER has helped thousands of low-income people find their own voice and find ways to end poverty. Now approaching its 10th year, POWER continues to build the power of low-income people in San Francisco to improve the conditions in their communities and in their workplaces.
About CTWO: The Center for Third World Organizing is a racial-justice organization led by people of color whose mission is to achieve social and economic justice. Over the last three decades, CTWO has trained and assisted thousands of activists of color and placed hundreds of organizers of color with community and labor organizations across the country. Each year we work with organizations whose staff, boards, and memberships are predominantly low income people of color. Through its existence, CTWO has explored roles of intermediary, trainer, convener, technical assistance provider, mentor, organizer, founder, partner in projects, researcher, and publisher. CTWO has pursued strategies and programs designed to shift the debate in this country around race, working diligently with organizations as vehicles for engaging communities of color to work in shared struggles toward common goals.
For more information about CTWO programs, please visit: http://www.ctwo.org/
|
| |
13. Sacramento 2009 Queer Prom (Feb. 7th)
|
Save the Date!
Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Queer Youth Program Presents:
The 2009 Queer Prom
Come join the Masquerade!
When: Feb 7th
Where: The Double Tree Hotel
From: 7pm to 11pm
Tickets: $5.00 in advance, $10.00
more info at: [email protected]
Fabulous Door Prizes, Dance to Great Muisc, Decorate Your Own Mask, Get Your Picture Taken
|
| |
14. Youth Calendar (S.F.)
|
San Francisco's LYRIC Youth Center hosts events almost everyday for LGBTQQ youth.
LYRIC
LYRIC's
mission is to build community and inspire positive social change
through education enhancement, career trainings, health promotion, and
leadership development with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer,
and questioning youth, their families, and allies of all races,
classes, genders, and abilities.
Calendar of Events
http://lyric.org/calendar.html
|
| |
Central Valley
|
|
| |
15. Youth Alliance Meetings Fridays (Fresno)
|
|
| |
So Cal
|
|
| |
16. Casting Opportunity: Be in a New Showtime Documentary Series!
|
Premium cable network Showtime is developing a reality series documenting LGBTQ people coming out to friends and family. The team is gearing up to shoot the pilot, and they are looking for great interview subjects who live in the LA area.
Showtime is looking for people who have already made the decision to come out to important people in their lives and are willing to share that journey on camera. You must be 18 or older and live within a 150-mile radius of Los Angeles, CA.
GSA Network cautions you to apply only after serious consideration of the short and long-term consequences of coming out on television. We hope the show will raise awareness about homophobia and help make it easier to come out, but we have no control over the show or what will happen if you are chosen.
For information on the show and how to apply, click here:
http://glaadblog.org/index.php?s=showtime+casting+call&x=0&y=0
|
| |
17. 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, Jan. 16th, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. We invite you to join us for a great event!
The movie is FREE and free food and drinks will be provided!
We'll be screening a film called Equality U, a powerful documentary about gay discrimination at college campuses and a group of young activists who set out to make a difference. We'll also be starting the evening with the lesbian vampire short film, In Twilight's Shadow.
SPECIAL BONUS: Directors and some cast members of the films may be joining us!
All students and faculty from Gay/Straight alliances and their friends are welcome. It's a great way to meet new friends, or see old ones.
We thank all the students from all the schools who came to our last movie night. Since our last movie night "sold out" it is important to RSVP as soon as you know for sure that you are coming.
**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.
Directions are below. 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.
|
| |
18. PFLAG Recommends "Mother/Son" One Man Show for LGBT Youth Events (L.A.)
|
From: PFLAG Director, Southern Pacific Region
"Mother/SON" is the story of a young gay man and his mother's journey
from rejection to acceptance. Jeffrey Solomon, an Emmy-nominated
Writer-Performer, created "Mother/SON"as a tribute to his mother, whose
struggle to accept and understand her gay son is chronicled in this
poignant and hilarious one-person play.
The show is being presented by high schools, GSA's, GLSEN Chapters,
youth organizations and conferences as a powerful tool to raise awareness and offer support.
The production travels quite easily, is affordable and can be presented
in a theater or adapted to more informal venues.
Visit http://jeffsolo.com to read reviews and see a live Youtube
extract.
To arrange a performance for your organization, contact Jeffrey Solomon at [email protected] or 347-426-8432.
To preview this work, "Mother/Son" is being performed at the Celebration
Theater, 7051B Santa Monica Blvd, in West Hollywood on the evenings of
January 19, 20, and 21 at 8PM.
The January 19 and 20 performances will benefit PFLAG Los Angeles and Jeffrey is giving a limited amount of complimentary tickets (contact him as above). For advance sales: Tix.com online or call (323) 957-1884.
Please consider this remarkable play (and post-show conversation that
follows) as an educational tool inside and outside your community.
|
| |
19. CA Transgender Conference: Equality and Parity 1/26-1/28 (L.A.)
|
Equality & Parity - Transgender Conference 1/26-1/28
Attend the Equality & Parity conference in January 26th-28th, 2009.
It's a statewide transgender conference!
Many issues will be covered at this FREE conference!
If you have an address 50+ miles from where it takes place in Los Angeles, you can apply for travel & hotel scholarships.
If you live within 50 miles you can apply for travel scholarships.
Register online or learn more about the conference at: www.equalityandparity.org
|
| |
20. LGBT Youth Calendars (L.A. and San Diego)
|
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/
|
| |
21. Teachers and Community Educators' training on "It's Still Elementary" (Irvine)
|
GLSEN and community partners present: Teacher and Community Educators' training on "It's Still Elementary"
In February 2008, Lawrence King, a 15-year-old openly gay student at E.O. Green Junior High in Oxnard, CA was murdered because of his sexual orientation. The FBI 2006 Hate Crimes Statistics report an estimated 9.7% of sexual orientation hate crimes occurred at a school or university. Schools are still not safe for those with perceived differences.
Over a decade has passed since "It's Elementary" sparked national momentum to create hate-free safe school environments that encourage respect for all. However, escalating school violence underscores the need to promote curriculum and increase efforts to ensure all youth have access to education free from harassment.
IT'S STILL Elementary presents a moving story about the power to ignite positive social change through documentary film and grassroots organizing. It examines the incredible impact of "It's Elementary" over the last decade, and follows up with teachers and students featured in the first film to see how lessons about LGBT people changed their lives. "IT'S STILL Elementary" also documents the story behind the controversial PBS broadcast of It's Elementary and the infamous right-wing attacks on the film and its creators. It's STILL Elementary is a call to action for parents and educators to continue working for safe, inclusive schools.
This film helps dispel stereotypes by promoting respect and understanding before prejudices root.
The training will be held at:
COR AME Church
46 Maxwell in Irvine
January 24, 2009 from 8-12
For more information contact:
Danielle Nava
Associate Director
Anti-Defamation League
Orange County/Long Beach Region
PLEASE SHARE WITH INTERESTED COLLEAGUES. |
| |
JOBS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
|
|
| |
22. BOA Neighborhood Excellence Initiative (NEI)
|
The Bank of America is bringing the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative (NEI) to our community for the 6th year. It is a program of our Charitable Foundation and enables us to recognize and reward non-profit organizations, local heroes, and student leaders for their contributions to communities across the country.
Outstanding high school students in their junior or senior year to apply for the Student Leaders component of NEI. The award recipients will be students who have shown interest and enthusiasm for the kind of community work that might some day make them leaders in their neighborhoods, cities, and beyond.
Selected students will receive a paid summer internship with a local non-profit organization and participate in a six day, all expense paid leadership summit in Washington, D.C.
Applications can be submitted and a full description can be found at www.bankofamerica.com/neistudentleaders. You may also review the attached brochure for more information.
The deadline to apply is Friday, February 20.
Our selection committee will include community leaders and will meet in the spring to select winners.
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to your participation!
Cheryl M. Cayme
Market Specialist
Bank of America - San Francisco/East Bay
Phone: (415) 913.4129
Fax: (415) 913.3267
[email protected]
|
| |
23. 12th ANNUAL Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards
|
12th ANNUAL Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards APPLICATION DRIVE LAUNCHES IN
SEARCH OF YOUNG LATINO LEADERS
IN 12 MARKETS ACROSS AMERICA
Latino High School Seniors Eligible to Apply for Thousands of Dollars in
Educational Grants and Chance of Being Honored as Role Models at
High-Profile Regional Events
WASHINGTON, DC - The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) today announced the launch of its 12th annual Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards, which identify, promote and prepare Latino leaders in the classroom and community. Applications are now available online at www.hispanicheritage.org. HHF and its sponsors will once again provide more than half a million dollars in educational grants to over 200 Latino high school seniors across 12 regions throughout the country.
Applications must be submitted electronically by midnight March 6, 2009. Information about applications will also be available at SUBWAY� Restaurants.
The Youth Awards Regions include: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose/San Francisco-Bay Area, Phoenix, Chicago, Miami, New York, Philadelphia/New Jersey, and Washington, DC. However, students across America can apply to their closest region and, if selected, simply have to attend the event to receive the Youth Award.
Students are selected for their accomplishments in the classroom, community and for their interest in several categories. Three students (Gold, Silver and Bronze) will be honored in each of the six categories in each of the 12 regions. The 2009 Youth Awards categories are:
Business, for students who are interested in entering the filed of
business - sponsored by the National Society of Hispanic MBAs
(NSHMBA)
Education, for students with a interested in being teachers or
entering the educational field - sponsored by Southwest Airlines
Engineering & Mathematics, for students with a strong interest in the
fields of mathematics, engineering, or technology; sponsored by
ExxonMobil
Journalism, for students involved in print, broadcast, photo or
online journalism; sponsored by NBC Universal and Telemundo
Sports, for students who excel in athletics; sponsored by SUBWAY�
restaurants
Science & Healthcare, for students interested in the field of
healthcare and science.
The Youth Awardees are chosen by regional selection committees in each of
the regions. In the spring, Youth Awards Ceremonies will be coordinated at
top colleges and universities in each of the 12 regions in honor of the
young role models and the sponsors.
The success of the Youth Awards program is predicated by the support of
thousands of high schools and community organizations including the
Hispanic College Fund, Teach 4 America, Voto Latino, NRCCUA and HBI.
In addition to the category sponsors listed above, the Youth Award Partners
include AstraZeneca, UPS, AT&T, Teleflora and POM.
After the local ceremonies, the Regional Youth Awards recipients are
narrowed down to one national Youth Award recipient for each category.
Those individuals will be honored at the National Youth Awards presentation where each student receives an additional educational grant and a laptop computer. The National Youth Awardees will then be presented with their award onstage during the 22nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards in Washington, DC at the venerable Kennedy Center on September 30, 2009.
About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit organization which
identifies, inspires, promotes, and prepares Latino leaders through
educational, cultural and workforce programs. For more information, please
visit www.HispanicHeritage.org or for an introduction to HHF's mission
visit www.HHFvideo.com
NOTE: To sponsor the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards and other Hispanic
Heritage Foundation programs please call 202.861.9797.
Contact: Roberto Callejas, 202.861.9797
[email protected]
|
| |
24. Public Policy summer training- college activists apply now!
|
The DMI Scholars program provides intensive summer training & internships for accomplished college activists in public policy. If accepted, you will attend the DMI Scholars Summer Institute in NYC, August 1-15.
And if you complete the training, we will provide you a paid internship. All expenses are covered. For more information, please visit http://www.dmischolars.org
All expenses covered. Application Deadline January 24, 2009.
Students of color, LGBTQ students and immigrant students strongly encouraged to apply.
Click here to watch DMI Scholars in action
We are cultivating the next generation of Chiefs of Staff, Policy Advisors and Legislative Directors to steer our nation in a progressive direction.
If you are a progressive college activist who wants to shape the direction of our country,
DMI Scholars is for you.
DMI Scholars is a "Public Policy 101," preparing college students from diverse communities to successfully enter the public policy world.
If you want to learn how to impact the policies that impact you, become a DMI Scholar. Click here to apply.
Our Summer Institute training for DMI Scholars will be in New York City from August 1-15, 2009.
And if you complete our intensive training successfully, we will help you explore careers in the field through internships and networking opportunities.
To apply, visit www.dmischolars.org.
APPLICATION DEADLINE JAN 24, 2009
|
| |
25. The R. Scott Hitt Foundation Internships for 2009
|
 The R. Scott Hitt Foundation is offering funding for qualified candidates who want to be leaders in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) movement.
You and the pro-LGBT organization that you choose can apply to receive funding for your internship position while you build your resume and gain valuable skills towards becoming a leader of the future.
* POST-GRADUATE*
THE SCOTT HITT INTERNSHIP IN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Application Deadline: May 8, 2009
Post graduate students with strong academic record
Duration: 7-9 months, 40 hours/week
Location: An established 501(c)3 nonprofit in the United States with a commitment to the advancement of LGBT equality
Applicants will identify and contact host organization to co-develop a successful curriculum encompassing key elements: communications, fundraising, board development and grassroots policy organizing
2-4 recipients per year
* UNDERGRADUATE *
THE A.N.G.L.E. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INTERNSHIP
Application Deadline: April 17, 2009
Current undergraduate students with strong academic record
Duration: 8 weeks, 40 hours/week
Location: An established 501(c)3 nonprofit in Southern California with a commitment to the advancement of LGBT equality
Applicants will identify and contact host organization to co-develop a successful curriculum encompassing key elements of non-profit operations and program development
Named for the nonprofit ANGLE (Access Now for Gay & Lesbian Equality) which inspired and provided the funding for these internships
3-5 recipients per year
TO APPLY:
1. Visit www.scotthittfoundation.org for details.
2. Meet with a pro-LBGT 501(C)3 non-profit organization to sponsor your internship.
3. Agree to the terms of your internship, scope of work. Draft a sponsor agreement.
4. Submit your cover letter, personal essay, r�sum� and sponsor agreement
by the above deadline to www.scotthittfoundation.org.
5. Check www.scotthittfoundation.org for the grant award dates.
|
| |
26. eQuality Scholarships
|
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
July 1, 2004 and June 30, 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 March 29
or April 4, 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. |
| |
27. Point Foundation Scholarships for 2009-2010
|
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.
|
| |
NEWS
|
|
| |
28. NEWS: Study: Family behavior key to health of gay youth
|
December 29, 2008
By LISA LEFF
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Young gay people whose parents or guardians responded negatively when they revealed their sexual orientation were more likely to attempt suicide, experience severe depression and use drugs than those whose families accepted the news, according to a new study.
The way in which parents or guardians respond to a youth's sexual orientation profoundly influences the child's mental health as an adult, say researchers at San Francisco State University, whose findings appear in Monday's journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
"Parents love their children and want the best for them," said lead researcher Caitlin Ryan, a social worker who directs the university's Family Acceptance Project. "Now that we have measured all these behaviors, we can see that some of them put youth at extremely high risk and others are wellness-promoting."
Among other findings, the study showed that teens who experienced negative feedback were more than eight times as likely to have attempted suicide, nearly six times as vulnerable to severe depression and more than three times at risk of drug use.
More significantly, Ryan said, ongoing work at San Francisco State suggests that parents who take even baby steps to respond with equanimity instead of rejection can dramatically improve a gay youth's mental health outlook.
One of the most startling findings was that being forbidden to associate with gay peers was as damaging as being physically beaten or verbally abused by their parents in terms of negative feedback, Ryan said.
To read the full story here.
|
| |
29. NEWS: Rejection of Gay Teens Linked to Later Troubles
Suicide attempts, drug use higher among those whose families don't accept them
|
December 29, 2008By Randy DotingaUS News & World ReportMONDAY, Dec. 29 (HealthDay News) -- Gay young adults whose families rejected them when they were younger are more likely to have histories of unprotected sex, illegal drug use and suicide attempts, new research suggests. The findings don't prove that a family's negative reaction to a child's sexuality directly causes problems later in life. But it's clear that "there's a connection between how families treat gay and lesbian children and their mental and physical health," said Caitlin Ryan, a clinical social worker at San Francisco State University and lead author of a study released in the January issue of Pediatrics. In recent decades, studies have found evidence that gay, lesbian and bisexual children are more likely to suffer from a variety of ills, including depression and suicide. Researchers attribute the problems to social stigma around homosexuality, but there has been a gap regarding the role of families' reactions to children's sexuality, Ryan said. To read the full story click here.
|
| |
30. NEWS: In Tough Economic Times Scholarships Help LGBT Youth
|
365gay.com
12.12.2008
(Los Angeles, California) The nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBT students began receiving applications Friday for the 2009-10 school year.
The Point Foundation awards on average $13,200 in direct financial support.
Since its inception in 2001, Point has invested over $3 million in the education of outstanding LGBT students.
The organization's growth over a short period of time is noteworthy. In its first year, Point received 268 applications and granted eight scholarships. In 2008, approximately 1,344 applications were submitted and a record-breaking 27 students were granted scholarships. As of October 2008, there are 90 Point Scholars currently enrolled in school and 42 Point Alumni.
To read the full story, click here.
|
| |
31. NEWS: Fresno Unified targets bullying
School district starts $1.3m effort to fight the problem.
|
Dec. 21, 2008
By Pablo Lopez
The Fresno Bee
After years of promising to do something about the chronic problem of bullying, the Fresno Unified School District has embarked on a $1.3 million plan that it says could become a blueprint for schools nationwide.
The district has hired an all-star team of experts to come in and shake things up. Last week, team members started visiting schools to determine how bad the bullying problem is.
Ultimately, they hope to spur everyone -- teachers, parents, students and administrators -- to help bring bullying under control. They will develop a comprehensive program to be phased in over five years.
"Doing the minimum doesn't serve the needs of the district or the community," Superintendent Michael Hanson said.
Outside researchers are taking notice.
"That's a huge investment," said Jaana Juvonen, a professor of psychology at the University of California at Los Angeles, who has been researching bullying for 15 years.
Many forms of bullying
The effort marks the first time that Fresno Unified has sought comprehensive data on bullying, district officials said.
District officials have instructed the team to come up with an approach to address all types of harassment, from cyberspace bullying to attacks against gay students to the molestation of children with disabilities.
Hanson has been confronted with these problems almost since the moment he walked in the door. He promised to tackle bullying in 2005 -- the year he became superintendent -- after the Fresno-area Gay-Straight Alliance Network and the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California went to the school board with student complaints.
The two organizations contended that students were harassed -- in some cases by school officials -- because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
To settle the complaints, the board hired an expert to provide staff training for administrators and teachers districtwide on civility and anti-discrimination issues.
The school board also adopted a stricter anti-bullying policy, but critics say not every campus enforces it.
"Bullying still happens on a daily basis," said Robin McGehee of the local Gay-Straight Alliance Network. "This is not just a lesbian-gay issue. It's everyone's issue."
To read the full article, visit:
http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1090105.html
|
| |
32. NEWS: New laws go into effect
|
1/01/2009
by Seth Hemmelgarn
Bay Area Reporter
Three bills that were signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger go into effect Thursday, January 1 and will give new legal protections to California's foster youth and the state's LGBTs.
"We begin the new year knowing that all LGBT people, including youth and seniors, have better protections and rights than ever before," said Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California, a sponsor of the legislation. "The new laws provide important protections for members of our community and reinforce our state's commitment to treat all people with respect and dignity under the law, regardless of their differences."
Assembly Bill 3015, the Foster Youth School Safety Education measure, authored by Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, (D-Woodland Hills), helps protect foster youth against harassment and discrimination at school.
The bill was in response to the death of 15-year-old Lawrence King, who was shot by a fellow classmate at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard last February.
King, who had begun to identify as gay, was reportedly the target of bullying and ridicule by some of his classmates, including Brandon McInerney, the alleged shooter. The victim was in the foster care system and lived in a group home for abused and neglected youth.
The new law educates foster care youth and their caregivers about existing California laws that protect students against bias. The bill was co-sponsored by EQCA, the California chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network.
To read the full article, visit:
http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=3617
|
| |
34. NEWS: Fatal shooting of eighth-grader in Oxnard became a national story
Snapshots of 2008
|
By Cheri Carlson
Ventura County Star
December 28, 2008
Close to 1,000 people had joined Melissa Crutcher on a three-mile march in honor of Larry King, and when the crowd emptied into the park, she asked everyone to make a circle. There were so many people that we couldn't even fit everyone, she said. I was amazed, shocked. She started planning the peace walk within hours of the Feb. 12 shooting at E.O. Green School. King died later at a hospital.
Melissa Crutcher looked around in disbelief, as she marched into Oxnard's Plaza Park on a Saturday in February, days after eighth-grader Larry King was shot inside his junior high classroom nearby.
Close to 1,000 people had joined her on a three-mile march in his honor, and when the crowd emptied into the park, she asked everyone to make a circle. There were so many people that we couldnt even fit everyone, she said. I was amazed, shocked.
Crutcher, 16, and a sophomore at Hueneme High School at the time, started planning the peace walk within hours of the Feb. 12 shooting at E.O. Green School. King, 15, died later at a hospital, and prosecutors charged his classmate 14-year-old Brandon McInerney with murder and a hate crime. Hes pleaded not guilty.
It was messed up, said Crutcher, a former E.O. Green student whose mom works at the school.
Any kind of shooting would have been horrible, but this one seemed worse. Students at the junior high said King was teased in the weeks leading up to the shooting for being gay and wearing high-heeled boots and makeup.
Crutcher, someone who sticks up for the underdog, said she hoped the march would send a message of acceptance. She expected 100 or 200 kids to show up.
But as the march that started in a park behind E.O. Green crept toward Plaza Park, it became clear Crutcher had grabbed peoples attention. The line of marchers stretched for a mile down the sidewalk.
The fatal shooting that shook the local community turned a national spotlight on E.O. Green in the Hueneme School District. Vigils for King were held from coast to coast, and thousands of comments were left on Internet sites dedicated to the slain eighth-graders memory.
In July, Newsweek magazine published a cover story on the shooting, calling it the most prominent gay-bias crime since the murder of Matthew Shepard 10 years ago.
Some E.O. Green students said they witnessed confrontations between McInerney and King before the shooting, including King teasing McInerney and saying that he liked him.
McInerney, being tried in adult court, faces a sentence of 51 years to life if convicted of all the charges. His attorneys have argued the case should be moved to juvenile court, but it has remained in adult court. A discovery hearing is scheduled for Monday.
Seated inside the courtroom, as they have been at every appearance over the past 10 months, will be representatives from the Ventura County Rainbow Alliance, a nonprofit that serves the gay community.
We have not stopped talking about this since Feb. 12, said Executive Director Jay Smith. Its that important to our community and to our county.
The shooting reaffirmed that there is a real level of hate, Smith said, and it hits close to home, because King was one of their own.
King had attended meetings of a support group for gay, bisexual and transgender youths at the Ventura agency. Since the shooting, the groups regular roster of 10 to 20 youths has jumped to 40.
The Rainbow Alliance and other Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender groups said they have noticed changes on campuses, too. More educators are coming forward, interested in addressing LGBT bias and name-calling, or asking what resources are available to help kids struggling at their schools.
I think we still have a long way to go in raising awareness, said Carolyn Laub, director of Californias Gay-Straight Alliance Network, which has student groups on hundreds of campuses throughout the state, including in Ventura County.
The shooting at E.O. Green and Kings death was a wake-up call, she said. Its really the worst kind of tragedy. I think its been on everyones mind, how to make sure Larry didnt die in vain.
To read the full article here.
|
| |
35. NEWS: Gay groups weather financial storm
|
12/25/2008
by Matthew S. Bajko
Bay Area Reporter
They had come to receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $40,000, funding sorely needed amid a foundering American economy that has pinched gay and straight pocketbooks alike during this season of giving.
But the festive scene at last week's Horizons Foundation grant-making event was punctuated by the hurdles many LGBT groups are facing financially. The economy was on the minds of many of the LGBT nonprofit executives and donors as they noshed on sushi and crudites at the LGBT Community Center last Wednesday, December 17.
"We were just talking about that," said Carolyn Laub, the executive director of the Gay-Straight Alliance Network. "I have heard from donors and some funders that they have lost 20 to 30 percent of their endowments. But they are dipping into their endowments to make sure their funding level stays the same."
To read the full story, visit:
http://ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=3592
|
|
