gsa logo green
empowering youth activists to fight homophobia & transphobia

GSA Network News
May 26, 2010
Greetings!

We want to thank everyone for making the first annual Harvey Milk Day a success!  Harvey would be proud!

Please continue to send us thoughts, comments, videos and photos of your celebrations so we can continue to strengthen our Harvey Milk Day resources to make next year's even better.  We will be putting up your videos/photos and testimony on our HMD page to inspire other GSAs and activists in coming years.

As your school year comes to an end, please help GSA Network with some feedback by taking our Year End Survey.  Your GSA will be entered to win $100!

Well, now that May is almost done, Pride is nearly here!  We encourage students to join your local GSA contingent and march in the pride parade!   More details below.  We hope to see you there!

GSA Network Offices will be closed May 31, 2010 for Memorial Day.

In Solidarity,
GSA Network

NETWORK NEWS HIGHLIGHT: Keeping Harvey's Dream Alive

This past weekend GSAs throughout California and the nation marked the first annual Harvey Milk Day on May 22nd. After lobbying the California Legislature to adopt Harvey Milk Day for two years, students celebrated their hard won victory by organizing events in their schools and communities. Students held educational rallies, movie screenings, gave out cookies with milk, talked to their peers, served Harvey Milkshakes, and even had birthday cakes for Harvey!

Cynthia Schroeder of I-Poly High in Pomona shared with us her GSA's creative idea that would have made Harvey Milk proud. Wanting to raise funds for their GSA's activities next year and educate their school about Harvey Milk, the I-Poly High GSA sold Harvey Milkshakes. As Cynthia described it, "We took each Milkshake cup and put on a sticker with Harvey's picture and a brief summary on why he is significant to not only the LGBT community, but to all of California." Delicious and educational!

Other GSAs used Harvey Milk Day as a chance to build coalitions
Dinuba High School GSA prepares for Harvey Milk Day
Dinuba GSA
fighting for equality with other students in their schools. Aaron Alvardo of Dinuba High in the Central Valley, explained how his GSA did this. Aaron said, "We had a movie screening of the Harvey Milk documentary and accompanied that with milk and cookies. Instead of just having our GSA members attend, we sent letters to different ethnic clubs, multicultural clubs, and clubs that strive to achieve diversity, in order to build a stronger network of progressive Dinuba High School youth who will be willing to help us in future events." By building bridges with other progressive students groups on Harvey Milk Day, Dinuba High's GSA is creating the alliances that make equality a reality, just like Harvey Milk did. 

Students at El Cerrito High School in the Bay Area similarly saw the opportunity to build progressive coalitions in honor of Harvey Milk's civil rights legacy.  Four clubs took turns throughout last week honoring "Forgotten Activists" of several civil rights movements.  The coalition included the GSA, the Jewish Student Union, Green Justice, and the African-American/Black Student Union.  On Monday, this week, the GSA read a short bio of Harvey Milk and re-enacted Harvey Milk's famous "You Gotta Give 'Em Hope" speech during lunch in the main quad.

Other GSAs took Harvey's message to heart and are building connections between GSAs in different schools. Ale Alarcon of Hawthorne Math and Science Academy in Hawthorne has been working to unite her local GSAs to celebrate Harvey Milk Day together. Ale described how her GSA celebrated Harvey Milk Day:  "Our GSA decided to reach out to the other high school GSAs in the South Bay area. For the past couple of weeks the leaders of each of the GSAs have worked together to come up with a what we're calling 'South Bay GSA Mixer: Harvey Milk Day'. Basically, the event is a typical GSA meeting with the focus set on Harvey Milk. What makes the event unique is that it brings together youth from the same community with the same beliefs and interests. It gives everyone the opportunity to network and form coalitions fighting for the rights of LGBT people in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County."

Jason Galisatus speaks durring HMD rally
Aragon HMD
Some GSAs focused on organizing rallies to educate their schools not just about Harvey Milk, but all the issues facing LGBT people in the United States. Jason Galisatus of Aragon High in San Mateo described what his GSA did:  "Our GSA planned a school-wide rally in honor of Harvey Milk. At this rally, we had music playing and continued to have our educational table. On top of that, we had fun decorations and balloons and a Harvey Milk birthday cake that attracted lots of students.  At the table, we handed out stickers that said "I support the freedom to marry" and had people record short videos about why they support equality. We got an excellent response and compiled them into a Youtube video that can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4gv82l1ugI."

What motivates so many youth in different communities to honor the life and memory of one man?

Anna Sturla of Emerson High in Davis, explained her GSA's support Harvey Milk Day as simply being, "To let LGBT youth know that they can have a hero, too."

Cynthia Schroeder of I-Poly High in Pomona shared what motivated her GSA to honor Harvey Milk at her school. Cynthia said,  "Our GSA organized a Harvey Milk Day because we wanted to spread awareness about this historical figure to our school. We felt that this holiday should be celebrated and that Harvey Milk, a hero to the LGBT community, deserves to be recognized amongst all students and staff."

Jason Galisatus draws inspiration and hope from Harvey. Jason explains, "Harvey Milk truly means hope. To many people during his time, Harvey was a true role model. He led the coming out movement and jump-started the modern LGBT liberation struggle. To our GSA, he is revered as the father of our movement, for without his work, having a GSA might not even be possible. We all owe it to him and his work that GSAs and subsequent support networks for LGBT youth and their allies exist." 

Students at Golden West GSA in the Central Valley celebrate with Milk Duds
Golden West HMD

Aaron Alvardo sees Harvey Milk as representing a change in what the LGBT community thought was possible to achieve. Aaron reflected, "Harvey Milk symbolizes to my GSA a pivotal turning point in LGBTQQIA history and in how LGBTQQIA people saw themselves. With Harvey Milk's election to office, young LGBTQQIA youth were able to open up a paper and see somebody like them, somebody that society deemed deviant and wrong, achieved a position of power that was won through public support. Harvey Milk opened the eyes of a whole generation of LGBTQQIA youth to the fact that not being part of a majority doesn't make us bad, sick, or any less capable of achieving great things."

In honoring Harvey Milk Day and making it a day of activism and education, GSA activists are fighting to bring Harvey's dream of full equality for LGBT people to communities throughout California. From Pomona to Dinuba, the victories GSA activist youth win everyday in their schools are proof that the cause Harvey gave his life for is alive and well. Let's keep Harvey's dream alive everyday by working to make our schools and communities safe and accepting places for all LGBT students.

Read an AP article on Harvey Milk Day
 

  GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Fill out the GSA Network Year End Evaluation - Win $100 for your GSA

Calling all GSA advisors, presidents, and active members! We want your feedback.

At the end of each school year, GSA Network asks you to tell us what worked, where you had challenges, and how GSA Network can help your GSA more in the 2010-2011 school year.

Please fill out the survey online or you can download the survey off our website at www.gsanetwork.org

If you fill out the survey by June 30th, your GSA will be entered into a drawing to win $100 to use to have an event, buy supplies, or snacks for your meetings!
1. March with GSA Network in the 2010 SF Pride Parade!

GSA Network invites GSAs all over CA to participate in the 2010 Pride Festivities

Do you have visions of being adored by screaming fans?  Do you want people cheering for you?  Does the sound of clapping make you want to dance in the street?

Sunday, June 27th is the day for you to experience all that and more!

You and your GSA are invited to come march with us in our GSA Network pride contingent. It's totally free, you can bring as many of your GSA members and adult supporters that you want, and we have snacks and water for you!

But that's not all! The first 50 GSA members to show up to the Pride Parade will get a free whistle to use and keep. There will also be hundreds of beaded necklaces to pass out to that adoring crowd while walking down the parade route.

Youth who want their GSA recognized in a sign should either make it themselves or email/call me to let me know they want a sign made for them. Then just show up and we'll have a sign waiting for you.

San Francisco Pride Parade, Sunday, June 27th
Check www.gsanetwork.org for exact location and time when it gets closer to the June 27th date.

Questions? Contact Kiely Hosmon, Northern California Program Coordinator at 415-552-4229 or kiely@gsanetwork.org
2. March in LA Pride June 13th!

Meet up with other youth from across SoCal!  Show your GSA Pride!

Youth come march with the GSA Contingent in LA Pride June 13th!

For the location and time or any other details:
Email Daniel@gsanetwork.org
3. GSA Summer Activist Camps! Register NOW!
Coming this summer:
camp logo
NorCal GSA Activist Camp: July 30-August 1, 2010
&
SoCal/Central Valley GSA Activist Camp: July 23-25, 2010


Online registration is open for SoCal/Central Valley Activist Camp. 
Apply Now.

UPDATE: NorCal Camp Applications are now open! Apply here.

 

Check out: www.gsanetwork.org/events/activist-camps for more info.
4. San Francisco Youth, Holla Back: Apply for a New Leadership Program! (NEW DEADLINE!)
You know you wanna apply for this NEW leadership program where you get a $200 stipend and FREE gifts!
Did we mention free Fast Passes?
Oh, and free food?

And don't forget that little Certificate of Recognition from District Attorney Kamala Harris when you successfully complete the program!

What is it, you ask?!

The Youth Hate Crime Prevention Peer Leadership Program is a collection of dynamic youth of different races and sexual orientations from San Francisco*. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and discuss issues of discrimination, harassment, racial violence, hate crimes, and tensions in their schools and communities.

Led by local experts, youth will participate in two hour workshops spanning eight weeks. You will learn to advocate for positive change in your schools by being role models. In effect, you will educate your peers about bigotry and acts of youth violence or intimidation based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other differences.

Opportunities will be provided for you to set your own program goals relating to projects and to practice skills learned in real life settings. Food will be served at workshops. Fast passes will be distributed for transportation. Additionally, a $200 stipend and a Certificate of Recognition will be awarded to successful participants by District Attorney Kamala Harris.

Email Kiely@gsanetwork.org for an application!

New EXTENDED DEADLINE! Apply now!
**Applications must be RECEIVED by July 2, 2010; 5:00 p.m.**

Mail, fax, or drop-off to:
District Attorney's Office
Attn: Jackson Gee (Jackson.Gee@sfgov.org)
850 Bryant Street, Room 322
San Francisco, CA 94103


The Youth Hate Crime Prevention Peer Leadership Program is a collaborative initiative between the District Attorney's Office, Bar Association of San Francisco., Department of Justice, Gay-Straight Alliance Network, Community Youth Center, United Playaz, Brothers Against Guns, Boys and Girls Club-Columbia Park, and other community organizations.


*Please note that this is for SF youth only who are currently in high school or middle school in San Francisco!


5. Fresno Rainbow Pride 20th Annual Pride Parade

The 20th Annual Central Valley & Fresno's GLBT Pride Parade and Festival will take place on SATURDAY, June 5th 2010fresnopride in the Tower District between 10am and 3pm.

Come and march with GSA Network in the 20th Annual Central Valley & Fresno's GLBT Pride Parade!

Make signs and show your high school GSA spirit!

Contact Julia at 209.559.6098 or Julia@gsanetwork.org if you are interested in marching the parade.

If you cannot make it to the parade visit our booth during the festival and say hi!


http://www.fresnorainbowpride.com/newsite/pride.html

More info:
(559) 266-LINK  info@communitylinkfresno.com
6. GSA Activists: Where are they now?

daniDani Bernstein, who graduated from Brentwood School in Los Angeles in 2004, got her start in LGBTQ activism at her GSA.

"Junior year our GSA made a presentation to faculty of our school about things they could do to stop slurs on campus. We made speeches to staff and I came out to my teachers during my speech. After that, teachers stopped students from saying 'that's so gay' in class. This event had a big impact on how other students saw our GSA. They were less afraid to show their support for our GSA. The culture of our school changed because of our event, and I learned to have faith that we can change the world around us."

"GSA Network's resources were also very helpful to my high school's GSA. I joined the SoCal Youth Council in 2003 and with the help of the staff we got a powerful video from GSA Network that we showed at our event."

GSA Alumni continue their activism long after they graduate from high school.

dani with a crowd"After college I worked on the No on Prop 8 Campaign. All of last year I worked in New Jersey to pass the same-sex marriage bill. What I'm doing right now is working for the Oregon Bus Project. They run the Politicorps Fellowship, which I did the summer after I graduated college. Now I'm a field mentor working to train current Fellows in progressive politics and field organizing."

Thanks to alumni like Dani, GSA students have alumni to look up to as role models for their future activism. Do you want GSA Network to provide greater support and opportunities for alumni to get involved? Help us offer more opportunities for alumni to get involved by filling out our INCREDIBLE GSA Network Alumni Survey at:  

http://www.gsanetwork.org/alumnisurvey

We look forward to hearing from you!
7. FREE DVDS! It's been a while, but YIM is back in MOTION!

YIM 2010

Frameline and GSA Network are proud to announce that due to the renewed support from the ever-generous Bob Ross Foundation we are to keep Youth In Motion moving forward!

First off: We are going to produce more copies of our current DVDs.

If your school didn't get any or all of the DVD series due to short supply, send an email to: youthinmotion@frameline.org, informing him of which ones your school still needs:

   ·    Gender Matters: Expressions and Identities Beyond the Binary
   ·   Global Currents: Broadcasting Change in Latin America
   ·   In The Family: Marriage Equality and LGBT Families
   ·   Visionaries & Victories:Early Leaders in the LGBT Movement

And the big news: We're creating two brand new DVDs, which will be ready this fall! Stay tuned for more information!
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

8. Gender Spectrum Family and Teen Conference, Berkeley Labor Day Weekend
Gender Spectrum Family and Teen Conference:

gender spectrumCome join other transgender, gender bending, gender nonconforming teens, children and families for three days of celebrating individuality, making friends, and having fun.


Meet other trans and genderqueer teens and adults, hang out, and explore topics on gender: workshops about school, medical and legal issues, privacy and much more!

This year's conference is scheduled to take place in Berkeley, CA over Labor Day Weekend, September 3 - 6, 2010, and promises to be an unforgettable experience for all. You will leave with fresh ideas, new friends, and great resources and support!

To learn more or register, please visit us at www.genderspectrum.org or call us at 877-809-4159.

Teen Conference: $25;
Individual Family Conference: $175;
Family Tickets $325.
Scholarships Available!
9. PARADE All America High School Service Team Award

Service, by its very nature, is about finding the best in ourselves and in each other.  Everyone's effort is important.  Service, when we do it well is about growth and win-win.

Stories that touch and inspire students are often ones they hear from their peers.  

PARADE Magazine and The LEAGUE (a national youth service-learning organization which empowers young people to make a positive difference in their communities) are seeking nominations for a new form of award, The All America High School Service Team, to recognize students who have made exemplary contributions in the service areas of: health, education, environment, economics or community.  These students show service as a solution to solve community problems and the power of stories to inspire others to action.

All nominees will receive our thanks, those who are selected as final recipients will be invited to receive an award and accept the challenge of a task: developing their own ideas as a national group for promoting service and service-learning in schools nationwide.  Winners will be asked to share their stories, and help reach out to other youth towards finding the best in each of us.

To learn more and submit your nomination, visit: http://www.parade.com/news/all-america/2010/all-america-high-school-service-team-nominations.html
 
SO CAL
10. Trans Party Picnic in the Park (L.A.)
TUFF 
After a brief hiatus, TUFF is back! It's for transgender people and gender variant individuals (newly out, youth, adults, out for many years, pre transition, post transition, mtf, ftm, genderqueer, etc.).

Right now it's a social group, where we can gather a few times a month to just enjoy the company of each other. We can ask each other questions, have discussions about things that might be bothersome in the community, and just get a sense of belonging.

It's a new launch picnic party Saturday June 19th at Plummer Park, which is VERY LGBT friendly.

For more info go to http://www.tufforg.com or contact: tufforg@gmail.com, (213) 973-8833
11. Creating Bias-Free Classrooms: Training Preview (L.A.)

Join ENCOMPASS for a free preview of Creating Bias-Free Classrooms, a powerful training program that uses live, interactive theater to equip educators to build safer and more inclusive classrooms for students targeted by homophobia.

biasfree
Creating Bias-Free Classrooms: Training Preview
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 | 5:00 - 7:30pm
Cal State LA | The Golden Eagle, 3rd Floor, Ballroom 1
5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, 90032
$2 Parking in Structure C | Refreshments Provided

Utilizing a cast of high school theatre students, the Creating Bias-Free Classrooms transports educators into contemporary classroom settings. Each training explores various methods of handling student bias and illuminates teachers' power to increase equity for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender expression.

Program info at www.encompass.org/biasfree.php

RSVP to skylerjackson@encompass.org or lorinelson@encompass.org. Call 626-358-3442 for more information.
12. ˇYA BASTA! / Enough is Enough!: Summer Youth Organizing Institute (L.A.)
 ˇYA BASTA! / Enough is Enough!:
Summer Youth Organizing Institute
planting seeds through a concrete foundation

EVERY SATURDAY 2 - 6 PM JUNE 12 - AUGUST 21, 2010
Hosted at Catalyst Space: 430 E. 1st Street, Long Beach, CA

The government that represents YOU engages in unprovoked wars for financial gain and power, imprisons and tortures innocent civilians without being charged with crimes or given a trial, cuts funding to your education while spending more on defense than any other nation in the world, bails out corporations while millions of homeless people starve and live on the streets, discriminates against queer/trans people, immigrants, poor people, women, people of color, and disabled people...

We say ˇYA BASTA! Enough is Enough!

This summer 2010, One Imagination offers ˇYA BASTA! / Enough is Enough!: Summer Youth Organizing Institute, a program building the leadership and power of youth ages 13-19 in the South Los Angeles, South Bay/Harbor, and Long Beach area. Through political education and organizing skills, youth will receive the resources and tools to exercise their power as leaders through campaign development, community building, advocacy, and direct action organizing.

ˇYA BASTA! / Enough is Enough!: Summer Youth Organizing Institute is an intensive summer youth leadership and organizing program that provides local middle school and high school students with the skills necessary to resist injustice and oppression within their communities. Through nontraditional teaching methods including interactive workshops, group discussions, guest speakers, field trips, readings, and hands on experiences, youth will learn the basics of direct action organizing, community building, campaign development, and see how these tactics and strategies have been applied in movements all throughout the world present and past. ˇYA BASTA! / Enough is Enough! provides a historical foundation of U.S. and global resistance to key issues directly connected to young people and demonstrates methods of how to resist and organize alternatives.

Email Andres today at oneimagination@gmail.com for an application TODAY! Or call us at (310) 614-4713. Deadline to apply is June 1st, 2010.

One Imagination
oneimagination@gmail.com
http://oneimagination.blogspot.com

13. GSAs help Sponsor Youth Today: Walking for Equality (L.A.)
YOUTH TODAY:  WALKING FOR EQUALITY
Equal Action is looking for queer and ally youth to help organize their 2nd annual queer high school youth march in LA this October. Our first march last year, Youth Today: Walking for Equality, was LA's first-ever queer high school youth march! It attracted around 300 people, a majority of which were youth, as well as various media outlets such as CBS and Univision. If you know of any youth who might be interested, please let them know. All Queer youth of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate. You can click here for more information.
 
More Info:
Stephanie Van
Equal Action, Co-founder
www.EqualAction.org
 
Equal Action is a youth-powered, anti-racist, multigenerational organization that mobilizes the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) community to join the fight for social justice. In organizing and supporting actions for change in overlooked communities, we collaborate with those who work to end oppression in all its forms.
 
14. Marmonte League of GSAs invite you to Network!

MARMONTE LEAGUE GAY/STRAIGHT ALLIANCE (SoCal)
An association of 7 high school GSAs

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113984018613526

Description:
A social network for Marmonte League Gay/Straight Alliance clubs at Agoura HS, Calabasas HS, Newbury Park HS, Oak Park HS, Thousand Oaks HS, Westlake HS, and Malibu HS (not in the Marmonte League). Discuss issues, plan and advertise local events, get connected, have fun.

Goals:
1. All seven local high schools will have functioning GSA clubs.
2. GSA club members will plan and conduct frequent, local, social events: dances, film nights, hikes, bicycle trips, bowling, picnics, volleyball, etc.
3. GSA officers and members will have regular communication among the clubs.
4. GSA club advisers will communicate regularly.
5. GSA advisers, officers, and club members and community organizations will plan and conduct monthly activities together.
6. Traditional teen activity sponsors (teen centers, recreation centers, YMCA, Churches/Temples, Rainbow Alliance, PFLAG, LAGLC, etc.) will all be involved.
Contact: dpollock@att.net

ACTIVITIES (information about all activities available on the Marmonte GSA Facebook page):


.....June
Saturday 6/12 -  PFLAG/GSA Outdoor Movie Night
Monday 6/14 - PFLAG Support Meeting - Church of the Epiphany, Oak Park 7:30pm

.....July
Saturday 7/10 - GSA/PFLAG activity
Monday 7/12 - PFLAG Support Meeting - Church of the Epiphany, Oak Park 7:30pm
Friday 7/23-Sunday 7/25 - GSA Activist Camp
15. OUTspoken Sessions (L.A.)
OUTspoken Sessions

an open mic for queer youth and straight allies 19 and under

Every 4th Friday from 6:30-9:30 pm.

2170 W Washington Blvd., 90018

for more info or to reserve your spot email: info@equalaction.org


Outpsoken
outspoken 2
 
16. 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/
CENTRAL VALLEY

17. Know Your Rights Training Tomorrow! (Fresno)
knowyourrights
The ACLU of Northern California will host a Know Your Rights Training in Fresno on May 27th at 6:00 pm in the Sarah McCardle Room of the Fresno Central Library (2420 Mariposa Street).

The training will cover the rights of LGBTQ Youth in schools and the rights of LGBT employees.

We hope to see you there. The event is open to youth, community members, teachers, students, program directors, youth services, counselors, and anyone else interested in learning about teaching others about their rights as LGBTQ youth in schools.

We will be presenting on the newly created publication that you can download from our website.

English -  http://www.aclunc.org/issues/lgbt/know_your_rights_lgbtq_youth_in_california_schools.shtml
Spanish - http://www.aclunc.org/issues/lgbt/conoce_tus_derechos_jvenes_lgbtq_en_las_escuelas_de_california.shtml

Please RSVP to dgalindo@aclunc.org.

18. LGBT Film "Oy Vey! My Son is Gay!" Screening (Fresno)

oy vey my son is gayReel Pride will be screening the movie "Oy Vey! My Son is Gay!" June 5th at 7pm after the Pride Festival.

FREE tickets are available to GSAers! All you have to is go to the box office 20 minutes before the show, let them know the name of your School or GSA and claim your tickets.

http://www.reelpride.com/


Check out the trailer at:
  http://reelpride.com/oy-vey-my-son-is-gay

19. Trans-E-Motion Meetings in Fresno on Saturdays (Fresno)

Trans-E-Motion Meetings in Fresno on Saturdays.
 
Trans-e-motion has a social meeting on the first Saturday of each month.  Time and location to be announced.  See calendar or call (559) 255-4075.

There is a Trans-e-motion business meeting on the third Saturday of each month at 5:00 p.m. to about 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Equality California office,  Van Ness Towers office Bldg., 1055 N. Van Ness Ave. "C", near Alhambra (South of Olive), Fresno, California, 93728, U.S.A.
20. Community Link's Youth Meetings Friday Night (Fresno)

Meets Every Friday Evening
7:30pm -9:00pm

Fresno's GLBTQ Youth group's weekly meeting is every Friday evening.

1584 N. Van Ness Ave. Map to event

More info :http://www.fresnorainbowpride.com/youthalliance.html
NOR CAL
21. Be a Teen Chat Room Counselor!  (Bay Area)

Must be at least a freshman in high school (in the Bay Area of California) to volunteer!

Do you know a teen that has always been a good listener and cares for others?  Has an interest in volunteering?  Or maybe YOU are that teen?

Do you want to be a chat room counselor?  The onyourmind.net website was created for teens, by teens and features LIVE PEER COUNSELING!  Teens can chat anonymously to other teens about their problems and get advice from a trained peer counselor.  The chat room is open weeknights, 4:30-9:30 pm, when most teens are using their computers.  During our volunteer training we will give you the tools you need to help teens in crisis.


BENEFITS!
*Help teens around the country
*Gain counseling skills
*Looks GREAT on college applications
*Meets volunteer requirement for graduation
*Time to work on homework in between chatting
*Meet new and fun people
*FREE SNACKS!

Visit onyourmind.net for more info and to download an application!

Located in San Mateo County, California!

Training session begins May 20, 2010 : Please apply now!!!  You can miss up to 2 training sessions!

E-mail onyourmind@yfes.org if you have any questions!

Ashley Hopkins
Phone: 650-579-0350
22. Volunteer for GLAAD Media Awards (SF)

The San Francisco GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.

Each year, hundreds of guests, celebrities and volunteers take part in a glamorous and meaningful night for the LGBT community. If you would like to volunteer at the San Francisco Media Awards event, please see below for volunteer opportunities and how to sign up! Spend time meeting like-minded individuals all while doing good for the LGBT community and having a blast!

When:
Friday, June 4th - Gift Bag Stuffing (5-10pm)
Saturday, June 5th - shifts ALL day (shifts range from set-up, guest check-in, attendee ambassadors, silent auction, closing, etc.)

Where:
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
55 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

To volunteer, please sign up at www.glaad.org/volunteers and click "Become a Volunteer". Once you are signed up as a GLAAD volunteer, you will gain access to your personal log in page where you can sign up for any shift on the 4th and 5th.

Please email Jackie Olson (Director of Volunteer Management) at olson@glaad.org if you have questions about this volunteering opportunity.

GLAAD relies on its volunteers and we would love to have your support during this very important event!
Hope to see you there!
23. Hayward Gay Prom 2010
LGBTQQI and Allies, 20 and Under Bay Area and Beyond

It's Prom! Your Prom! Dress to Impress! Bring who you want to... there's a KING, KING, QUEEN, QUEEN Contest and Fabulous Raffle Prizes

It's Beautiful!  It's Fun!  It's Gay Prom!

How Much? $25 or ($20 with Current School Picture ID)
Where? Hayward High School, 1633 East Avenue, Hayward, 94541
When? June 12th, 2010, 7pm to Midnight

Call 510/247-8200 or go to www.gayprom.org for more info!

Lambda Youth Project is a program of Project Eden, Horizon Services, Inc
 IT'S LGBTQQI SAFE AND DRUG/ALCOHOL-FREE SPACE!!!!
 
24. Santa Cruz GSA Picnic- June 13!

Anzar High School is hosting a GSA picnic

on June 13

at San Lorenzo Park in Santa Cruz!

We want as many GSAs as possible to join us, so if you are interested in getting your GSA involved, please email Anzar GSA's president, Erin LaJeunesse at erinlajeunesse@yahoo.com.

The picnic will be potluck-style, and completely FREE!

More information will be provided when you contact Erin.

Erin LaJeunesse
erinlajeunesse@yahoo.com
25. LGBT Historical Film Premier "On These Shoulders We Stand" - San Francisco
on these shoulders flyer
The documentary film ON THESE SHOULDERS WE STAND is premiering in San Francisco at Frameline34, June 2010.

A favorite of high school and college students throughout California, the film will be screening Sat June 19th at the Roxie Cinema at 1:30pm.  

Tickets are available at www.frameline.org.

To see a trailer of the film or to find out more about California LGBT History, please visit:  www.impactstories.org.
26. Hey GSAs, wanna be a part of a FLASH MOB for Pride??
We are hoping you and your local GSAs would be interested in participating in a Flash Mob at SF PRIDE.  If so, please share with everyone and anyone you think might be interested.

We are looking for dancers for a fun, exciting and meaningful flash mob for SF Pride.

A few details:
-You must be available for rehearsals in June: Thursday evenings (8:30pm - 10:30pm) and Sunday mornings (9am - 12pm) at Studio Gracia: 19 Heron Street, SF 94103
-You must be available to perform June 27th (specific time announced at rehearsals).

ALL races, genders, ages, shapes and sizes encouraged!

If interested, please contact us at sfprideflash@gmail.com.

We'll happily give you more details.
Rehearsals start the first week of June, so contact us today.
27. 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
ScholarJOBS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND GRANTS
27. LGBT Activists Apply to be a Mass Promise Fellow
Are you looking transform yourself and your community through service? The Massachusetts Promise Fellowship can help you do just that.  Visit www.masspromisefellows.org to learn more and apply to be a Fellow!

LEARN
Learn The Skills

    * Develop your organizational and communication skills
    * Grow as a leader of your own project
    * Build on your passion for national and community service
    * Learn skills that will prepare you for the real world

EXPERIENCE
Gain a lifetime of experience

    * Coordinate statewide mentoring partnerships
    * Conduct health insurance outreach
    * Lead after-school programming
    * Create and staff teen councils and coalitions
    * Develop and lead youth service programs

OPPORTUNITY
A Chance to receive

    * Develop your organizational and communication skills
    * Grow as a leader of your own project
    * Excellent training opportunities
    * Free courses at Northeastern University!
    * A $4,725 educational award

REQUIREMENTS
Fellows Need:

    * Excellent organization and communication skills
    * The ability to work independently and as part of a team
    * Proven leadership and project management abilities
    * A passion for national and community service
    * The desire to work with diverse constituencies
    * Flexibility and a good sense of humor
    * To be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien

NEWS


Check out our news items feed! We share new stories almost daily at gsanetwork.org/news.
 






GSA Network
Gay-Straight Alliance Network

National & Statewide Headquarters:
1550 Bryant St., Suite 800
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-552-4229
Fax: 415-552-4729

Southern California Regional Office:
1145 Wilshire Blvd. #100
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: 213-482-4021
Fax: 213-482-4027

Central Valley Regional Office:
Phone: 559-268-2780
Mail for the Central Valley office may be sent to our headquarters in San Francisco.

http://www.gsanetwork.org


In This Issue
NETWORK NEWS HIGHLIGHT: Keeping Harvey's Dream Alive
GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Fill out the GSA Network Year End Evaluation
1. March with GSA Network in the 2010 SF Pride Parade!
2. March in LA Pride June 13th!
3. GSA Summer Activist Camps!
4. San Francisco Youth, Holla Back: Apply for a NEW Leadership Program!
5. Fresno Rainbow Pride 20th Annual Pride Parade
6. GSA Activists: Where are they now?
7. FREE DVDS! It's been a while, but YIM is back in MOTION!
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
NATIONAL
8. Gender Spectrum Family and Teen Conference
9. PARADE All America High School Service Team Award
SO CAL
10. Trans Party Picnic in the Park (L.A.)
11. Creating Bias-Free Classrooms: Training Preview (L.A.)
12. ˇYA BASTA! / Enough is Enough!
13. GSAs help Sponsor Youth Today: Walking for Equality (L.A.)
14. Marmonte League of GSAs invite you to Network!
15. OUTspoken Sessions (L.A.)
16. LGBT Youth Calendars (L.A. and San Diego)
CENTRAL VALLEY
17. Know Your Rights Training Tomorrow!
18. LGBT Film "Oy Vey! My Son is Gay!" Screening
19. Trans-E-Motion Meetings in Fresno on Saturdays (Fresno)
20. Community Link's Youth Meetings Friday Night (Fresno)
NOR CAL
21. Be a Teen Chat Room Counselor!
22. Volunteer for GLAAD Media Awards
23. Hayward Gay Prom 2010
24. Santa Cruz GSA Picnic
25. LGBT Historical Film Premier "On These Shoulders We Stand"
26. Hey GSAs, wanna be a part of a FLASH MOB for Pride?
27. Youth Calendar (S.F.)
JOBS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND GRANTS
27. LGBT Activists Apply to be a Mass Promise Fellow


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CA GSAs get 30 free posters per school year
sticks and stones poster

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...Hey Class of 2010...

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