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In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Transitions: Saying Goodbye to Diana and Welcoming Omé in the Central
Valley
GSA Network Announcements
1. Diana's Gender Bender Ball
2. The Family Acceptance Project is ready to listen
3. Take GSA Network's Year End Evaluation
4. Is your school safe for LGBT youth? Take this survey!
5. New Grants from the Gwen Araujo Memorial Fund
Other Announcements
6. Genderblast Planning Meeting (San Francisco)
7. Latin LGBT Pride Calls For Community Picture
8. Golden Rule Services for African American youth
9. Stop CYA BBQ (Oakland)
10. Youth Venture and MTV make it happen for college students
11. Program Assistant Position at Youth Leadership Institute
12. Teen Center Specialist position (San Francisco)
13. Summer 2004 Voter Mobilization Training and Job Fair
14. Empowerment Program Coordinator Position with QYAT
15. NEWS: Gay and straight students aim to make hallways safer
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++
Transitions: Saying Goodbye to Diana and Welcoming Omé in the Central Valley
After three and a half years as the Community Organizer for the Central California Region of GSA Network, Diana Bohn will be leaving GSA Network in order to pursue her work as a minister at the New Community United Methodist Church in Oakhurst. Diana Bohn will certainly be missed at GSA Network! As the first GSA Network staff person in the Central Valley, she helped build the GSA movement from the ground up in the region. Just 4 years ago there were no GSAs in the area and now there are 30 GSAs and a vibrant LGBTQ and straight ally youth movement in the Valley. Diana has created a sense of safety for LGBTQ and straight ally youth in the hostile Valley climate, and helped empower youth activists. We are incredibly grateful for Diana's dedication and commitment to GSA Network and will miss her greatly. Diana's last day with GSA Network will be August 14 and after that she will be joining GSA Network's Governing Board.
GSA Network is also happy to announce that Omé Lopez has joined the GSA Network team as the new Central Valley Community Organizer.
Omé López was born and raised in the Central Valley. Her youth leadership development began when she was surprisingly elected A.S.B. President of her junior high and continued to be re-elected class president until finally gaining the position of A.S.B President at Sanger High School. Her youth activism began during her sophomore year when she played a key role in stopping the implementation of uniforms at her high school. At that time she began to have an interest in health education. Omé's past experiences in the health and human services field have included working as an HIV/AIDS peer outreach worker for Fresno County Health & Human Services and as a health educator for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte. During her involvement with Planned Parenthood she came out as Queer and continued to co-coordinate a GLBTQ and homeless youth drop-in center in Fresno. She just recently received her B.A. in Social Work at San Francisco State University. Omé's other passion's in life include the sport of futbol, playing the guitar, and spinning soulful latin influenced house music at home and in the clubs.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Diana's Gender Bender Ball
Hello GSAers!
YOUR PRESENCE IS CORDIALLY REQUESTED ON SATURDAY EVENING, AUGUST 7TH AT 7PM
UNTIL MIDNIGHT
After three and a half years as the Community Organizer for the Central California Region of GSA Network, Diana Bohn will be leaving the network in order to pursue her work as a minister at the New Community United Methodist Church in Oakhurst.
IN CELEBRATION OF HER WORK, THE STUDENTS OF THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA YOUTH COUNCIL
ARE THROWING A GOOD-BYE BALL! YOU ARE INVITED TO COME AND CELEBRATE, DANCE,
PERFORM AND REMINISCE.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7TH FROM 7PM UNTIL MIDNIGHT
SIERRA VISTA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
4609 E. ILLINOIS (corner of Illinois and Maple)
Bend gender as you please. Come costumed or not. Performers are welcome. Please
contact Frankie Martinez (mailto:Frankie@gsanetwork.org
559-392-5012) or Brandon Jackson (559-292-0284) if you would like to perform.
Please bring food to share.
Gifts to "Tides Center/GSA Network" in celebration of Diana's work
will be gratefully and joyfully received!
Guests are welcome.
This is a safe and sober event.
Please RSVP by AUGUST 3rd to Frankie or Brandon
*********************************************
2. The Family Acceptance Project is ready to listen
Were You Harassed at School??
Have you or someone you know been victimized or harassed at school because someone
knew or thought you were gay?
Would you like an opportunity to share your experiences to help prevent school
harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and heterosexual
youth who were harassed because someone thought they were gay?
Who Wants to Know?
Caitlin Ryan and Rafael Diaz at San Francisco State University are conducting
a study of school victimization of LGBT and heterosexual youth and their families.
We're looking for youth in California who would like to participate in the study.
We'll use the results to develop a resource guide to help parents advocate for
their children in schools to prevent school-based harassment, written in English
and Spanish.
The interview will take approximately 2 hours. All information you tell us is
confidential.
If you participate, you will receive $25 for your time.
Who Is Eligible?
Young people -- ages 13 -- 25 -- who :
--Identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or are a Heterosexual Youth
who was harassed because someone thought you were gay
--Has been harassed in school because someone knew or thought you were gay
--Has experienced ongoing harassment for at least 6 months that caused you to
miss days of school, change schools or drop out of school, or other negative
experiences.
--Has family members who know about your school experiences who would be willing
to talk with us.
For more information, call toll-free at: 1-888-354-4222 or visit our web page at: http://familyproject.sfsu.edu
*********************************************
3. Take GSA Network's Year End Evaluation
Please take a few minutes to fill out GSA Network's Year End Evaluation. Your
comments are VERY important to us!
Access the evaluation online: http://www.gsanetwork.org/yearendeval/
*********************************************
4. Is your school safe for LGBT youth? Take this survey!
Take a survey to tell what it's like at your school!
You can take the survey online, or download a printable version to print out
for your GSA or LGBT youth group by going to http://www.casafeschools.org.
The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.
You can make a difference in only 10 minutes by improving our understanding
of safety and discrimination in our schools. If you took the survey last year,
take it again this year and help us see if schools are changing!
What is this all about?
GSA Network and the California Safe Schools Coalition are 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. Last
year's survey results were published in a report called Safe Place to Learn,
which you can view at http://www.casafeschools.org.
The 2004 Preventing School Harassment Survey will be a vital tool for local
and statewide efforts to make schools safer for LGBT students. Last year's survey
showed that harassment and discrimination are pervasive, but schools can take
specific steps to make a difference. Students whose schools have a clear anti-harassment
policy, students whose teachers intervene when they hear slurs, and students
whose schools have GSAs were less likely to be harassed, more likely to feel
safe in school, and more connected to their community and supportive adults.
We need your help! For the 2004 survey to be successful, we need hundreds of
participants from schools all over California. We've sent copies of the survey
to every GSA and LGBT youth group in California. Please administer the survey
at the next meeting of your GSA or youth group.
Questions? Email mailto:info@casafeschools.org
*********************************************
5. New Grants from the Gwen Araujo Memorial Fund
Horizons is proud to announce the first set of grants from the Gwen Araujo
Memorial Fund for Transgender Education to three organizations in the Bay Area.
Taken together, the grants will create a coordinated local effort to focus attention
on transgender issues for the 2004/2005 school year, gather public support and
attention, and help develop curricula and models for other areas to adopt.
<http://www.glsen-sfeb.org>GLSEN/San
Francisco-East Bay Chapter - $4,000
This grant will support GLSEN/SF-EB's work in the Newark, Fremont, and Hayward school districts to train educators and promote transgender education in the classrooms.
<http://www.gsanetwork.org>Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA Network) - $10,000
This grant will support the GSA Network to create curriculum for high school classrooms in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and San Mateo county school districts to accompany Sylvia Guerrero as a classroom speaker.
<http://www.cuav.org>Community United Against Violence (CUAV) - $2,000
This grant will allow CUAV to help coordinate speaking engagements at both the national and state levels for Sylvia Guerrero, Gwen's mother and a powerful speaker for transgender rights.
To donate to the fund, <http://en.groundspring.org/en/go?j=5545220&u=38103>click here or contact Julie Dorf at <mailto:jdorf@horizonsfoundation.org> or 415.398.2333 x103.
This tragedy has devastated Gwen's mother, Sylvia Guerrero, both emotionally and financially. Donations to her (which are not tax-deductible) can be made at any Bank of America branch: Sylvia Guerrero, in Memory of Gwen Araujo, Account #10598-05854.
++++++++++++++++ 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.
*********************************************
6. Genderblast Planning Meeting (San Francisco)
Help us plan Genderblast V:
Youth Gender Project's annual conference for youth and our allies!
Genderblast volunteer meeting:
Saturday August 14
2pm
@ the Youth Space,
San Francisco LGBT Community Center
1800 Market Street
We are creating a volunteer Steering Committee to plan this year's conference.
Genderblast is a conference planned by and for transgender, transsexual, genderqueer,
gender-variant, intersex and questioning youth and our friends and adult allies.
Featuring: workshops! entertainment! fabulous people!
Get involved - help make Genderblast V a success!!
For more information:
(415) 865-5625
mailto:ygp@youthgenderproject.org
http://www.youthgenderproject.org
SAVE THE DATE:
Genderblast V will be Saturday, November 20th, 2004
*********************************************
7. Latin LGBT Pride Calls For Community Picture
Latin LGBT Pride Calls For Community Picture-Documenting our Roots, Sowing our Seeds
In conjunction with the celebration of LA's 6th Annual Latin Pride, the Latina/o LGBT Pride Association would like to extend an invitation to a special moment for our community.
Documenting our Roots, Sowing Our Seeds-
a Queer Latin@ LA Cultural Community Photograph
August 7, 2004- 10 am
(corner of Lemoyne and Park@ festival entrance gates)
Acknowledging the need to take responsibility for documenting our own community,
the Latina/o LGBT Pride Association is calling for LA's Queer Latin@ Cultural
Communities to convene for a community portrait.
Los Angeles' Queer Latin@ Community has reached a critical mass of talent and
dynamism and between fighting for licenses to drive and to marry (amongst our
many other ongoing luchas) queer and Latin@ issues in this country have also
reached a similarly critical juncture.
Simultaneously capturing the strength, vitality, and vision of our communities, Documenting our Roots, Sowing Our Seeds recognizes and celebrates the unique historical moment we are living by recording this moment in time -- for ourselves and our posterity.
The festivities at this year's 6th Annual LA Latin Pride will provide an opportunity
to show history our communal face (and smile), while creating a chance for new
and collective visions to be forged.
We are inviting activists and artist, writers and performers. We want a cross
section of the breadth and depth of queer latin@ talent in this city. A picture
of those that self-identify, care and take responsibility for this community
and its well being.
The photograph will be taken by recognized community photographer Lorenzo Gomez.
Any Questions please call: Francisco Dueñas at (800) 908-LGBT or at mailto:photo@latinlgbtpride.org
*********************************************
8. Golden Rule Services for African American youth
Golden Rule Services, a local minority based nonprofit organization committed
to reducing the spread of HIV within underserved communities, has been awarded
a contract through Sacramento County's HIV/Communicable Disease Prevention Program
to provide local African American LGBT youth ages 12-19 with HIV risk reduction
workshops.
Workshops will include HIV education, risk reduction activities and discussions
about gender and race. Food, refreshments, gift, raffles and certificates of
completion will be provided to all participants completing the four-session
intervention.
If your school or group is interested in Golden Rule Services or their programs, please contact Clarmundo Sullivan, CEO of Golden Rule Services, at (916) 456-1111.
*********************************************
9. Stop CYA BBQ (Oakland)
If you think that the Books Not Bars "Alternatives for Youth" Campaign is all meetings, conferences and rallies, THINK AGAIN!
On Saturday, August 7, Let's Get Free and Books Not Bars will host "The
Breakout, Volume II" ˜ a barbeque for everyone who has gotten involved
so far or wants to start getting involved now.
Whether you've attended every meeting or just heard about the campaign yesterday,
this is the perfect way to spend your Saturday. Come through to the Breakout,
Vol. II for free food, sports and games, campaign information and live performances
by The Attik and Chino Flaco & Tey.
WHAT
The Breakout, Volume II: Let's Get Free/BNB Barbeque
WHEN
Saturday, August 7, 2004
12 - 4 pm
WHERE:
Mosswood Park, MacArthur and Broadway, Oakland
Hope to see you on Saturday, August 7!
*********************************************
10. Youth Venture and MTV make it happen for college students
As you know, Monday 10/11 is Nat'l Coming Out Day and mtvU will be celebrating "Out on Campus" and discussing LGBT issues the whole week. It would be great if there was an mtvU winner starting an organization on LGBT issues for that week! To meet that deadline, applications need to be in ASAP--no later than the first week of September. I highly encourage you to apply if you have an organization or initiative you have always wanted to start on your campus.Youth Venture and mtvU (MTV's college cable network) recently partnered up to offer the mtvU Grant Contest. Every week from September 1- December 12, 2004, mtvU will help fund a new student-run community service organization, or a new project being undertaken by an existing organization.
To download an application, check to see if your school is an mtvU school, and see previous winners go to http://www.mtvu.com/contests/mtvu_grants/, or email mailto:MTVUGrants@youthventure.org for more information.
*********************************************
11. Program Assistant Position at Youth Leadership Institute
THE MARIN COUNTY YOUTH GRANTS BOARD
The Marin County Youth Grants Board (YGB) is a program of the Youth Leadership
Institute. A board of youth and adult community members, YGB provides cash grants
and assistance to youth-led groups across Marin County. Board members reach
out to youth across Marin, encouraging them to apply and providing them assistance
in developing their ideas. They review proposals by these groups, make decisions
about which to fund, and help funded groups carry out their projects successfully.
YGB has provided close to $500,000 dollars to hundreds of youth-led groups across
the County since 1990. The Youth Leadership Institute works with young people
and the adults and systems that impact them to build communities that invest
in youth.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
* Staff all Thursday evening YGB meetings
* Provide direct assistance and support to YGB members to help them fulfill
their roles.
* Maintain an e-mail group to keep members up-to-date on board work and relevant
activities and issues.
* Help YGB members connect with other youth networks, groups, coalitions and
events in Marin County.
* Manage YGB paperwork and other administrative tasks.
* Help recruit YGB members and encourage youth-led groups to apply for YGB funds.
* Help the Director organize and carry out major YGB training sessions and events.
QUALITIES WE ARE LOOKING FOR
* Organized and flexible
* Experience working with youth groups and leading meetings
* Knowledge of youth services and youth needs in Marin County
* Comfortable speaking in public and in front of groups
* Comfortable working with diverse groups of youth and adults
* College students encouraged to apply!
JOB LOCATION
The position is based in YLI's San Rafael office, 24 Belvedere St.
HOURS AND WAGES
This is a part-time (20-24 hours per week) position, from August 2004 till June
30, 2005. You must be available on evenings and weekends. The pay scale is $11-$13
dollars an hour, depending on experience.
HOW TO APPLY
Please e-mail a cover letter and résumé or list of past and current
jobs to mailto:mrosen@yli.org or send
to: Youth Leadership Institute, YGB Assistant Search, 24 Belvedere Street, 2
nd Floor,
San Rafael, CA 94901
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*********************************************
12. Teen Center Specialist position (San Francisco)
Background:
The Richmond Village Beacon (RVB) is a youth development program based on the
model of schools as community centers. RVB provides programming for over 1,000
youth at three schools in the Richmond District of San Francisco- Presidio and
Roosevelt middle schools and Washington High School. Offerings include leadership,
recreation, arts, technology, education and identity based programming (queer,
African American, and Latino specific) during and after school. All programs
are free.
Description:
The Teen Center Specialist will supervise the Beacon Teen Center, an on-campus
after-school drop-in recreational center for high-school aged youth. This position
coordinates with youth and staff to create an open, interactive and safe space
for high school youth to hang out, have fun and learn about community resources,
and events. Other duties include maintaining the physical space and equipment
of the Teen Center, and assisting with youth programs and youth program staff.
Work schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 3:00-6:00 pm; Wednesdays 1:15-4:00
pm September 2004 through June 2005
Hourly wage: $11.00/hour
Duties Include:
* Supervise open recreation in Teen Center, provide program set-up and clean-up
* Oversee use of teen center materials, computers, and equipment
* Work with teens to develop Teen Center programming such as tournaments, movies,
art projects, or teen zines
* Outreach to diverse population of youth in the school and community
* Maintain safe space for youth by enforcing Beacon Center conduct guidelines
* Oversee small program supply budget
Qualifications include:
* Minimum 1 year experience working with high school aged youth
* High school diploma or equivalent
* Strong commitment to diversity and to youth development principles
* Creative, caring, motivated, independent worker
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume by August 13th, 2004 or until position
filled to:
RICHMOND VILLAGE BEACON
ATTN: Briana Visser
600 32nd Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121
Ph. 415-750-8554 (no faxes please)
Or email to mailto:briana@rvbeacon.org
*********************************************
13. Summer 2004 Voter Mobilization Training and Job Fair
This summer, the Center for Progressive Leadership will support the greatest
mobilization of progressive political activists this country has ever seen.
Progressive non-profit organizations around the country are looking for trained
field organizers to help them identify, educate and mobilize voters supportive
of their issues.
CPL aims to meet that need through targeted Voter Mobilization Training programs
for individuals prepared to travel and work full time as a Field Organizer managing
a 60-day push to Election Day.
GET THE TRAINING YOU NEED:
- Developing a strategy to communicate with voters about progressive issues.
- Recruiting and managing volunteers to implement your strategy.
- Communicating with voters door-to-door, on the phones and online.
- Identifying, educating and mobilizing voters for Election Day!
FOR THE JOB YOU WANT
- We will help place you in full time, paid field organizing positions with
key progressive organizations running direct voter outreach campaigns.
Each training will conclude with a Campaign Job Fair where you will learn about
paid opportunities to work full time as a Field Organizer on a progressive field
campaign. Opportunities last from August-November -- trainees should be prepared
to travel to live in the regions where they will be organizing.
AVAILABLE TRAININGS
- Sat, July 31 - Mon, Aug 2: UCLA (Los Angeles, CA)
- Sat, Aug 7 - Mon, Aug 9: CA State Univ. at Hayward (near Oakland, CA)
- Sat, Aug 14 - Mon, Aug 16: Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)
*$95 training fee includes housing, materials and meals
Limited scholarships available based on demonstrated need.
*Register online for our Summer 2004 Voter Mobilization Training.
http://www.progressleaders.org/leadershipprograms/apply.htm
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Download the Voter Mobilization Training Flyer (pdf)
http://www.progressleaders.org/leadershipprograms/flyer.pdf
- Download the training FAQ (pdf)
http://www.progressleaders.org/leadershipprograms/FAQ.pdf
- Download the training Agenda (pdf)
http://www.progressleaders.org/leadershipprograms/agenda.pdf
- Email mailto:amassell@progressleaders.org
- Call (510) 520-6058 and ask to speak with Aysha Massell.
JOB FAIR INFO
The following organizations have been invited to hire field organizers at our
Job Fair:
- Acorn*
- Clean Water Action
- DemocraticGAIN
- League of Conservation Voters
- NAACP National Voter Fund
- National Coalition for Black Civic Participation
- National Hip Hop Civic Engagement Project
- New Voters Project
(Progressive organizations with field campaigns - Go to http://www.progressleaders.org/jobs/fair.htm to learn more about opportunities to hire field organizers at the fair.)
The Center for Progressive Leadership (CPL) is a non-partisan tax-exempt nonprofit organization recognized under section 501(c)(3) of IRS code. CPL does not intervene in any political campaigns, endorse candidates or engage in any lobbying activities.
1016 16th Street NW, Suite 200 * Washington, DC 20036 * 202-449-1065 * http://www.progressleaders.org
*********************************************
14. Empowerment Program Coordinator Position with QYAT
Background:
The Center for Human Development (CHD) is a nonprofit corporation, established
in 1972. In partnership with the community, Center for Human Development creates
opportunities for people to realize their full potential. Our dedicated staff
and network of trained volunteers work together to promote health and harmony
in individuals, families, and communities. We value people of diverse backgrounds
and experiences; we value group process and teamwork. CHD offers a strong team
environment and an outstanding benefit package for employees.
The Empowerment Program offers support, advocacy, leadership, and HIV prevention
to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth (LGBTQ). Through
the Queer Youth Action Team's advocacy campaign, weekly support groups, and
the Empowerment Leadership Group's HIV prevention workshops and social events,
LGBTQ youth become empowered and express themselves freely. Staff members facilitate
support groups and work with youth on advocacy and leadership to decrease homophobia
and the risk of HIV in Contra Costa County.
Job Description:
The Program Coordinator Intern assists the Program Director in general program
implementation and coordinates the Queer Youth Action Team (QYAT) and support
groups.
Principal Duties:
* Coordinate QYAT, an award-winning LGBTQ youth advocacy group that works to
decrease homophobia in local high schools through implementation of California
Law, AB 537;
* Recruit and coordinate support group participants;
* Facilitate weekly support groups;
* Conduct outreach and publicity to schools, community groups, and media;
* Work with Program Director to prepare all necessary reports including monthly,
quarterly, and final reports for funding sources;
* Maintain all data required for reporting purposes including program evaluations;
* Provide referral information and resources to participants and volunteers;
* Assist Program Director with event planning and overall program development;
* Attend meetings as required;
* Other duties as assigned by Program Director.
Requirements:
A qualified candidate will demonstrate the following characteristics related
to successful performance in this position:
1. Associate degree in health, human services, or related field; Bachelor's
degree preferred.
Work or volunteer experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Excellent
position for an individual pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in social
work, counseling, psychology, education, or other related fields with professional
clinical supervision available as needed.
2. One to two years of experience in program delivery with specific experience
working with LGBTQ youth.
3. Knowledge of youth organizing, advocacy, and HIV/AIDS principles.
4. Demonstrated skills in coordinating/facilitating youth programs and volunteers.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
6. Computer literate.
7. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
8. Ability to organize and set priorities.
9. Availability for some evenings and occasional weekends.
10. Valid California Driver's License and reliable transportation.
Reports to:
Empowerment Program Director
Salary:
This is an unpaid internship experience. Clinical supervision available.
Application Process:
Send cover letter and resume no later than August 6, 2004 to: Empowerment Program
Director, Center for Human Development, 391 Taylor Blvd, Suite 120, Pleasant
Hill, CA 94523.
FAX: (925) 687-6903. E-mail: mailto:renee@chd-prevention.org
People of Color and Bilingual Applicants Strongly Encouraged to Apply
_________
CHD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate as to sex, sexual
orientation, race, color, religious creed, marital status, national origin including
language limitations, ancestry, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics),
age (40 and above), disability (mental and physical) including HIV and AIDS,
denial of pregnancy disability leave or reasonable accommodation, gender identification,
or Vietnam Era or special disabled veteran status.
Smoke-free environment.
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*********************************************
15. NEWS: Gay and straight students aim to make hallways safer
LA Times
8/3/04
By Michael Ordoña, Times Staff Writer
Nicole Smithy wasn't looking for trouble. But as if being a teenager weren't
tough enough, Smithy came out as a lesbian in her sophomore year in the Central
Valley town of Clovis.
"It was pretty bad," says the 18-year-old. "I'd walk down the
hall and people would shout 'faggot' or 'dyke' every day, everywhere I went.
I got spit on in my junior year…. The cops would walk me to my car. Teachers
walked me to certain places; I felt like a prisoner. They wanted to put me in
independent study."
Such harassment, though, isn't limited to farming communities.
"I played softball and there was a group of girls who were uncomfortable
with me changing with them," said 16-year-old Mattye Dane of Tustin. "One
time they cornered me in the shower and asked, 'Do you like watching me in the
shower?' "
Vanessa Coe, 17, who recently graduated from Troy High School in Fullerton,
turned her frustration inward. "I hated myself; I was trying to find something
to live for.
"I decided that the only thing to do was to embrace my sexuality to make
the situation better for everybody, not just myself."
Coe started a Gay-Straight Alliance club at Troy, as Smithy and others tried
to do at Buchanan High in Clovis.
As its name implies, the club brings together kids - gay, bisexual, transgender,
as well as straight - to combat homophobia and promote tolerance.
The Gay-Straight Alliance Network, the organization that connects the state's
campus clubs, estimates that 20% to 40% of the clubs' membership is straight.
Coe said at Troy only a small percentage of the school's club is gay.
Straight kids often join because they have friends or relatives who are gay
and want to support them.
Aria Rostami, 16, is a "straight ally" at Scripps Ranch High School
in San Diego, where half of the club is straight. "I had a friend who came
out as bisexual, and I didn't know how to help," he said. She was really
afraid because she knew she was going to get a lot of criticism."
The clubs are formed and run by students (though they have adult advisors) and
are endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union and can be found in more
than 2,000 middle and high schools across the country. In 1998, California had
40 of them. Today, the state has 411, with a membership of more than 6,000 students,
according to the network.
Lindsay Weber, a senior at Brentwood High, has seen a marked improvement in
the way gay students are treated since the formation of a club on campus. "There
used to be so many slurs in our hallways, and the teachers would do nothing.
There were no 'out' people when I was in ninth grade, and now we have a lot
who are comfortable being who they are."
The clubs organize activities such as an annual Day of Silence, in which participants
vow not to speak, to "protest the silence that lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender [people] face every day," according to the network.
At a retreat center in Pacific Palisades, about 25 kids from more than 20 Southland
high schools recently plotted, networked and drank punch at the fourth annual
Southern California Gay-Straight Alliance Activist Camp. Adult representatives
from the network attended but stayed out of the way; it was clearly the teenagers'
show.
"We're educating the next generation of activists," said student trainer
Yve Laris Cohen, a graduating senior from Scripps Ranch on her way to UC Berkeley.
Laris Cohen, 18, and Weber, 17, were among those who gave presentations on networking
with other clubs, students' rights and effective activism.
Laris Cohen said that instances of harassment dropped sharply at Scripps Ranch
after the launch of their club, but they still occur: "For our Day of Silence
this year, we had organized resistance from a neo-Nazi group that is forming
at my high school."
A recent California Safe Schools Coalition and UC Davis study estimates that
more than 200,000 California middle and high school students are harassed for
actual or perceived sexual orientation each year. It found that these students
were twice as likely to report depression and consider suicide and three times
as likely to miss school or carry a weapon to school.
Laris Cohen said that the "Safe Place to Learn" report also documented
the benefits of Gay-Straight Alliance clubs: "On campuses that had the
clubs, the risk behaviors were lower, harassment was lower."
But not everyone agrees that schools should host such clubs.
The Pacific Justice Institute and the Traditional Values Education and Legal
Institute, among others, advocate litigation against schools that allow the
clubs or are considering doing so. The Traditional Values Coalition website
recommends that parents contact school board members and provide them with information
from its report "Homosexuals Recruit Public School Children" - specifically,
a section called "HIV Instruction Used as Cover to Teach Perverted Sex
Practices."
The Pacific Justice Institute, a nonprofit legal defense organization and one
of the clubs' most prominent opponents, boasts endorsements from Bill O'Reilly,
Laura Schlesinger and former U.S. Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese III.
"The people we represent are not hatemongers," said the institute's
president, Brad Dacus. "We look at this as a parental rights issue. GSAs
have been adamantly opposed to keeping parents informed of their activities.
They know that if parents were aware of what their activities were, they wouldn't
want [their kids] to participate. It's what they talk about and teach."
That couldn't be further from the truth, said Gail Rolf, an advisor to the Los
Angeles Unified School District's Project 10, a support program for lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender youth. "They do not talk about sex. They
cannot discuss things like birth control or use of condoms."
Rather, the clubs advocate for students facing harassment and offer them social
support, said Carolyn Laub, executive director of the Gay-Straight Alliance
Network.
So far, legal challenges to the clubs have failed before the Federal Equal Access
Act.
At Buchanan, efforts to start a club have met a more subtle, and effective,
form of resistance.
Elizabeth Shonnard, now an incoming freshman at UCLA, is a straight ally who
tried to start a club at Buchanan because she was tired of seeing kids "being
made fun of relentlessly. It seemed like the administration wanted to wait for
something bad to happen before they did anything. I didn't want to wait for
someone to commit suicide."
Shonnard said that she filled out all the necessary paperwork, but every time
she got faculty members interested in being the club's advisor, they would withdraw
after speaking with the principal. The teachers said the principal never told
them not to support the club, according to Shonnard, but they were "more
concerned with what the principal did not say."
Smithy said a club at her school would have because of the violent environment
toward gays there. She ended up attending off-campus meetings. "People
were talking about how they felt. I keep a lot of stuff inside, so it was a
really good chance for me to let it out."
"It can be overwhelming because the task is monumental," said Laris
Cohen. "But I think at some point you have to let it overwhelm you, let
that feeling inform your actions. Changing your little corner of the world is
important."
For more news related to this article, please visit: http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-et ordona3aug03,1,1623603.story
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
The House that Activism Built: NorCal Activist Camp 2004
GSA Network Announcements
1. Apply for Youth Council! It's Cool!
Other Announcements
2. Youth Talent Show/Poetry Slam Showcase (San Jose)
3. Awareness Leadership Team Retreat 2004 (San Francisco)
4. Urgent!! Help Remove Children from the Adult Criminal Justice System!
5. Girl Talk group in Hayward
6. Children of LGBT Parents Wanted for European Documentary
7. Submit Films for the 6th Annual East Bay Gay Asian Film Festival
8. Parts and Trannies on Film Festival (San Francisco)
9. LGBTQQ Youth Writers, Artists, and Photographers Wanted for LYRIC Magazine
Project
10. Education After High School: What are my options? workshop at LYRIC
11. Internships and the Employment Training Program at LYRIC
12. NEWS: Dickson protects hate speech
13. NEWS: California Will Spend More to Help Its Poorest Schools
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++
The House that Activism Built: NorCal Activist Camp 2004
GSA Activist Camp has happened once again! More than 30 student activists assembled
in the Center for Third World Organizing Mansion in Oakland, CA during August
11-13, 2004 to learn, have fun, and affirm their place in the LGBT youth movement.
This three day event contained workshops such as Queer People of Color History
and an Intersex training, in addition to GSA Network trainings such as Coalition
Building, Student Organizing, and Kick-Ass GSA. The workshops were led by a
team of trainers from the Northern California Youth Council. This year, students
also learned about school funding through the Opportunity to Learn workshop
by Californians for Justice.
Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to hang out, talk, share,
create strong bonds and enjoy all of the sumptuous meals coming out of the kitchen.
At the end of Activist Camp, there were plenty of hugs and heartfelt goodbyes
that warmed everyone's hearts.
Northern California GSA Activist Camp would not have been possible without the generous donation of time, energy, and resources from Californians for Justice, Youth Reach Project, Good Vibrations, Arizmendi Bakery, Tully's Coffee, Peet's Coffee, Noah's Bagels and other support from friends and allies. A special thanks to all the trainers: Dorsi, Jordan, Anna, Tina, Danielle, and Caleb!
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Apply for Youth Council! It's Cool!
The school year is starting back up again!! And where will you be??!? of course,
in school, but where else can you get involved, plug in and make a difference?
Youth Council!!!
So submit your application today! http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html
++++++++++++++++ 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.
*********************************************
2. Youth Talent Show/Poetry Slam Showcase (San Jose)
Come out, Come out, wherever you are and show us your talent (dancing, singing, band performances, reading poetry, etc.)! The DeFrank Center's Q-Kids will be hosting a Talent Show/Poetry Slam Showcase on Friday, August 20, 2004 from 7PM-10 PM (doors open at 6PM).
If you are a youth within the ages of 13-25 and would like to be part of the Showcase, please contact Erika Escobedo at mailto:youthprog@defrank.org or at (408) 293-3040 x111 to sign up. Everyone is welcome to watch the showcase!When: Friday, August 20, 2004
Time: 7PM-10PM (doors open at 6PM)
Where: DeFrank LGBT Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
Cost: $2.00 donation (proceeds go towards youth programs)
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3. Awareness Leadership Team Retreat 2004 (San Francisco)
WHO
GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay’s Awareness Leadership Team (ALT) is a highly
motivated group of 20 youth ranging in ages from 14 to 23 that represent a diverse
population of LGBTQ and straight ally youth dedicated to ending anti-LGBTQ bias
in schools.
WHEN
September 11th and 12th, 2004.
WHERE
San Francisco City Center Youth Hostel
WHAT
The retreat is a two-day intensive training experience that will set the foundation
for more advanced training in the months following the retreat. The retreat
is a vital learning experience for youth. They learn how to be good facilitators,
active listeners, and many other vital skills that will help them become strong
leaders and educators in their own community.
WHY
In order to develop these skills, youth need to come together and work as a
team to reach their fullest potential as leaders. They will take part in extensive
training ranging from learning about the history of the LGBTQ community to laws
that exist today to help protect all youth in schools from harassment and bullying
based on real or perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.
They will also participate in an interactive workshop that examines the intersections
of oppression and learn crucial skills to help advocate for their peers.
HOW
GLSEN SF-EB is able to help local Bay Area youth leadership with the generous
support of San Francisco and East Bay community members, businesses, and other
sponsors who care about creating safer schools for all.
For more information, please contact Ravi or Shanda at 925.685.5480 or email:
mailto:ravi@glsen-sfeb.org or mailto:shanda@glsen-sfeb.org.
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*********************************************
4. Urgent!! Help Remove Children from the Adult Criminal Justice System!
Action Alert! Help Remove Children from the Adult Criminal Justice System!
Two bills are making their way through the California legislature that will
help youth involved in the adult criminal justice system.
The first bill, SB 1151, will make it less likely for youth to end up in the
adult criminal system because it will require judges to consider certain factors
before sending a youth to the adult system. This bill is likely to pass on Monday.
We ask that you send letters of support (see sample below) to the Governor's
office urging him to sign the bill.
The second bill, SB 1223, helps youth in custody by allowing judges to reconsider
the sentences of youth after a significant part of their sentence has been served.
This bill is currently on the Assembly Appropriations suspense file (because
there are costs associated with the bill), and the committee will make a determination
on Wednesday, August 11th, whether to take the bill off of suspense. Please
FAX or mail letters of support to the Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee,
Judy Chu, and Speaker of the Assembly, Fabian Nunez, as soon as possible (see
samples below).
For more information about either of these bills, you can search for these bills on the California State Legislature, Bill Search website, http://www.legislature.ca.gov/port-bilinfo.html.
If you would like additional information, please feel free to contact Neelum Arya at the Youth Law Center, mailto:narya@ylc.org, (415) 543-3379 x. 3909.
*********************************************
5. Girl Talk group in Hayward
A support/social group for Queer women from eighteen to thirty. Meetings are
on the second and fourth friday of every month from 6pm-9pm at the Lighthouse
Community Center in Hayward. 1217 A Street, right next door to the A Street
Cafe.
For more info check out http://www.ipmascots.com/girltalk
*********************************************
6. Children of LGBT Parents Wanted for European Documentary
I'm a journalist-director and I'm specialized in society and artistic subjects.
I am working on a documentary for Arte (french-german public channel) about
sons and daughters of gay and lesbian parents.
I'm looking for teenagers or adults between 13 and 35 raised by gay parents.
Having the parents involved is not a requirement.
I welcome all kinds of experiences. I'm not looking for "perfect families"
but want to show a variety of experiences. As the USA is far ahead compare to
Europe on this question, it's important to explain to the european audience
what did these children become ? How did they grew up with gay parents ? What
is similar or different for the children of gay families than those from straight
parents ? I'm aware that these questions seems usual and obvious for you but
in Europe this type of questions are new in the debate.
I have no prejudice about the subject but of course I want to direct an anti
homophobic documentary.
The location and shooting are in september and in the beginning of october in
San Francisco. I need to get in touch with the persons who are interested as
soon as possible.
I thank you in advance and hope to hear from a lot of you soon !
Stephanie
Please contact me at mailto:stephaniekaim@hotmail.com
or
mailto:stephaniedocenstock@hotmail.com
Feel free to watch the website of the channel and the production company :
http://www.arte-tv.com and http://www.docenstock.com
Doc en Stock
Stephanie Kaim
79 rue du Temple
75003 Paris
France
P 00 33 1 44 54 25 80
C 00 33 6 19 77 04 56
*********************************************
7. Submit Films for the 6th Annual East Bay Gay Asian Film Festival
Hello!
We are proud to announce that Asian Health Services is now accepting submissions
for the 6th Annual East Bay Gay Asian Film Festival, a local event that is offered
free of cost to all attendees. The East Bay Gay Asian Film Festival is held
in Oakland, California, and has featured various local and international films
of interest to the queer Asian Pacific Islander community of the Oakland/East
Bay.
This is our 6th year, and the event has been consistently well attended in
past years. The following article was published in Asian Week and the East Bay
Voice the year before last:
http://www.asianweek.com/2002_12_13/bay_film.html
The event is sponsored by Asian Health Services. To learn more about our program,
please visit: http://www.ahschc.org/aids.htm
Please read below for submission guidelines. Questions should be directed to
Travis Hottes: 510-986-6830, ext. 371, mailto:thottes@ahschc.org
All interested filmmakers/representatives are encouraged to contact us.EAST BAY GAY ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Requirements:
The East Bay Gay Asian Film Festival accepts all films and videos by, for, or
about queer Asian/Pacific Islander persons. This includes works of fiction as
well as documentaries of any length.
Entry Deadline: September 3, 2004
Permissions:
By submitting to the East Bay Gay Asian Film Festival 2004, the filmmaker (or
their representative) agrees that:
1. Asian Health Services, sponsoring agency of the East Bay Gay Asian Film Festival,
is permitted to use the submitted video and any and all press materials of all
selected entries for publicity and promotional purposes;
2. The person signing the entry form is legally authorized to enter this film
in the East Bay Gay Asian Film Festival 2004.
Screening Requirements:
Please submit your entry as a VHS tape or DVD (or contact us if in other form).
Films can be shot in any medium. If selected, a final print in composite 8mm,
16mm, 35mm, BETA SP or mini-DV must be available by November 1, 2004.
Rewards/Payments:
Stipend rates will be negotiated with the filmmaker(s) upon selection.
Selection:
All submissions will be reviewed by the East Bay Gay Asian Film Festival 2004
Selection Committee. All selections are at the sole discretion of Asian Health
Services.
Shipping:
Mail submissions to:
Asian Health Services
Attn: Travis Hottes
818 Webster Street
Oakland, CA 94607
Questions should be addressed to: mailto:thottes@ahschc.org
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*********************************************
8. Parts and Trannies on Film Festival (San Francisco)
The Queer Outskirts is proud to present, in association with the Activism and
Social Change Department,
The New College of California,
And Fresh Meat Productions:
A Dual Feature:
PARTS and TRANNIES ON FILM
Film Festival August 28-9
Art Reception August 29
New College of California
Cultural Center
766 Valencia (b/wn 18th and 19th)
Saturday 2:30-6:30p
Sunday 1:30-4p
Reception: Sunday, 4-6p
Tickets: $5-50, no one turned away.
Questions? Call Judy at 415-437-3447
The New College of California is pleased to host a double-bill showcase of
art and films representing a wide range of transgendered experiences. With support
from Fresh Meat Productions, Parts offers photos and prints by Del LaGrace Volcano,
Emma Ramstad, and Shana Agid to envision the trans body in multiple and explicit
terms. Members of the New College Activism and Social Change department curate
Trannies on Film, a two-day festival of shorts, documentaries and features by
trannies, queers, and intersexed filmmakers dedicated to creating multi-gendered
justice through humor, erotica, and conscious critique. With music videos by
sex laureate Shawna Virago, experimental shorts by internationally-recognized
artist Tobaron Waxman, and perennial favorite Iron Ladies, the afternoons of
movies introduce the visual art at a reception on Sunday afternoon.
As trans and gender queer artists struggle to describe who we are and what we
want to become in relation to our parts, we have opportunities to muddy the
boundaries of binary gender and reimagine what is possible. Parts,
a show of prints and photographs by Emma Ramstad, Shana Agid, and Del LaGrace
Volcano, envisions the trans body in multiple and explicit terms. Whether
revealing the anatomy of a tranny cock, questioning the tranny-boy ideal in
relationship to power and privilege, or exposing the risks of living in bodies
that provoke anger, fear, and violence, the work in Parts begins to make public
what is often left unseen or undiscussed, both within trans communities and
in the mainstream imagination. The show runs from August 18th through September
8th, in the New College Cultural Center behind the cafÈ.
Trannies on Film aims to represent a wide range of transgendered experiences in order to offer alternatives to the multiple oppressions that keep bathrooms segregated, health care unavailable, and community hard to find. In addition to music videos, experimental shorts, and the cross-dressing saga of a Thai volleyball team, Trannies on Film showcases Born Queer, an intersexed artistís erotic letter to surgeons; Toilet Training, a short documentary that relates the search for safe restrooms (and features music by marching clowns!); No Dumb Questions, addressed to children learning to meet their new aunt; Trans TV, which chronicles twenty years of transgendered images on mainstream television, from All in the Family to Geraldo and Queen; and Shinjuku Boys, introducing three onnabes who work as hosts at a women's club in Tokyo. The two afternoons of films start at 2:30 pm on Saturday the 28th and concludes at 4pm on Sunday the 29th for the reception.
The New College of California is a fully accredited institution committed to providing an education to people who have been denied that chance elsewhere. To that aim, the New College has funded a work-study position called the Queer Outskirts, which connects the campus to aspects of different queer communities through volunteer projects, public programs, and individual support. As an integral part of the campus varied curricula, Activism and Social Change students work closely with their academic and community advisors to develop concentrated learning in specific areas of activist concern such as environmental justice, health and medical care, affordable housing and homelessness, union organizing, legal and human rights, peace activism, and more. Under Artistic Director Sean Dorsey, Fresh Meat Productions is dedicated to the creation, development, and presentation of transgender and queer performance.
WHO: New College of California, Fresh Meat Productions.
WHAT: Parts: Photos and Prints; Trannies on Film
WHEN: August 28 2:30-6:30pm; August 29 1:30-5:30p.
Reception: Sunday, August 29, 4pm
WHERE: New College of California Cultural Center, 766 Valencia (b/wn 18th and
19th)
HOW MUCH: $5-50 sliding scale, no one turned away. Call Judy at 415-437-3447.
WHY: Proceeds go to the artists, PISSR (People in Search of Safe Restrooms),
and a queer video library on the New College campus.
*********************************************
9. LGBTQQ Youth Writers, Artists, and Photographers Wanted for LYRIC Magazine
Project
The Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center (LYRIC) is a SF based community center serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQQ) Youth, 23 and under.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
We are looking for a group of talented LGBTQQ young folks (ages 14-21) who would
be excited to help us launch our new LGBTQQ youth magazine project. Youth journalists
will be paid a stipend of $100 for the project, which will begin on August 27th
and run through November.
This is a unique opportunity to learn basic journalism skills and, at the same
time, work with other LGBTQQ youth to create something accessible, meaningful
and useful for our peers and larger communities. Besides working with LYRIC
youth-editors to research and produce the text and images of the magazine, folks
involved in this project will learn about important issues like how LGBTQQ people
are represented in the media. Participants will also be involved in selling
ads to local businesses and working on other major aspects of the magazine.
Also, participants will attend workshops on the following topics:
-The Basics of Journalistic Writing
-Media Communication Skills
-Story Design
-Editing and Criticism
-Media Literacy
QUALIFICATIONS:
To be a part of this exciting new project, you don’t need previous journalism
experience. You do, however, need to be a committed, self-motivated, and enthusiastic
youth (14-21 years old). You must be able to meet tight deadlines and attend
all informational meetings, workshops, and field trips (a three month commitment).
We are looking for writers of every skill level, provided that you are committed
to developing your writing skills and working collaboratively with other youth.
INFORMATIONAL MEETING:
Anyone interested in participating will need to attend an informational meeting
on Friday, August 27th, OR Monday, August 30th. The meeting will be from 4-5
p.m. on the second floor of the LYRIC house, 127 Collingwood Street, San Francisco,
CA, 94114. At the meeting, you will get an overview of the project and an application
to join the magazine staff. If you plan to attend, an RSVP would be helpful
for us (although you can come without contacting us first).
CONTACT:
To RSVP, please contact the LYRIC magazine interns at mailto:denny@lyric.org.
*********************************************
10. Education After High School: What are my options? workshop at LYRIC
After high school, you either get a job or go to a university right? WRONG!
In this two-hour workshop, we will explore the many educational opportunities
that exist after high school. Topics will include:
Reasons why people continue their education after high school
An overview of the various types of education (there's more than just college!)
Resources for deciding what types of education are right for you
How to apply for various programs
Paying for it! Resources for financial aid because of our time constraints,
we will not be able to discuss every aspect of this topic. Instead, we will
try to get an overview of the educational options that are available and the
steps you can take to move toward your educational goal. PLEASE BRING QUESTIONS,
a NOTEBOOK, and a PEN!
Who Should Attend: Anyone who has questions about the educational opportunities
that exist after high school and interns who would like to further their education.
***This training is PAID time for all interns***
Presenter: Denny David, Education Services Coordinator at LYRIC
When: Tuesday, August 31st, 4-6 p.m.
Where: LYRIC, 127 Collingwood, San Francisco, CA (94114). 2nd floor library.
RSVP: Contact Denny at 415.703.6150 ext.28 or mailto:denny@lyric.org,
if you would like to attend. You must RSVP by Friday, August 20th. Space is
limited. Priority will be given to LYRIC Job Trainees and Interns.
*********************************************
11. Internships and the Employment Training Program at LYRIC
What is the Employment Training Program (ETP)?
A training service that supports queer youth in gaining job readiness skills,
including intensive training on resume/cover letter writing, interviewing, financial
management, employment laws, computer training, job searches and more! Provides
paid training to LYRIC participants focusing on youth employment and development.
Young people are given the chance to set their own personal and professional
goals, build supportive relationships with their peers and learn career-focused
information.
How does it relate to the Internship Program?
The ETP is a 40-hour training that is required of most LYRIC participants who
want to become interns. The training is paid at the same rate as the internship-
$8.50 an hour.
What hours are the trainings?
The new trainings will be starting up this October 2004. 3 trainings will be
held per week-every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4-8pm at the LYRIC house,
127 Collingwood Street between 18th and 19th in the Castro in San Francisco.
What can I expect to learn?
Participants will learn a variety of job related skills including:
* Professionalism
* Financial Management
* Public Speaking
* Communication
* Life Skills
* And more!
Are there any requirements?
Yes. Applicants must:
* Be between the ages of 14-21
* Turn in all paper work including applications, identification and necessary
documents on time
* Be willing to dedicate at least 6 months of their time to the Internship Program
* Should be comfortable working with Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer
and Questioning (LGBTQQ) youth
How can I apply?
Contact Mercedes for an application at 415.703.6150 x 21 or email, mailto:mercedes@lyric.org.
An electronic version can be sent to you via e-mail or downloaded on our website
http://www.Lyric.org.
Applications are due by August 31st, 2004.
*********************************************
12. NEWS: Dickson protects hate speech
August 9, 2004
North County Times
By: KYNN BARTLETT - Commentary
If you're a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered youth in Southern California,
you've probably got enough to worry about without having your school board sanction
open harassment by your peers. Unfortunately, some elected officials have chosen
ideological zealotry over the welfare of our children.
It happened in Westminster this year. Extreme conservative school board members
decided to reject the state's guidelines protecting transgendered people from
discrimination and harassment, even though doing so risked thousands of dollars.
Outraged parents and community members have launched a recall effort to remove
those board members who place their religiously motivated intolerance ahead
of providing educational services to children.
Sad to say, we've got a similar problem here in Southwest Riverside County.
To read the full story, visit:
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2004/08/10/opinion/commentary/8_9_0421_05_35.txt
*********************************************
13. NEWS: California Will Spend More to Help Its Poorest Schools
August 13, 2004
By NICK MADIGANLOS ANGELES, Aug. 12 - If 16-year-old Eliezer Williams has his
way, rats will no longer scurry through classrooms in California, and every
student will have books, a place to sit and a clean bathroom to use.
Eliezer is the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit filed in 2000 by the
American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of 1.5 million California students,
most from poor neighborhoods.
The lawsuit accused the state of denying poor children adequate textbooks, trained
teachers and safe classrooms.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, plans to announce Friday that California
has settled the suit by agreeing to the demands that the students receive equal
access to basic instructional materials in all core subjects and that they be
taught by qualified teachers in sound and healthy
schools.
The proposed settlement, which is subject to approval by a judge, would require
the state to devote as much as $1 billion to repairs and upgrades to 2,400 deteriorating,
low-performing schools.
It would also provide almost $139 million for textbooks this year alone.
"This means that every child counts," said Mark D. Rosenbaum, legal
director of the Southern California branch of the A.C.L.U.
The deal, Mr. Rosenbaum said, ends "decades of neglect and indifference."
"We were in classrooms where kids had to share space with rats," he
said. "We saw essays posted on a board in an elementary school where kids
had written about the prevalence of rats in their classrooms."
While touring schools to research the lawsuit, Mr. Rosenbaum said, he found
children who had defecated in class because restrooms were out of order.
In some classrooms, he said, rain poured through holes in ceilings.
Citing a Harris poll, Mr. Rosenbaum said that one million to two million students
did not have books for use in school or to take home for study, and that schools
with high concentrations of black and Latino students were 74 percent more likely
than predominantly white schools to
lack sufficient textbooks.
In Eliezer's case, books were so scarce at the Luther Burbank Middle School
in San Francisco, which he attended when the lawsuit was filed, that the books
had to be shared, and teachers were forced to photocopy texts so students could
do homework.
He said a dearth of desks meant that students often had to push desks from one
classroom to another.
"It was strange," Eliezer said in a telephone interview on Thursday.
"This is a pretty big state and I thought we'd be able to afford enough
books for everybody."
He said that the bathrooms were sometimes "filthy and dirty" and that
ceiling tiles were missing in the gymnasium, prompting fears that some of the
remaining tiles could fall and hit someone. In the locker rooms, he said, doors
were bent and locks broken. Eliezer said he took pictures of the damage.
The school he attends now, Balboa High School in San Francisco, where he will
be a senior in the fall, is "a little bit better," Eliezer said, but
not perfect.
"The boys' bathroom was closed for half the year, at least, last year,"
he said. "It was out of order, flooded, just messed up. It took time to
fix."
The administration of Gov. Gray Davis, a Democrat who was ousted last year in
a recall election, spent about $18 million fighting the lawsuit.
Lawyers for the state argued that poor students were unlikely to do better in
school even if they had the same educational benefits as children who were not
poor. They also said the responsibility for ensuring educational equality belonged
to local governments.
But the plaintiffs argued that the state had denied thousands of children their
fundamental right to an education under the California Constitution.
"Children who lack the bare essentials necessary for an education,"
said Mr. Rosenbaum, the A.C.L.U. lawyer, "can hardly be expected to achieve."
For more information related to the article, please visit:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/13/national/13settle.html?ex=1093406250&ei=1&en=80415315d902310d