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GSA Network News Email Archive - August 2007

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August 22, 2007

In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:

GSA Network Highlight
2nd Annual National Gathering Reinvigorates National Association of GSA Networks
Go directly to GSA Network highlight

GSA Network Announcements
1. Applications are on the way for Brand New GSA Network Advocacy & Youth Leadership Camp
2. Bulldog Pride Scholarship Fund to Award TWO $1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS
3. School is Starting Soon and You Need Something to Wear! Buy a GSA Power T-shirt!
Go directly to GSA Network announcements

Other Announcements
Southern California
4. Mountain Biking Trip LGBTQ Youth and Allies (Malibu)
Go directly to Southern California listings

Central Valley
5. Trans E Motion (Fresno)
6. Bakersfield Pride Weekend (Bakersfield)
Go directly to Central Valley listings

Northern California
7. Big Queer Show (San Jose)
8. The Other Side of the Closet (Bay Area)
9. California Methamphetamine Initiative Study (San Francisco)
10. Tipping the Scales for Justice: An Evening of Entertainment (Sacramento)
Go directly to Northern California listings

National
11. Journal of LGBT Youth - Call for Articles
12. Alison Bechdel Available for Speaking Engagements!
Go directly to National listings

Jobs
13. Justice Now Internships Available (Oakland)
Go directly to Jobs listings

+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++

2nd Annual National Gathering Reinvigorates National Association of GSA Networks

From August 9th – 12th students and staff from state and regional GSA networks from across the country gathered in Albuquerque, New Mexico for the 2nd Annual National Gathering of the National Association of GSA Networks. Over 40 activists, 22 of which were students, participated in the Gathering from 11 member states across the country. Once again, the Gathering proved to be a success filled with exciting workshops, challenging dialogue, and priceless networking!

So, what exactly happens at a National Gathering? The National Gathering is the one time, each year, for staff and students from state networks across the country convene to share ideas and best practices about how to build and maintain a network of GSAs, how to increase youth leadership in their organizations, and how to further develop and utilize the National Association of GSA Networks.

One participant, Monica Ann Arrambide, Director of Youth Leadership and Programming with Out Youth in Texas, who attended the Gathering for the first time shared: “I was impressed with how the National Gathering connected youth leaders and their supporters for the purpose of uncovering opportunities, identifying best practices and sharing of ideas within in the GSA movement. It had all the elements for an amazing social justice conference: networking, youth leadership development, GSA mobilization, and rejuvenation. The Gathering also demonstrated the importance of empowering our current generation of young leaders in the movement.” Monica was one of six participants who attended the Gathering from Texas, four of which were student leaders.

Folks also learned valuable skills such as how to engage youth in policy advocacy work and how to do much needed anti-racism work with GSAs. Workshops also included skill-building on how to transform schools to create safe spaces for transgender and gender non-conforming students, how to balance the demands of start-up leadership in organizations, and best practices for working with school and district administration.

Aside from the seriousness of skill development and the challenging dialogue that can come along with personal and organizational growth, participants engaged in valuable relationship building. This included networking with numerous state-based political LGBT equality organizations engaged in the Equality Federation Institute Summer Meeting, which was held in coordination with the Gathering. As a national alliance that networks state-based organizations working to secure civil rights and equality for LGBT people, the Equality Federation truly understands the value of strengthening statewide organizing. Holding our Gathering jointly with Equality Federation provided many valuable opportunities to build relationships, attend additional workshops and presentations, and further strengthen the LGBTQ movement nationwide.

As a youth leadership organization, GSA Network was proud to connect the broader LGBTQ social justice movement with the powerful LGBTQ and straight ally youth who are actively leading the GSA movement in their states across the country. Paul Machado, a student leader with the GSA Network in California, explained the impact the Gathering had on him: " When I first arrived I felt like the baby ‘cause I only had five months of activism to myself. But I was so proud to be there, learning so much about youth in other states. I feel lucky that I live in California, a state that has laws that protect me in school. The National Gathering has shown me that we need to have the laws that protect us in California all over the rest of the country. AND the Drag Show was awesome too!” Paul was one of four student leaders from California who attended the National Gathering.

This year the member states that participated in the Gathering were: California, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. To view photos from the National Gathering Click Here: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaOWbJi3at2LnI!

The National Association of GSA Networks is building the power of the GSA movement by connecting state and regional networks of GSA clubs to each other for information-sharing, networking, and peer exchange. For more information about the National Gathering or the National Association of GSA Networks, please contact Ruth at 415-552-4229 or email mailto:ruth@gsanetwork.org

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+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++

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1. Applications are on the way for Brand New GSA Network Advocacy & Youth Leadership Camp

Are you a youth activist? Are you a high school student who’s fighting homophobia and transphobia in your school and community? Do you want to find out how to spread your message and start making change on an even larger scale, like across the state and maybe even across the country?

Then join GSA Network and youth activists from around the state for GAYLA (GSA Advocacy & Youth Leadership Academy), a three-day policy advocacy and leadership development camp in Sacramento on October 26th to 28th.

Who: Youth activists in California high schools & middle schools who want to learn how to advocate for safer schools, create statewide change, and make schools safer & more supportive for LGBTQ and ally students.
What: GAYLA is a three-day intensive training in the legislative process, policy advocacy, media activism, & other important skills.
Where: Sacramento, CA
When: October 26-28, 2007
Why: To become an advocate & learn how to make schools safer all over CA

What you’ll learn:

• Understand what your legal rights are & how to educate others about them
• Figure out how laws like AB 537 are made & how you can become an active participant in the process
• Gain key media activism skills to help you spread your message everywhere.
• Break down barriers & help to ensure more youth voices are part of the statewide fight for LGBTQ equality
• Transform yourself into a public speaker who changes the hearts & minds of everyone around you
• Meet, make friends, & share resources with youth activists from across the state

Graduates of GAYLA will be encouraged to continue working with GSA Network & advocating for LGBTQ youth in schools by:
• Joining the GSA Network State Advocacy Youth Committee
• Helping to plan Queer Youth Advocacy Day (QYAD) 2008--the largest queer youth advocacy event in the state
• Training members of your GSA & QYAD 2008 participants in advocacy skills
• Serving as a media spokesperson in your region on GSA, safer schools, and LGBTQ youth issues
• Coordinating district lobbying visits to lawmaker offices in your areas
• Organizing & participating in rallies, letter-writing campaigns, and speak-outs in your area

How to apply:
An online application form will be posted on http://www.gsanetwork.org at the beginning of the school year (late August/early September). First submit a completed application in order to be considered for one of a limited number of spots at GAYLA this year. After your application is submitted, you will be contacted by a GSA Network staff member with follow-up questions.

Application deadline: October 10, 2007

Housing, and meals for youth participants of GAYLA will be provided by the GSA Network, and transportation assistance will be available for those who need it.

For more information, call or email Advocacy Coordinator Lai-San Seto at 415-552-4229 or mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org.

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2. Bulldog Pride Scholarship Fund to Award TWO $1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS

BULLDOG PRIDE SCHOLARSHIP FUND INFORMATION AND CRITERIA
The BULLDOG PRIDE SCHOLARSHIP FUND (BPF) at Fresno State is accepting applications for a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded to a student in the 2008-09 academic year. The BPF scholarship criteria is that a Fresno State incoming or returning student with good academic standing that has demonstrated pride in the community be selected as its recipient.
The BPF will also bestow the newly-established GSA NETWORK AWARD of $1,000 to a student affiliated with the GSA NETWORK in the 2008-09 academic year. "This new Bulldog Pride Fund annual award will assist and support GSA Network alumni from within and without the Central Valley that attend Fresno State," said Peter Robertson, founder of the BPF and a three-time Fresno State graduate. "By attracting and retaining GSA-affiliated student leaders and advocates, we will create a new sense of pride within the university and the community-at-large."

For the 2008-09 academic year, the priority window deadline to apply for all scholarships at Fresno State, including the Bulldog Pride Scholarship Fund, is from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2007.

DETAILS ONLINE: http://www.bulldogpride.org

BULLDOG PRIDE SCHOLARSHIP FUND NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
In compliance with federal and state legislation, all Bulldog Pride Fund at Fresno State applicants and awardees are considered without regard to: sex, race, age, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, disability or covered veterans status. The BPF actively seeks and encourages applicants from all segments of our diverse society.

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3. School is Starting Soon and You Need Something to Wear! Buy a GSA Power T-shirt!

Another GSA Network T-shirt hot off the press... Cafepress that is.

Do you just love our GSA Power postcard? Well, now it's a shirt. Buy it today and help support GSA Network!

Order one of our three New T-shirts and help support GSA Network
* GSA Power
* A is for Ally
* Activist
* Male, Female, Other / Neither / All of the above

Also in stock
* I heart GSA
* I HELLA Heart GSA
* and our classic GSA Organizing Shirt

These new designs can ONLY be purchased at our online store. For every item you buy GSA Network gets a small donation ($3-5) to keep doing all the good work we do!!!

So, help support GSAs and look cool doing it.

To Buy Today: http://www.cafepress.com/gsanetwork

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Central Valley
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5. Trans E Motion (Fresno)

Trans E Motion: A local coalition with members from the GSA Network, The Imagine Change Coalition, Diversity Club, CCA, The Transgender Caucus,and local artists.

Join us as we plan for the second annual Transgender Day Of Rememberance! A city wide event in Fresno C.A.

Are you an artist? Contact Chris Martinez (mailto:psyclonmurder@yahoo.com) or Chelsey Ramirez (mailto:chelseymr@yahoo.com) and tell us, we could more than use your help.

Interested in helping plan? Come to our meetings!

All are welcome!

Where: Planned Parenthood Mar Monte
633 N Van Ness, Fresno CA (mapquest it)

When: Bi weekly tuesdays (Next Meeting:August 28th)

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6. Bakersfield Pride Weekend (Bakersfield)

September 1, 2007

Pride Festival from 3-9pm

For more information, please contact mailto:bakersfieldpride@aol.com

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Northern California
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7. Big Queer Show (San Jose)

Saturday, August 25

Join us for the Big Queer Show at the DeFrank Center and experience performances by:

Lipstick Conspiracy
Excuses for Skipping
Little Teeth
NVS
Needy Eevy
Thunder Thighs
Butch vs. Femme
Twenty5Stars
Bleeder Project

Snacks will be available for sale. This is a drug and alcohol free event.

All ages welcome.

WHEN Saturday, August 25
TIME 2:00p.m. - 11:00p.m.
WHERE http://defrank.org/about/directions.html
Billy DeFrank Center
938 The Alameda, San Jose
COST $2 - Minimum Donation

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8. The Other Side of the Closet (Bay Area)

The Other Side of the Closet by Ed Roy
Appropriate for Students Grades 6-12, Teachers & Parents
Touring Northern California Schools and Communities from October 23rd - December 14th 2007.

Verbal and physical harassment based on actual or perceived sexual orientation remains persistent in schools all over the country. The Other Side of the Closet by Ed Roy is a drama for teens that explores the sources of homophobia and harassment in schools and gets young people to think about ways to move past their intolerance. This play has been touring to Northern California middle and high schools every fall, since 2000, to educate teens about diversity, acceptance and about the California School Safety Act (AB-537), which prohibits harassment in school based on actual or perceived sexual orientation. The Other Side of the Closet supports a safe school curriculum where students, teachers and parents can learn about differences and respect in an innovative and engaging format. Each performance includes a discussion with the cast, and handouts are provided for teachers to continue discussion in the classroom. This is a great program for your school's GSA or other diversity club to sponsor on campus, and we are also available to present community performances of this program on Monday and Tuesday evenings during the run of the tour.

How do you bring a YouthAware Tour to Your School or Community?
YouthAware Educational Theatre programs may be performed in any theatre, gymnasium, cafeteria, or other multi-purpose room. We travel with our own set and sound equipment and do not require any special lighting. We prefer to see between 100-400 students per performance and can do the program up to two times a day at your school. Each performance and discussion lasts approximately 70 minutes, and students should remain seated for the entire program. NCTC is a non-profit organization and we do ask for a $250 donation per performance to cover our production costs, but if funding is an issue for your school, please contact us to discuss possible underwriting by one of our YouthAware donors.

The following dates are still available for the 2007 fall tour:
October 23, 30 & 31 November 5, 12, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28 & 29 December 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 & 13

For more information or to book a tour date *email mailto:sara@nctcsf.org or call (415) 694-6149.

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9. California Methamphetamine Initiative Study (San Francisco)

$75 Focus Group
Gays, Bisexuals & Other Men who have Sex with Men

Methamphetamine Study
Users & Non-Users

San Francisco
September 5, 2007

mailto:jfletcher@thehennegroup.com or call 1-877-737-5782 x 216

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10. Tipping the Scales for Justice: An Evening of Entertainment (Sacramento)

Benefiting the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Marriage Equality USA

On September 6, 2007, Sacramento Lawyers for the Equality of Gays and Lesbians (SAC LEGAL) will host its annual fundraiser for the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA). The event will feature live music, comedy, and a silent auction. Tapas will be provided by Cervantes restaurant.

Please join us for an evening full of entertainment, celebration, and inspiration on September 6, 2007, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Club 21, and show your appreciation and support for the work that NCLR and MEUSA do on behalf of the LGBT community.

Tickets are $50.00 and can be purchased in advance and at the door. Student discounts are available.

For more information, please e-mail mailto:NCLRFundraiser@aol.com.

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National
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11. Journal of LGBT Youth - Call for Articles

Journal of LGBT Youth:
An Interdisciplinary Quarterly of
Practice, Research, Policy & Theory

Special Theme:
Millennial Teens:
International Perspectives on LGBTQ Youth

The Journal of LGBT Youth (previously entitled the Journal of Gay & Lesbian Issues in Education) invites scholars, practitioners, researchers, educators, lay persons, young persons, and policy analysts to submit abstract proposals for this special theme double issue.

In 1993, The High School Journal published a landmark issue on "the gay teen," with 19 articles focusing on what it is like to be "a homosexual adolescent in the United States…. in school [and] in gay culture." Its editor, Gerald Unks (1993/94, p. 6), concluded that what was needed was "to extend basic civil liberties to a minority of students who do not currently enjoy them." Fifteen years later, how far have we progressed in heading this call for individual, social, and legal equality? Are we in a new era that is witnessing the birth of what some are calling the new gay or post-gay teen or are these claims misleading? How has the past 15 years of critical inquiry alongside technological and transnational impacted a global "gay" identity/"coming out" model among non-Western youth?

Thus, for this special double issue of the Journal of LGBT Youth-and, an adapted, subsequent publication in book format-we are interested in a variety of topics related to the "gay teen" in various institutional contexts such as schools, workplaces, families, religious groups, military and government agencies, youth-related or non-governmental organizations. Authors who can provide comparative analysis (either through first-hand observations or data) that explores differences and similarities between today's "gay teen" in our global society and those adolescents growing up queer in the 1990s (or earlier generations) would be particularly welcomed. Articles that are cross-regional or cross-cultural and/or that are from outside the North American context are important. Articles may be analytical/theoretical, empirical (quantitative or qualitative), historical, biographical or first-person accounts. Contributions from young people are particularly encouraged and can include brief essays, poetry, photographs, or other visual arts media.

All submissions must not have been published previously and authors must agree to limited copyright transfer to the Publisher (The Haworth Press, Inc). Persons under age 18 must have signed permission from a parent/guardian that accompanies any submission, along with other documentation that may be required by the Publisher.

The following are potential topics for the journal's special issue; articles need not be limited to these areas. Unless otherwise specified, all topics refer to "youth" or young persons who do not fit the gender or sexual societal norms (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, intersex, questioning, and/or post-gay).

- Communication among youth and their families, friends, and/or allies
- Differences between today's and yesterday's youth
- Diversity and difference within the Millennial cohort
- Unprotected sexual encounters
- Transitioning into the "other" gender or gender queer as a pre-adolescent or teenager
- Sports and masculinity/femininity
- The impact of non-discrimination laws and policies on youth
- White narrative discourse on research into "gay" youth.
- The shaping presence of the closet
- Negotiating sexualities in post-colonial contexts
- The role of straight allies in the youth movement
- Five research questions that are important for youth of color
- How those under age 18 are served/not served by programs and youth serving agencies
- Meta-analysis of studies on youth
- Resilience and risk factors
- Analysis of entertainment media (e.g., film, cartoons, music, Internet) and the effects of mediazation in (re)presenting youth
- Mental health and social service delivery, policy and practice for pre-adolescents and adolescents
- Age of consent issues
- Agency, identity, and activism
- Racial and minority ethnic communities embracing the "post gay" teen?
- Religious groups approaches to working with youth
- Myths about "the new gay teen"
- Youth as bullies
- Diaspora or Transnational sexuality studies
- The development of the ally identity among heterosexual-identified youth
- The politics of funding programs for or research on youth
- Relationship between social class, educational attainment, and sexual identity development
- Lessening risk and building resilience among youth
- Non-gender conforming behavior in childhood and identifying as LGBTQ in adolescence
- Native/Aboriginal youth
- Subverting and resisting (hetero)normative gender identities
- Historical review of research on youth
- Coping strategies among youth today
- Cross-cultural analyses of the phenomenon and construct of "coming out"
- Suicidality
- Rural contexts for youth
- How much difference does the Internet really make?
- Effective programs and exemplary strategies in working with youth
- Relationship between socio-economic class, educational attainment, and sexual identity development
- Building inclusive library collections
- Performance and enforcement of sexual or gender identities
- The politics of GSAs and other school-related queer organizations
- Addressing ethical review boards when working with or researching youth

FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO SUBMIT ABSTRACT, CONTACT:James T. Sears, PhD: mailto:jglie@jtsears.com

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: October 1, 2007

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12. Alison Bechdel Available for Speaking Engagements!

Alison Bechdel is now available to speak at any upcoming events you may be working on.

~Alison Bechdel, author of the critically acclaimed Fun Home (called "one of the very best graphic novels ever" in Booklist) and of the syndicated comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For (DTWOF), has become a cultural institution for lesbians and discerning non-lesbians all over the planet.

Alison's BIO: http://www.rothtalent.com/speakers/slist/bechdel

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Jobs:
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13. Justice Now Internships Available (Oakland)

Justice Now works with people in women's prisons and local communities to build a world without prisons.  We believe that prisons and policing are not making our communities safe and whole but that, in fact, the current system severely damages the people it imprisons and the communities most affected by it.

We see that prisons are a form of violence against women, and that locking up men is not a solution to interpersonal violence in our communities.  We are interested not only in challenging what we see happening in prisons, but also in building a different world - a world where all of us have affordable housing, food, healthcare, economic opportunity, and freedom from both individual and state violence.  This vision includes creating new ways to respond when people hurt each other, ways that no longer rely on violence and control.

Human Rights Documentation Program
Our Human Rights Documentation Program partners with people in women's prisons to educate the public on how prisons damage communities of color, and to challenge policies harming people in women's prisons and their families. Using a participatory documentation approach, we train people in women's prisons on human rights documentation and collaborate with them to produce human rights reports on abusive prison conditions.  Issues we are currently focusing on include inadequate reproductive health care, human rights abuses around medical care more generally, and the overly aggressive
and racially discriminatory termination of parental rights.  Interns will work directly with our human rights staff to interview people inside prison, conduct in-depth research and writing, and develop and implement advocacy plans.  Interns will also have the opportunity to work on creating reports and other documents to send to the United Nations for upcoming international human rights meetings.

Direct Legal Services
Justice Now interns work closely with Justice Now staff attorneys to provide clients with direct legal services in the following areas: child-custody, life-threatening illnesses, acute medical conditions, winning compassionate release (early release) for terminally ill or medically incapacitated prisoners (in men's and women's prisons) with less than 6 months to live, and alternative sentencing.  Interns take on their own caseloads, and are responsible for interviewing clients in prison (on prison visits escorted by staff), advocating for clients' medical needs and for their compassionate release where appropriate, and researching and securing alternative placements in hospices, nursing homes, or arranging other palliative end-of-life care in clients' homes.  Interns are closely supervised so they have assistance and mentorship throughout their work.

Prison Abolition Campaigns
This area involves organizing, policy and public education campaigns to end our society's reliance on prisons to respond to social problems.  Justice Now interns collaborate with people in California's women's prisons and communities outside to challenge prison expansion and promote alternatives to the prison industrial complex.  This year the Legislature has passed, without public hearings or voter approval, a 53,000-bed prison deal, and is continuing to push for more women's prisons dressed as "community-based alternatives."  Interns will have the opportunity to amplify the perspectives of people inside in the media and in Sacramento to challenge prison expansion and promote decarceration.

Minimum time commitment: Flexible; 16 hrs/week for casework, and 20 hrs/week for summer internships.  Currently accepting internship applications for year-round positions.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Justice Now works with people in women's prison and local communities to build a safe, compassionate world without prisons. Our mission is to end violence against women and to stop imprisonment. We provide internships year round.

Justice Now has a legal training clinic organizational structure, providing internships year round to community members, law students, undergraduates, and graduate students. We take seriously our goal of training the next generation of activists and lawyers in a multifaceted approach to social change work. Interns are trained and supervised in performing the majority of our programmatic work in collaboration with people in women's prisons. To breakdown hierarchies of who has access to legal skill, we allot a maximum of ∏ of our intern slots for law students and all interns have their own caseload of clients for whom they are primarily responsible, regardless of their educational background or experience. Interns are trained to combine their legal service work with broader human rights, legislative, media, and grassroots organizing efforts in collaboration with women inside.

We select 10-15 interns each semester/summer.  Priority is given to people of color, people who were formerly imprisoned, and family members of people in prison.  Our interns have applied the skills learned in a variety of social justice fields.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT
Cassandra Shaylor, Co-Director, phone 510/839-7654, ext. 2#, fax 510/839-7615, e-mail mailto:cassandra@jnow.org

Training provided. School credit when applicable. Personal experience with criminal legal system and/or background in critical race theory/gender studies a plus. Located in downtown Oakland with easy access to BART/bus from SF Bay Area.

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August 8, 2007

Please note that during the months of July and August GSA Network News will be bi-weekly instead of weekly.

In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:

GSA Network Highlight
Summer Activist Camps a Success!
Go directly to GSA Network highlight

GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Network Wins Award at SF Pride!
2. Applications are on the way for Brand New GSA Network Advocacy & Youth Leadership Camp
3. Bulldog Pride Fund Establishes $1,000 GSA Network Award for Students at Fresno State
4. School is Starting Soon and You Need Something to Wear! Buy a GSA Power T-shirt!
Go directly to GSA Network announcements

Other Announcements
Southern California
5. 3rd Annual Serafemme Queer Women of Color Music Festival (West Hollywood)
6. Two Year Birthday Party for Youth of C.I.TY (West Hollywood)
7. Attend Gay Day at Magic Mountain with the Gay Associated Youth Center (Cathedral City)
Go directly to Southern California listings

Central Valley
8. CATAPULT Youth Leaders Team Seeks Youth (Stanislaus County)
Go directly to Central Valley listings

Northern California
9. Youth Step Towards Addressing Racism Discussion Groups (Berkeley)
10. OASIS FOR GIRLS Summer Visual Arts Apprenticeship presents Sacred Hands (San Francisco)
11. Spectrum Pizza Party (San Anselmo)
12. Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership (Petaluma)
13. "Stop the Increase - Take Action Month" (San Francisco)
14. TLC Hires First Executive Director and Legal Director
Go directly to Northern California listings

National
15. Leading Democratic Presidential Candidates to Participate in Historic Forum on Gay Issues
16. MTV Wants You for Engaged and Underage!
Go directly to National listings

Scholarships
17. Genentech Scholars Program
Go directly to Scholarships listings

Jobs
18. Girls Sports Coordinator (San Francisco)
19. LYRIC is Hiring Youth!! (San Francisco)
20. B.B.Q. Health Team Seeks Youth (Bay Area)
Go directly to Jobs listings

News
21. NEWS: Young and Out on the Field
Go directly to News listings

+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++

Summer Activist Camps a Success!

This weekend wrapped up a summer of Activist Camps for over 60 youth from GSA's all over California. Activist Camps were kicked off in June by the Central Valley and finished up in San Francisco on Sunday. Activist Camp is a three day camp full of workshops on leadership, coalition building, and strengthening your GSA! Here are some snippets of success on each of the camps:

Central Valley
The Central Valley camp gathered 20 youth from Bakersfield to Stockton. Many of the youth that came to camp are planning on taking over leadership roles in their GSA's. One youth commented, "It has been awesome hanging out with other youth and hearing about things that they are doing in their GSA's. I have been able to learn new ways to make my GSA stronger so that it will have more impact on my campus".

Southern California
The Southern California Activist Camp was a blazing success! 25 youth from all over Southern California converged in West Hollywood for three days to discuss the issues that were arising in their schools. "It was an amazing experience that's really inspired me to take leadership in my school's GSA" says a youth from East LA.

Indeed, leadership was one of the main themes during camp, with a special focus on the importance of the individual in any movement. One highlight (out of many) from the Southern California Activist Camp was the faaaabulous drag show that took place on the second night. Not only was it thoroughly entertaining, but extremely convincing, too!

By the time everyone left on Sunday afternoon, everyone left energized, motivated, but also with a clearer sense of what GSA leadership means. Kudos!

Northern California
High School students from across Northern California participated in this year's three-day, youth-led activist camp! "I had an amazing time at camp. I went from being someone who wasn't sure how to lead a GSA to being someone who is fully confident in what I have learned," says a participant at the camp. "The skill-building workshops were extremely valuable to the successfulness of my school's GSA next year."

Indeed, the development of powerful, effective student leaders was the overarching aim of the activist camp. Youth leaders facilitated workshops on a wide variety of topics designed to raise awareness about how anti-LGBTQ sentiments are linked to and intersect with other socio-economic oppressions like racism, classism, and ageism. Moreover, the participants learned about AB 537 and SB 71(and how to enforce it on their respective school campuses), and learned about the valuable contributions of LGBTQ people of color through a Queer People of Color workshop. Most importantly, youth learned how to address these important topics in their GSAs and how to stand up for their rights! (Also, not to be forgotten, a fabulous drag show and the amazing queer Olympics were held at the camp!)

The friendships, conversations, and connections made at camp were invaluable for the young activists. In the words of one of the participants, "I valued building connections with people I felt safe around. Especially having the ability to apply my knowledge with new knowledge to create an idea for social change." Students left feeling connected, enlightened, and most of all empowered to make positive changes on their school campuses.

As camps have come to an end for the summer, we hope that all of the youth that attended left with a sense of empowerment and with skills they can use to help create change!

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+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++

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1. GSA Network Wins Award at SF Pride!

Congratulations to the GSA Network Pride contingent! We had many amazing youth and adult allies yelling, shouting, passing out beads, whistling, and waving to the crowds with loud voices and huge smiles.

Because of the passion of our contingent, the GSA Network was one of the organizations who received the "ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS" award. This award was based on great emotional content, message, or outstanding presentation.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in the 2007 SF PRIDE parade!

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2. Applications are on the way for Brand New GSA Network Advocacy & Youth Leadership Camp

Are you a youth activist? Are you a high school student who’s fighting homophobia and transphobia in your school and community? Do you want to find out how to spread your message and start making change on an even larger scale, like across the state and maybe even across the country?

Then join GSA Network and youth activists from around the state for GAYLA (GSA Advocacy & Youth Leadership Academy), a three-day policy advocacy and leadership development camp in Sacramento from October 26th to 28th.

WHO: Youth activists in California high schools & middle schools who want to learn how to advocate for safer schools, create statewide change, and make schools safer & more supportive for LGBTQ and ally students.
WHAT: GAYLA is a three-day intensive training in the legislative process, policy advocacy, media activism, & other important skills.
WHERE: Sacramento, CA
WHEN: October 26-28, 2007
WHY: To become an advocate & learn how to make schools safer all over CA

What you’ll learn:

* Understand what your legal rights are & how to educate others about them
* Figure out how laws like AB 537 are made & how you can become an active participant in the process
* Gain key media activism skills to help you spread your message everywhere.
* Break down barriers & help to ensure more youth voices are part of the statewide fight for LGBTQ equality
* Transform yourself into a public speaker who changes the hearts & minds of everyone around you
* Meet, make friends, & share resources with youth activists from across the state

Graduates of GAYLA will be encouraged to continue working with GSA Network & advocating for LGBTQ youth in schools by:
* Joining the GSA Network State Advocacy Youth Committee
* Helping to plan Queer Youth Advocacy Day (QYAD) 2008 — the largest queer youth advocacy event in the state
* Training members of your GSA & QYAD 2008 participants in advocacy skills
* Serving as a media spokesperson in your region on GSA, safer schools, and LGBTQ youth issues
* Coordinating district lobbying visits to lawmaker offices in your areas
* Organizing & participating in rallies, letter-writing campaigns, and speak-outs in your area

HOW TO APPLY:
An online application form will be posted on http://www.gsanetwork.org at the beginning of the school year (late August/early September). You must first submit a completed application in order to be considered for one of a limited number of spots at GAYLA this year. After your application is submitted, you will be contacted by a GSA Network staff member with follow-up questions.

Application deadline: October 10, 2007

Transportation, housing, and meals for youth participants of GAYLA will be provided by the GSA Network, but donations are appreciated. No one will be turned for lack of funds.

For more information, call or email Advocacy Coordinator Lai-San Seto at 415-552-4229 or mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org.

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3. Bulldog Pride Fund Establishes $1,000 GSA Network Award for Students at Fresno State

The BULLDOG PRIDE FUND (BPF) at Fresno State has established the GSA NETWORK AWARD.

The BPF/GSA NETWORK AWARD will be presented on an annual basis to a student affiliated with the GSA NETWORK that attends Fresno State.

"This new Bulldog Pride Fund annual award will assist and support GSA Network alumni from within and without the Central Valley that attend Fresno State," said Peter Robertson, founder of the BPF and a three-time Fresno State graduate. "By attracting and retaining GSA-affiliated student leaders and advocates, we will create a new sense of pride within the university and the community-at-large."

The BPF/GSA NETWORK AWARD is expected to be a minimum of $1,000 per year and will be distributed on an annual basis beginning with the fall semester of 2008. The 2008-09 "priority window" of applications for all scholarships at Fresno State (including the Bulldog Pride Fund) is from Sept. 1 to Nov. 31, 2007 with the Scholarship Office, Division of Student Affairs.

Details online: http://www.csufresno.edu/scholarships/index.shtml.

About the Bulldog Pride Fund at Fresno State:
Founded in 2005 and established in 2006, the BPF is an endowment that provides an annuity to support student scholarships at Fresno State. The earnings (interest) of the BPF are used to fund student scholarships, while the principal continues to earn interest for the funding of future scholarships in perpetuity-- or forever.

As of July 29, 2007; total donations to the BPF is $35,474.86. Donations are 100% tax-deductible. Additionally, the BPF 2006-07 Annual Report has just been released and may be viewed online: http://www.bulldogpride.org.

About the GSA Network:
The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Network is a youth leadership organization that connects school-based GSAs to each other and community resources. Through peer support, leadership development, and training, GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening, and sustaining GSAs and builds the capacity of GSAs:
To create safe environments in schools for students to support each other and learn about homophobia and other oppressions;
To educate the school community about homophobia, gender identity, and sexual orientation issues; and
To fight discrimination, harassment, and violence in schools.

The GSA Network is based in San Francisco, but also maintains offices in Los Angeles and Fresno. The Central Regional Office is staffed by Robin McGeehee, Central Valley Program Coordinator; and Sara Martinez, Program Assistant. It is located at 928 N. Van Ness Ave. (Fresno, 93728); and the website is http://www.gasnetwork.org.

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4. School is Starting Soon and You Need Something to Wear! Buy a GSA Power T-shirt!

Another GSA Network T-shirt hot off the press... Cafepress that is.

Do you just love our GSA Power postcard? Well, now it's a shirt. Buy it today and help support GSA Network!

Order one of our three New T-shirts and help support GSA Network
* GSA Power
* A is for Ally
* Activist
* Male, Female, Other / Neither / All of the above

Also in stock
* I heart GSA
* I HELLA Heart GSA
* and our classic GSA Organizing Shirt

These new designs can ONLY be purchased at our online store. For every item you buy GSA Network gets a small donation ($3-5) to keep doing all the good work we do!!!

So, help support GSAs and look cool doing it.

To Buy Today: http://www.cafepress.com/gsanetwork

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++++++++++++++++ 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.

Southern California
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5. 3rd Annual Serafemme Queer Women of Color Music Festival (West Hollywood)

Tony Award Winning Poet Stacyann Chin to Perform Live

The third annual Serafemme Queer Women of Color Music Festival will take place Sunday, August 19, 2007 from 12 noon until 6 p.m. at the West Hollywood Park Baseball Field located at 647 North San Vicente Blvd.

Produced by Out&About, a social networking organization for lesbian women of color, this year's event will feature Tony Award winning poet Stacyann Chin (HBOs Def Poetry Jam, Nuyorican Poets' Cafe) along with Hanifah Walidah (Brooklyn Funk Essentials) , Miss Money, Skim, Gia, Jade Ross, Neb Luv, B.I.G, Aries, Miki Vale, Kandi Cole, DJ Nova Jade, Melange Lavonne, Red Summer, Shana and more. The 2007 Serafemme Queer Women of Color Music Festival is sponsored in part by the Lesbian Visibility Committee of the City of West Hollywood and Christopher Street West. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students with a valid I.D. Parking is free at the Pacific Design Center which is adjacent to the venue. All ages are welcome. Seating is provided but attendees are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Pets are not allowed into the event. To view a complete line-up for this year's event, please visit http://www.beoutandabout.com or http://www.myspace.com/serafemme.

"All women are invited and encouraged to attend Serafemme," commented festival organizer Marquita Thomas . "But I particularly wanted and needed to highlight women who are often overlooked in the planning of music festivals by people who may not entirely understand the political force behind hip-hop, the heartbeat rhythm of house music or the call to the ancestors in African drumming. At Serafemme, these women are not peppered in for 'ethnic flair,' they are celebrated and revered."

Says Mayor John Duran: "Serafemme is co-sponsored by the City of West Hollywood's Lesbian Visibility Committee because the festival is a wonderful celebration of women's culture and diversity. The City is proud to be hosting Serafemme again this year and we look forward to another lively, entertaining, enlightening day of music and spoken word!"

Calendar Details

WHAT: 3rd Annual Serafemme Queer Women of Color Music Festival

WHO: Tony Award winning poet Stacyann Chin and more

WHEN: Sunday, August 19, 2007-Noon until 6 p.m.

WHERE: West Hollywood Park Baseball Field
647 North San Vicente Blvd.
West Hollywood , CA 90069

PUBLIC INFO: (323) 656-8895, http://www.beoutandabout.com, http://www.myspace.com/serafemme

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6. Two Year Birthday Party for Youth of C.I.TY (West Hollywood)

We are proud to announce our next event, which is our 2-year birthday party!

"We've Got Balls" takes place on Saturday, August 25th, 2007 at Plummer Park from 5:00pm-9:00pm. Plummer Park is located at 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. in the City of West Hollywood.

This free event is for youth (14-24). We will have Recreational Games, Live Youth Performances, Free Snacks, Raffles, Giveaways, and more! This event is also an alcohol & tobacco-free event.

Be sure to check out our event web site, which will soon have some cool features posted; such as information on volunteer opportunities, info on our special guests, a list of performers, and more! Check out http://www.cityx1.com/balls for more information.

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7. Attend Gay Day at Magic Mountain with the Gay Associated Youth Center (Cathedral City)

Gay Associated Youth provides a safe drop in Center for GLBTQ youth and their allies. Located in Cathedral City, CA. the Center is planning to take youth to Six Flags Magic Mountain Gay Day Friday September 28th.

A bus will leave from the Center and the cost of the bus and admission will be $20.00 per person.

For more information about the trip call the Center at 760 328-8700.

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Central Valley
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8. CATAPULT Youth Leaders Team Seeks Youth (Stanislaus County)

SPC is very excited to have a new program to offer to the youth of Stanislaus County! CATAPULT is a 10-month program the Great Valley Center began six years ago, that's intended to offer youth, who normally not be given, the opportunity to participate in a leadership program.

We ask for your assistance in identifying "at-risk youth" who would be interested in participating with the CATAPULT Youth Leaders Team that the Stanislaus Pride Center in Modesto will host this year 2007-2008.

Here is a link for additional information: http://www.greatvalley.org/catapult/index.aspx

The program begins August 6thwith a four-day retreat at CSU Fresno, so we are looking at a VERY SHORT timeline for nominations and selection.

The main criteria are:
-Low achieving, but high potential aka: "at risk" youth (Sophomores or Juniors in High School)
-We especially try to reach out to youth in the foster care environment or alternative schools (again high potential emphasized)
-Specifically from StanislausCounty (Modesto, Riverbank, Oakdale, Waterford, Patterson, Newman, Turlock, Ceres, Riverbank, Ripon)

Upon completion of the program in June 2008, each graduate of the program is awarded a $3,000 Education Award to be used at a 2-4 year university/college. During the course of the program they also receive a $500 stipend and each team receives a shared budget of $500 to conduct a community project.

It is a very unique opportunity. We'd like to see some LGBT youth involved! Please call (209)338-0855 if you have any questions,

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Northern California
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9. Youth Step Towards Addressing Racism Discussion Groups (Berkeley)

WHAT: Free monthly discussion groups
WHEN: Every 1st Saturday of the month!
Saturdays:August 4, September 1, 3-5 pm
WHERE: Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave., Berkeley
Across the street from the Ashby BART station

Y-STEP (Youth Step Towards Addressing Racism) is a Bay Area-based racial justice education and training program. Our mission is to
build the collective responsibility of white people to confront racism and white supremacy by working with primarily white youth through workshops and trainings.

For more information, visit http://www.ystep.org or http://www.myspace.com/ystep or call (510) 220-1589

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10. OASIS FOR GIRLS Summer Visual Arts Apprenticeship presents Sacred Hands (San Francisco)

OASIS FOR GIRLS Summer Visual Arts Apprenticeship presents:
Sacred Hands
Art show opening reception
Thursday, August 9, 2007
6pm-8pm
Bayanihan Community Center
1010 Mission Street (corner of 6th Street), SF

FREE and open to the public
Light refreshments provided

Featuring original artwork by
Ashley Rogers
Carmen Chan
Faatuaiitaua Tunai
Julie Liao
Linda Tran
Maria Fisher
Nicole Tan
Rabia Shaikh
Runa Miah
Sophia Moran
Tracy Wheeler

Lead Art Instructor Ana Fernandez

More info: (415)701-7991/ mailto:arts@sfoasis.org / http://www.sfoasis.org

The mission of Oasis for Girls is to provide a safe space where girls and young women are inspired and empowered to become strong and creative leaders in their communities. O4G is a project of the Tides Center. We are located at 1129 Folsom Street, SF 94110

Special thanks to SF Arts Commission, Hot Topic Foundation and the Junior League of SF Enabling Grants Committee

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11. Spectrum Pizza Party (San Anselmo)

Spectrum will be hosting a pizza party for all the GSA members and advisors from all the schools in Marin County, on Saturday August 18th, from 5 pm - 7 pm! Come meet folks from other GSA's, share ideas, network, talk about how things are going at your school, and eat free pizza!

We will provide packets of information including ideas for activities your GSA can do, articles, resources, and Day of Silence cards.

Spectrum is the LGBT Center of Marin, and we are located at 1000 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Suite #10, in San Anselmo. You can reach us by phone at (415) 457-1115 x206 for more information, or email mailto:sdavis@spectrummarin.org. Our website is http://www.spectrummarin.org.

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12. Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership (Petaluma)

2007 Leadership Trainings for Women

The Woodhull Institute is a not-for-profit educational organization that provides ethical leadership training and professional development for women of all ages. Too often, success has been measured in terms of the accumulation of power and wealth, with almost no consideration of how these accomplishments have been achieved. Ethical leadership is concerned with the means as well as the ends to personal and professional achievements. As such, Woodhull's programs encourage women to lead with honesty, respect, courage and compassion; to strive for the common ground in decision-making; and to share in community service.

Graduates of Woodhull Institute ethical leadership trainings become alumnae of the 1,300+ growing network of women across the U.S. and internationally.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Young Women's Leadership Retreat (ages 21- 30s, all ages welcome to apply)
A team of committed professionals will present empowerment skills that will prepare you for leadership roles in your community and workplace. The three-day retreat includes Woodhull's core program modules: Ethics and Leadership Development, Public Speaking, Negotiation, Financial Literacy, Advocacy and Identity/Voice workshops. Meditation, hiking, journaling and group discussions are encouraged.

Dates for 2007:
Young Women's Retreat, September 7-9, San Francisco, CA*
*Early registration deadline August 1.

Applications are available on the Woodhull website at www.Woodhull.org. Additional information and retreat costs, including early registration discounts, can be found online as well. Limited scholarships and payment plans are available based on need. For more information contact Suzanne Grossman at <mailto:sgrossman@woodhull.org>sgrossman@woodhull.org.

San Francisco Retreat Site: The Institute of Noetic Sciences in Petaluma, CA. http://www.ions.org

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13. "Stop the Increase - Take Action Month" (San Francisco)

In July, Democrats in Congress did the unthinkable...

They proposed a shocking $28 million INCREASE in funding for failed abstinence-only-until-marriage programs.

Advocates for Youth has designated August as "Stop the Increase - Take Action Month." And we need your help!

During August, Rep. Pelosi will be in California to meet with constituents just like you to hear your priorities for the rest of the year. Advocates for Youth is helping activists in your district set up a group lobby visit the week of August 14-16, 2007.

Please take the time to join us for this in-district lobby day! Rep. Pelosi needs to hear from you. Click here to RSVP and obtain more information about the lobby day!

To protest this funding increase, activists all over the country have sent more than 11,000 letters to the Democratic leadership and key committee members.

It's critical that we work together to continue increasing pressure in August!

As a resident of Rep. Pelosi's district, we need your help to convince Democrats in Congress to stop the planned $28 million increase in funding for failed abstinence-only programs.

Join together by lobbying your Representative at home! Advocates will connect you with others in your community to meet with Rep. Pelosi. RSVP today - let us know your availability during the week of August 14-16!

Together, we can stop this massive increase and pressure Congress to end funding for abstinence-only programs.

After all, Rep. Pelosi works for you.

Thank you for your amazing work so far, and please take the time to RSVP at http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/youth/advocacy/yan/lobbying.htm for the August in-district lobby day! It's time to take a stand for America's youth!

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14. TLC Hires First Executive Director and Legal Director

Masen Davis and Kristina Wertz expand capacity of the Transgender Law Center as organization nears its 5th Anniversary

The Transgender Law Center is thrilled to announce that two significant hires will cap the organization's fifth year of transforming California into a state where everyone can succeed regardless of their gender identity. Masen Davis, a co-founder of FTM Alliance of Los Angeles, will become the statewide transgender rights organization's first Executive Director when he joins the staff in late August. Following closely on his heels, San Francisco-based civil rights litigator, Kristina Wertz, will join TLC as the non-profit's first Legal Director in early September.

"We hit the jackpot," said TLC Board Chair Lisa Rea Dummer. "Masen and Kristina are exactly the two people we need to take TLC to the next level of advocating for transgender rights throughout California. In addition to being enormously talented, they both share TLC's positive vision for making our state one in which we can all be proud to live."

Founded in the fall of 2002, TLC has amassed an impressive track record of legal and policy advancements on behalf of the transgender community. As one of only a handful of transgender rights organizations around the United States, TLC's commitment to multidisciplinary and multi-issue social change is forwarded by these two hires.

"I am honored to join TLC's committed staff," said Davis. "The Board put the organization's commitment to multidisciplinary social change into practice by hiring a transgender activist and nonprofit professional as the organization's first Executive Director. I look forward to building TLC's capacity to take advantage of the unprecedented opportunities we have to overcome discrimination and bias against our community members and their families."

To take the reins at TLC, Davis leaves his position as Director of Development for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles where he raised over $5.8 million for anti-poverty programs. "Over the past six years, United Way of Greater Los Angeles has benefited greatly from Masen's expertise and breadth of knowledge. He will be a dynamic Executive Director for the Transgender Law Center," said Elise Buik, UWGLA President.

"TLC is at the forefront of progressive social change in the U.S.," said Wertz. "I'm honored to join such an effective organization and energized by the opportunity to work with Masen and TLC's existing staff to expand our current legal and policy work to meet the huge and compelling challenges we are facing throughout the state."

Interested community members and allies can meet both Masen and Kristina at TLC 5.0, TLC's annual fundraiser on September 11, 2007.

Details can be found at http://www.transgenderlawcenter.org.

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National
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15. Leading Democratic Presidential Candidates to Participate in Historic Forum on Gay Issues

Logo, a division of Viacom's MTV Networks, and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation today announced they will co-present a historic televised forum on issues of importance to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community with the leading 2008 Democratic presidential candidates, including, currently confirmed Hillary Clinton, Christopher Dodd, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich and Barack Obama.

The one-hour event will be held on Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET in Los Angeles before a studio audience and broadcast live, without commercial interruption, exclusively on Logo's 24/7 cable television channel as well as through live streaming video at http://www.LOGOonline.com. Logo is the nation's leading television and broadband channel for the GLBT audience and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the nation's largest GLBT civil rights organization.

This event, which marks the first time in history the major presidential candidates will address a live GLBT television audience, is part of MTV Networks' award-winning pro-social efforts and dedication to engaging its audiences on the issues that are most important and relevant to them.

The candidates will appear sequentially and engage in conversation with co-panelists Melissa Etheridge, performer and advocate, and Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The panelists plan to cover a range of issues including relationship recognition, marriage equality, workplace fairness, the military, hate crimes, HIV/AIDS and other important issues.

"In the 2008 presidential election, issues of concern to the GLBT community have already been at the forefront of the national conversation," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. "From the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell to the recent signing of a civil unions bill in New Hampshire, there is no doubt that voters will demand answers to important questions affecting our community."

" We're honored to give the presidential candidates a historic opportunity to share their views directly with the LGBT audience," said Brian Graden, president, entertainment, MTV Networks Music Group, and president, Logo. "This forum continues MTV Networks' tradition of engaging vital niche audiences with voting and the electoral process."

The forum will include significant online components at http://www.LOGOonline.com and http://www.HRC.org, including online question submission. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation and Logo invited the leading Democratic and Republican candidates to participate in the forum.

The GLBT vote is considered a decisive electoral force and according to exit poll data makes up approximately 4 percent of the voting population. Los Angeles was chosen as the site for the event because of the state's early primary election, on Feb. 5, 2008. The event will take place at Studio City, Calif., at HD Vision Studios, and this event represents the first live event airing on Logo.

More at http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/07/071007debate.htm

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16. MTV Wants You for Engaged and Underage!

Would you like to get married on MTV?

If you're a gay couple between the ages of 18 and 21 and getting married/having a commitment ceremony in 2007 then MTV wants to hear from you.

We want to shoot all of the drama and excitement of your engagement and wedding for Engaged & Underage a new documentary series about young love / commitment.
You both must be between the ages of 18 and 21. Share the excitement leading up to the big day!

Contact us today at mailto:engagedcasting@mtvn.com. Please include your name, age, address, contact information & a recent photo.

Feel free to call too 212-654-7583. We are casting immediately.

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Scholarships
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17. Genentech Scholars Program

In 2001, Genentech's Diversity Networks and College Programs joined together to develop the Genentech Scholars Program. The goal of the program is to provide an inroad for exceptional diverse students to gain access to the biotech industry. The Genentech Scholars Program is comprised of three components: Financial Assistance, Internship, and Possible Job Placement.

In 2007, Genentech Scholars plans to award ten $5,000 scholarships at the high school level, ten $7,500 at the community college and undergraduate level and two $10,000 scholarships at the graduate level within the field of science.

The program is available to eligible students from the following educational institutions in the Northern and Southern California areas.

High Schools
Abraham Lincoln High School, Andrew Hill High School, El Camino High School, Galileo High School, Hogan High School, Oceanside High School, South San Francisco High School, Vacaville High School, Vanden High School, Will C. Wood High School.

Colleges
Cal State University East Bay, Cal State University San Marcos, City College of San Francisco, MiraCosta Community College, San Francisco State University, Skyline College, Solano Community College, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC San Francisco.

Each June Genentech awards scholarships to exceptional diverse students. The process to select the recipients begins in the fall.

For more information, please contact:
Paula S. Jones, Esq.
Senior Diversity Manager
Corporate Staffing and Diversity
(voice) 650-467-3977 (fax) 650-467-9059
1 DNA Way, MS 39A
South San Francisco, California 94080

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Jobs:
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18. Girls Sports Coordinator (San Francisco)

Hours: 40 hours/week (1 FTE), some weekday evenings & weekend days required
Salary: $30,000 - $34,000/year depending on experience, plus benefits
Start Date: August 27, 2007

About the Jamestown Community Center
For over 35 years, the Jamestown Community Center has been providing learning opportunities and safe space for low-income Mission District youth. Jamestown’s mission is to mobilize the resources of families, neighborhood residents, and other community members to help young people realize their full potential as empowered and productive members of society. Jamestown fulfills this mission by providing 500, 6- to 18-year-old Mission District youth with a full range of educational enrichment, academic tutoring, leadership, employment, sports, and teen guidance programs. Throughout these programs, Jamestown aims to provide all participants with the highest-quality youth development experience. This approach builds young people’s resiliency as they face their daily challenges and supports their natural inclination to pursue their own growth into healthy, productive young adults.

Position Description
The Girls Sports Coordinator will support the operations of the girls sports program at the Jamestown Community Center. The school-year program includes five soccer teams which play in city-wide leagues and one middle school team which plays with other local middle schools. In addition, girls participate in an indoor soccer league which is organized by a collaborative of community-based organizations.. During the summer, the program offers a Girls Sports Camp, a softball team and two high school soccer teams. Throughout the year, the program provides structured leadership roles for female teens as teen coaches, referees, and camp counselors.

Responsibilities
School-Year Programs
- Manage overall operations of middle school girls soccer program by
- Creating and distribute flyers to recruit youth;
- Recruiting girls for program;
- Communicating with parents and youth about program;
- Collecting all paperwork required for registration and attendance;
- Coaching soccer team two afternoons per week;
- Planning a progressive curriculum to teach fundamental soccer skills;
- Planning a youth-oriented program based in the five supports and opportunities of youth development theory and practice.
- Assisting Sports Director in creating workshops, including team-building and age-appropriate issues affecting middle school girls;
- Building partnerships with neighboring middle schools and organize scrimmages;
- Supervising and helping to train assistant coach;
- Supervising and helping to train a high school assistant soccer coach;
- Maintaining communication with school staff and attend any required school meetings;
- Attending weekly supervision with Sports Program Director; and
- Participating in staff meetings and ongoing professional development throughout the year.• Oversee operations of girls sports program by
- Managing 5 Jamestown girls soccer teams who play in city-wide leagues throughout the school year;
- Completing administrative duties including:
- Collecting paperwork for team registration,
- Creating and distributing rosters and schedules,
- Distributing uniforms, and
- Inputting attendance records;
- Communicating with players and families about team responsibilities;
- Supporting coaches with practice schedules and securing locations;
- Establishing relationships with team parents to help monitor team behavior and attendance;
- Providing administrative support for other girls programming as needed;
- Evaluating and supporting coaches in their youth development practice;
- Coordinating the implementation of a Mission-based multi-agency indoor girls soccer league.

Summer Programs
- Assist Sports Director with developing and facilitating Girls Sports Camp;
- Recruit and maintain girls team;
- Recruit and maintain 1-2 high school soccer teams; and
- Prepare soccer teams to play in fall city-wide league.

Qualifications
- A passion for Jamestown’s mission and a commitment to providing young people with the highest-quality youth development experience.
- Experience coaching soccer, preferably 11-to-14-year-old girls.
- Experience working with multi-ethnic, multicultural youth.
- Experience developing team-building exercises and gender-specific workshops.
- Experience coordinating youth programs.
- Experience in girls sports programming.
- Experience with youth development theory and practice.
- Computer literate, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Filemaker Pro.
- Ability to speak Spanish strongly preferred.

If interested in applying, please mail, email or fax a cover letter and resume to:
Chi-En Chien, Sports Director Telephone: 415-647-4709 x127
Jamestown Community Center Fax: 415-647-4718
3382 26th Street Email: mailto:girlssports@jamestownsf.org
San Francisco, CA 94110

Deadline: Resume and cover letter must be received by Tuesday, August 14, 2007. Position open until filled. We encourage women and people of color to apply.

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19. LYRIC is Hiring Youth!! (San Francisco)

The LYRIC Internship Program will be hiring youth 14-24 years old to work on and off site! If you are interested in learning more, please attend an Intern Information Session. The Intern Information Session will provide an opportunity for you to learn about the program, talk directly with the coordinator and apply.

The next Intern Information Session is Thursday, August 9 th from 4:00-6:00pm here at LYRIC. If you would like to sign-up, please e-mail or call Mercedes Gibson as soon as possible.

If you have friends that would like to come please include their information as well.

Mercedes can be reached at 415.703.6150 x 21 or mailto:mercedes@lyric.org

Hope to be talking with you soon!

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20. B.B.Q. Health Team Seeks Youth (Bay Area)

The B.B.Q. Health Team is looking for additional team members!
The Bay area Big Queer Health Team is conducting a Health Care Scan to find out what/ which health care needs need to be met for LGBTTQQI youth in the Bay Area. A project through Youth in Focus in Oakland.

We are looking for youth (between 16 and 24) who identify as LGBTTQQI (Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender, Two-Spirited, Queer, Questioning, and Intersex)

For more information, please contact: Tee (510) 251-9800 ext. 303

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News
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21. NEWS: Young and Out on the Field

Young and Out on the Field
An emerging generation of gay athletes in high school and college is changing the rules.

July 28, 2007
LA Times
By David Wharton

GSA Network congratulates Allan Acevedo and Brian Schwind, both GSA activists in California, who are featured in this article, for their courage to be out as openly gay athletes.

Seattle - THE guys in his boat took to calling him "Badger" because of the grimace he wore during races. Part of a junior rowing club that ranked among the fastest in the nation, Lucas Goodman was relentless on the water.

It was a different story on land.

The teenager with the powerful build and close-set eyes had to be careful. He hung back ever so slightly when teammates shot the breeze, talking about girls.

"You get tired of constantly watching what you say, constantly watching how you act," he said. "You're almost paranoid." Goodman felt so uneasy that he finally told the Green Lake Crew his secret: He is gay.

The 18-year-old belongs to an emerging generation of openly gay and lesbian athletes on high school and college campuses across the country. These young men and women are quietly venturing where no pro football or baseball star has gone, challenging the conformist, if not downright homophobic, tradition of the playing fields.

Their numbers are difficult to gauge because many confide only in peers. Experts chart the trend anecdotally through athletes who join gay rights clubs at school, e-mail gay rights advocates for advice or announce their sexual orientation on websites such as Facebook and MySpace.

"This is an issue that's in transition even as we speak," said Jay Coakley, a noted scholar and author on sports culture. "We're looking at how the world is changing."

Not all the stories have happy endings - a high school football player in Northern California tells of being ostracized. But others, such as a Delaware runner and a Georgia hockey player, say they were welcomed by their teams.

Sociologists see the openness as a generational shift. Polls suggest a growing percentage of young people have more relaxed views about sexual orientation than their parents did.

In Seattle, Goodman began dropping hints around his eight-man boat more than a year ago. He talked with his best friend, and with another rower who seemed both understanding and physically large enough to make a good ally.

When word spread, no one teased or whispered about him. The crew saves money by sharing hotel beds on the road, and the teammate who bunks with Goodman didn't mind.

"So what if I sleep in the same bed with a straight guy or with Lucas?" Casey Ellis asked. "Either way, there's going to be another guy there with me."

Within a few weeks, Goodman figures, the surprise of his announcement wore off and "it ended up not being that big a deal."

Which is what makes his story, and others like it, a very big deal.

Allan Acevedo tends to speak hurriedly, words stacking up against each other. Finished with his morning run of three miles, sitting in a coffeehouse, the thin young man with dark sideburns rushes through a telling anecdote.

Two years ago, he and the rest of the track team from Bonita High School in La Verne were talking idly before a meet.

"When I get married," he recalled saying, "the guy has to be - "

A teammate interrupted. "Did you say guy?"

"Oh," Acevedo replied. "You didn't know?"

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-gay28jul28,1,1775077.story?coll=la-headlines-sports

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