GSA Network News archives

GSA Network News Email Archive - January 2006

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Sign Up for GSA Network News! Email:

January 25, 2006

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

GSA Network Highlight
First Ever Study of California School Districts' Non-Discrimination Policies Shows Some Progress, But More Action Needed

GSA Network Announcements
1. Apply to be a Queer Youth Advocacy Day Leader! - Deadline Feb 3rd (Statewide)
2. Queer Youth Advocacy Day: Registration and Transportation Info (Statewide)
3. GSA Leadership Training (San Jose, Contra Costa County)
4. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!
5. Sylvia Guerrero is Back!- Apply for Winter/Spring Speaking Engagement (Bay Area)
6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)
7. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)

Other Announcements
8. FREE screening - “The Education of Shelby Knox” (San Francisco)
9. Movie night - "But I'm a Cheerleader" (South Pasadena)
10. A Moment in Time - a party sponsored by Outlet’s GSA Coalition! (Mountain View)
11. Gay & Lesbian National Hotline establishes GLBT National Help Center and launches youth hotline
12. 3rd Annual L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Family Services Program’s LGBT Family Conference
13. The Felicia Park-Rogers Summer Internship Program at COLAGE (Bay Area)
14. Lifeworks Mentoring Program Activism Workshop (Los Angeles)
15. National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) one-day training for educators (Central Coast)
16. SCHOLARSHIP: PFLAG Follansbee awarding a $1,000.00 scholarship to graduating senior (Sacramento)
17. SCHOLARSHIP: Officer Jon C. Cook Scholarship
18. NEWS: 5 teachers balk at posters for gay students - Signs mandated in San Leandro to ensure safety on campuses
19. NEWS: Tracy students plan gay prom

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

First Ever Study of California School Districts' Non-Discrimination Policies Shows Some Progress, But More Action Needed

Study Reveals that 60% of School Districts are in Direct Violation of California Law Because They Do Not Have Policies that Prevent Harassment Based on Gender Identity, Appearance or Behavior

Although California school districts are making progress by passing inclusive non-discrimination policies, there are far too many school districts still not in compliance with California law, according to the first in a series of Safe Schools Research Briefs that the California Safe Schools Coalition is releasing in 2006. The District Policies and Trainings Research Brief reveals that 94% of school districts report having a policy specifically prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, only 40% of districts have policies that prohibit harassment based on gender identity, appearance or behavior. This means that 60% of school districts are in direct violation of California law.

The District Policies and Trainings Research Brief was designed to improve understanding of successes and challenges in local efforts to create safe schools. The California Safe Schools Coalition conducted the survey, which received responses from 36% of the school districts in the state, representing 3,478,000 students or 56% of the students in California schools. Unfortunately, the Research Brief shows that while there has been progress in school districts creating policy, there is a great deal of work to be done to implement policies and, therefore, ensure the safety of all students in the schools.

According to the Research Brief, a majority of school districts do not require trainings on how to address discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation for their elementary, middle or high school teachers. Only 54% of districts require that all of their counselors receive such training. 5% of districts acknowledged that they don't notify administrators about the non-discrimination policy.

Also, most of the time parents and students are passively notified about school safety policies: 71% of districts notified parents and 77% of districts notified students in the student handbook, while only 11% of districts notified parents and 23% of districts notified students through a training, meeting or assembly. The State requires that districts inform students and parents of the district's non-discrimination policy and about how to file a complaint about discrimination.

Recent legislation, the Safe Place to Learn Act (AB 606), authored by Assembly Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys) and sponsored by Equality California, provides clarification and guidance to school districts and the Department of Education regarding what steps should be taken to ensure compliance with the California Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000. The proposed Safe Place to Learn Act will clarify the necessary steps that school districts and the Department of Education must take to ensure the safety of all their students. AB 606 is expected to reach the Assembly Floor this week.

To read the full Research Brief from the California Safe Schools Coalition, visit: http://www.casafeschools.org
To learn more about AB 606 and GSA Network's effort to help get it passed, visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad.

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

1. Apply to be a Queer Youth Advocacy Day Leader! - Deadline Feb 3rd (Statewide)

Deadline extended to February 3rd!

GSA Network is looking for 80 Advocacy Day Leaders to step up and lead the way on Queer Youth Advocacy Day on March 6th.
Are you a youth activist who has a strong interest in advocacy, public policy, community organizing, and/or group facilitation? Then apply to become an Advocacy Day Leader today!

As a Leader, you will receive a full-day intensive training on how to advocate for safe schools and lobby lawmakers on Sunday, March 5th in Sacramento. On Queer Youth Advocacy Day, you will facilitate the conversations between legislators and youth participants. You will make sure young people’s voices get heard!

The application deadline has been extended to February 3rd. Everyone will be notified of the final selection by February 8th.

All Advocacy Day Leaders must attend the day-long training on March 5th.
Arrangements will be made for Leaders who need assistance with travel and housing in Sacramento.

To apply to become an Advocacy Day Leader: http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad
Or for more information please contact Lai-San @ 415-552-4229 or email advocacy@gsanetwork.org.

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2. Queer Youth Advocacy Day: Registration and Transportation Info

Register! EVERYONE MUST REGISTER online in order to participate in Queer Youth Advocacy Day. Signing up ensures that we know you're coming and a space is held for you. This includes all youth and adult advisors/chaperones.

The deadline for registration is February 13.

To sign up: http://www.eqca.org/advocacyday

You can download the required permission slip at: http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad

TRANSPORTATION INFO:

GSA Network and our many community partners will be coordinating buses from the following locations on Monday, March 6th. Buses are scheduled to arrive in Sacramento by 9 am. They will be leaving Sacramento at 5 pm and returning to their original locations for drop-off.

Orange County: The Center OC, 12800 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove
Pick-Up Time: Midnight

Long Beach: Gay & Lesbian Center of Long Beach, 2017 E. Fourth St., Long Beach
Pick-Up Time: 1 am

Los Angeles County (west): LA Gay & Lesbian Center
Pick-Up Time: 2 am

Los Angeles County (east): Bienestar, exact location to be determined
Pick-Up Time: 2 am

Fresno: exact location to be determined
Pick-Up Time: 5 am

San Jose/South Bay: Billy DeFrank Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose
Pick-Up Time: 5 am

Mt View/Palo Alto/Peninsula: exact location to be determined
Pick-Up Time: 6 am

Oakland/Alameda County: Oakland BART Station, exact station to be determined
Pick-Up Time: 6 am

Concord/Contra Costa County: Concord BART Station
Pick-Up Time: 7 am

San Francisco: exact location to be determined
Pick-Up Time: 7 am

Other locations may be added. Continue to check the web site for updated info: http://www.gsanetwork.org.

For people travelling from the Inland Empire and San Diego County, we will be offering a limited number of plane tickets. Please email mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org to be put on the waiting list for a plane ticket.

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3. GSA Leadership Training (San Jose and Contra Costa County)

So what is a GSA Leadership training?
Where youth from various GSA's come together for a FUN, interactive peer to peer training that provides students with the skills to fight homophobia and transphobia in the schools. Lead by other GSA leaders from around Northern California, the training will show students how to start and run a Kick-Ass GSA

Topics include:
*understanding laws to protect LGBTQ youth in schools
*how to take action against slurs, harassment and discrimination in your school
*concepts of gender and understanding sexual orientation
*how to run a meeting
*outreach, building membership, and diversity

GSA Network values the participation of adult allies in our fight against oppression & injustice in schools, and thus welcomes GSA Advisors and adult allies to the leadership training but ask that you help us to maintain the youth focus of this training.

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area, while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.

San Jose GSA Leadership Training brought to you by GSA Network
This FREE event will be held from 10 am - 4 pm and includes breakfast and lunch.

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSA's in your area, while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.
WHO: GSA Members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: January 28th 2006, 10:00-4:00
WHERE: Billy DeFrank Center 938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
COST: Free!
CO-SPONSORS: Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
Marco Castro-Bojorquez, GSA Network Northern California Program Coordinator, at 415-552-4229 or marco@gsanetwork.org, and Julianne Carroll, Youth Services Coordinator, at 408.293.3040 x 111 or youthprog@defrank.org

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Contra Costa GSA Leadership Training brought to you by GSA Network
This FREE event will be held from 10 am -45 pm and includes breakfast and lunch.

WHO: GSA Members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, February 18, 2006, 10:00-4:00
WHERE: Center for Human Development, East County Office. 301 W. 10th Street Antioch, CA 94509
COST: Free!
CO-SPONSOR: The Center for Human Development's Empowerment Program

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
Marco Castro-Bojorquez, GSA Network Northern California Program Coordinator, at 415-552-4229 or marco@gsanetwork.org
Mario Balcita, Center for Human Development, Empowerment Program Director, at 925.687.8844 x 304 or mario@chd-prevention.org

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4. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!

Before you plan any events for your GSA, remember to register or re-register your group with the GSA Network. Do it NOW to make sure you receive our student activism manuals, FREE posters, other resources, and notifications of future GSA Network or LGBT-related events. (Mailings will go out only to California GSAs in middle and high schools.)

Register online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php

If you have any questions or concerns contact:
Tanya Mayo, Program Director
tanya@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229

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5. Sylvia Guerrero is Back!- Apply for Winter/Spring Speaking Engagement (Bay Area)

GSA Network is excited to announce that we will be once again co-sponsoring the Sylvia Guerrero speaking tour during the 2006 school year.

This program brings Sylvia Guerrero to speak with students, teachers, and staff at schools throughout the Bay Area about the experiences she and her family have endured over the last three years after the death of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo and is a great opportunity for schools to do education on campus for Transgender Student Safety.

In the fall of 2002, Sylvia Guerrero was forced into the Bay Area's media spotlight by the murder of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo. Even though it had only been a short time since Ms. Guerrero began accepting Gwen as her daughter, instead of the son she had thought she was raising, she suddenly found herself labeled a spokeswoman for respect and dignity for transgender people.

If you would like to bring Ms. Guerrero to your school, please contact Marco marco@gsanetwork.org.
Book NOW! Slots are limited.

Sylvia Guerrero's speaking tour is done in collaboration with GLSEN-San Francisco/East Bay, and is supported by a grant from the Horizons Foundation - Gwen Araujo Memorial Fund for Transgender Education.

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6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!

Seven poster designs are available for GSAs, organizations, and individuals to make change by building a presence of youth voices for justice, peace, and youth empowerment and against hatred, harassment, and discrimination of all kinds. Every GSA in California can receive 30 FREE posters to use at your school. You can order more than 30 for $1 each. From community organizations and individuals we request a donation of $5 each for 1-10 posters, $4 each for 11-30 posters, and large quantity discounts are available.

You can view the designs and order posters on the Liberation Ink website: www.gsanetwork.org/freezone/liberation.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO USE LIBERATION INK TO MAKE CHANGE AT YOUR SCHOOL!
* Attach information about your GSA to the posters to advertise and recruit members.
* Encourage teachers to hang the posters in their classrooms.
* Have GSA members lead discussions and activities related to the posters.
* Use the posters as part of an anti-slur campaign.
* Put the posters up in the courtyard with easels and/or use while you're tabling.
* Get the posters printed in your school or community newspaper with an article or announcement about your GSA.
* Create an agreement for teachers to sign and give them posters to symbolize their support.
* Display the whole Liberation Ink series in one place or fill a whole wall with posters in a grid.
* Use the posters in conjunction with Day of Silence (April), Transgender Day of Remembrance (November), LGBT History Month (October), LGBT Pride Month (June), Coming Out Day (October 11), or Diversity Day or Week at your school.

Liberation Ink was a collaborative project of GSA Network, LYRIC, and Mission Grafica at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in San Francisco. It was supported by the Youth Initiatives Program of the Open Society Institute, the San Francisco Arts Commission, and the Walter and Elise Haas Fund.

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7. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)

GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!
A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.

"I think it was powerful and provocative and sparked good conversations." - GSA Advisor
"There were at least 400 students that interacted with the exhibit. The whole week while High Contrast was there, the GSA and other groups on campus did workshops on hate crimes and ways to deal with it-letting students know that it is an issue that needs to be addressed." - GSA student president
"Many students responded well to the universality of human issues and emotions. The emotions weren't just linked to being gay, they were feelings we all have." - GSA Advisor

In this exhibit we bring you our voices with hopes that you will hear us, see us... and identify. We use art as a means for change -- to show people what they might not choose to see, to incite dialogue, and to inspire transformation. We want to make schools free from harassment, discrimination, and violence. We don't want anyone to leave thinking, "this isn't my issue." Because all kinds of people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Because there are so many shades to our identities. Because we all deserve to be safe enough to learn.

High Contrast is available for circulation as of October 1. If you are a GSA in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing the High Contrast photo exhibit to your school, email highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.

For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to: www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html

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This is Marion Lipschutz and Rose Rosenblatt, sending on a personal note to invite you to The Human Rights Watch Film Festival at The Presentation Theater for a screening of “The Education of Shelby Knox”, which we directed. The screening will take place at 5:00 on February 7th at University of San Francisco.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the award for Best Cinematography, as well as earning attention at The South by Southwest Festival and The Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize.

Audiences love Shelby's 'steel magnolia' personality – a Texan abstinence pledging teen who transforms into a liberal advocate of comprehensive sex education and LGBT rights, she manages to face down pastors and principals with an entertaining combination of wit and grit.

We promise that you'll have a good time. The film is funny and inspiring and it will reinforce your commitment to the values of tolerance and protecting LGBT rights. It is also a great way to introduce the "uncommitted" to those concerns, so bring a friend and help get out the word.

For more information visit the film’s website at www.shelbyknox.org.

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9. Movie night - "But I'm a Cheerleader" (South Pasadena)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

South Pasadena High School's GSA is now hosting monthly movie nights. All High School and Middle School GSAs are welcome to come.

There is no fee but donations are appreciated.

There will be Pizza, Popcorn and Coke.

The next SPHS GSA Movie night will be on Friday Febuary 3, 2006 at 6 PM in room 122, there will be signs leading you from the parking lot to the room. Just follow the signs! We will be watching "But I'm a Cheerleader". Afterwards there will be a dicussion of the film.

The movie nights are planed with YOU in mind so come and meet new and cool people, and make friendships that will last a life time.

South Pasadena High School
1400 Fremont Avenue
South Pasadena, CA
Any questions or sugestions contact
Alex: alex@studentorganizing.org or Mrs. Luce: rluce@fc.spusd.net

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10. A Moment in Time - a party sponsored by Outlet’s GSA Coalition! (Mountain View)

GSA Coalition presents…

A Moment in Time
No, this is not a prom theme, it’s a party sponsored by Outlet’s GSA Coalition!

Come dressed in a favorite time period, past, present or future!
Free food and drinks!
All LGBTQQ youth and allies 13-20 are welcome.
This is a drug and alcohol-free event.

Friday, January 27th
6-9pm
At the Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC)
711 Church Street
Mountain View, CA 94041

Drop-in with your best outfit from the 1800’s, 70’s or 2050’s, whatever! Be creative! Or don’t, no pressure!

For more info,
contact Eileen - eross@chacmv.org or 650-965-2020 x22

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11. Gay & Lesbian National Hotline establishes GLBT National Help Center and launches youth hotline

San Francisco, CA The Gay & Lesbian National Hotline, the nation’s largest GLBT hotline, announces a major expansion of its services to the community with the establishment of the GLBT National Help Center http://www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org/ to coincide with a request to also assume responsibility for the GLBT National Youth Talkline.

WHO WE ARE
The GLBT National Help Center is a non- profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community and those questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. We are an outgrowth of the Gay & Lesbian National Hotline, which began operating in 1996 and is now a primary program of the GLBT National Help Center.

We offer several different programs including two national hotlines that help people talk about the important issues that they are facing in their lives.
People call us from all across America. Most of our calls are from small towns in rural, conservative parts of the country, where many of our callers just don't feel safe yet going anywhere and talking to someone face-to-face. Many of our callers talk to us about things that they've often kept bottled up inside for years. Our callers know that we will show them compassion and respect.

The GLBT National Help Center also helps other organizations build the infrastructure they need to provide strong support to our community at the local level.
GAY & LESBIAN NATIONAL HOTLINE
1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564)
The Gay & Lesbian National Hotline provides telephone and email peer-counseling, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.

All of our services are free and confidential.
We speak with callers of all ages about coming-out issues, relationship concerns, HIV/AIDS anxiety and safer-sex information and much more.
We also maintain the largest resource database of its kind in the world, with over 18,000 listings, including local hotlines and community centers, social and support organizations, GLBT-friendly businesses and professionals

GLBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE
1-800-246-PRIDE (1-800-246-7743)

The GLBT National Youth Talkline provides telephone and email peer-counseling, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.

Our telephone volunteers are in their teens and early twenties, and we speak with teens and young adults up to age 25 about coming-out issues, relationship concerns, parent issues, school problems, HIV/AIDS anxiety and safer-sex information, and lots more.

Our resource database contains information on social and support groups, as well as gay-friendly religious organizations, sports leagues, student groups and more.

OUR OTHER PROGRAMS
The National Association of GLBT Hotlines acts as a clearinghouse of information for our independent, member organizations. We provide technical assistance to help existing hotlines across the country.

The National GLBT Resource Database of Record currently contains over 18,000 local GLBT resources, and is the largest of its kind in the world. This database acts as a way for tens of thousands of organizations to maintain and access the most current contact and descriptive information in one central location. In addition, the database will become available to other non-profit organizations across the country, thereby eliminating their need to maintain duplicate information.

The GLBT National Help Center also directly operates two local hotlines. The Gay and Lesbian Switchboard of New York is the oldest operating GLBT hotline in the world, having celebrated over 33 years of active service to our community. The phone number for this local hotline is 212-989-0999. The GLBT Hotline of San Francisco can be reached at 415-355- 0999.

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12. 3rd Annual L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Family Services Program’s LGBT Family Conference

Save the Date: One-Day COLAGE Program in Southern CA

Want to meet other youth who have one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender parent?
Want to make new friends, play games, do art and have fun?
Want to gain leadership and activism skills so that YOU can make a difference in your school, community and in California?

Then attend the 3rd Annual L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Family Services Program’s LGBT Family Conference- Parenting With Pride
A Southern CA regional event for LGBT families- parents, youth and children!

Saturday, March 4, 2006
8:30 am-5:00 pm

COLAGE Programming will offer fun workshops and activities for youth with LGBT parents while there is a full schedule of workshops for parents and childcare for youth under the age of 8. We'll offer peer support activities for youth in elementary and middle school and a full slate of fun activism and community building events for teens. There will also be a full resource fair, an amazing panel of youth and young adults with LGBT parents for all conference participants, and a free lunch!

Selma Avenue Elementary School - 6611 Selma Ave. Los Angeles , CA 90028

For more information or to RSVP please call 323-860-7320 or email familyservices@LAGayCenter.org
To learn more about COLAGE email meredith@colage.org

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13. The Felicia Park-Rogers Summer Internship Program at COLAGE (Bay Area)

Come work in the national headquarters of COLAGE this summer! COLAGE engages, connects and empowers people to make the world a better place for children of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (LGBT) parents and families.

The Felicia Park-Rogers Internship Program

The COLAGE Summer Internship Program is named for our visionary former director Felicia Park-Rogers who started the summer internship program during her leadership of COLAGE. We honor her commitment to people with LGBT parents, creativity, energy and years of leadership through 10-week internships that promote development of young leadership, allow participants a hands-on look at the non-profit field, teach interns about LGBT families issues, and promise to be a lot of fun!

COLAGE is the only national organization serving people with LGBT parents, therefore presenting a unique perspective on LGBT issues, and providing a once in a lifetime opportunity for interns. This is a hands-on job: you won't just be filing, you'll get to use your creativity and initiative. We are looking for team players who are motivated to learn, share, play, and work hard in support of COLAGE's mission. Interns will assist the staff on current or new projects, with both local and national events, and with office management.

Preferred qualifications
· Computer literate (especially on PC's), knowledge ofOffice 2000, FileMaker Pro, HTML, and desktop publishing programs a plus.
· Experience and comfort with email and phone-based organizing and networking.
· Experience and comfort working with youth and families
· Self-motivated, flexible, and full of initiative
· People with LGBT parent/s

Requirements
Summer interns receive a stipend for a ten-week, full time internship including some evenings and weekends. We will help you find low-cost or free housing when possible.
· Must make at least a ten-week, full-time commitment during the summer.
· Must be 18 or over if not from the Bay Area, 15 or over from the Bay Area.
· Must be LGBT-positive

COLAGE is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer
· People of color, people with disabilities, and people with LGBT parents especially encouraged to apply.

How to Apply for Summer Internships
Deadline: Friday, April 7th 2006
Postmark by April 7th or fax by midnight on April 7th
Please mail, email, or fax us the following information:
1. Your resume;
2. A cover letter sharing your interest in working for
COLAGE and qualifications;
3. Contact information for two people who will serve as references and can attest to your experience and skills.

Select applicants will be invited to participate in an interview during April. Internships will be offered during May.

COLAGE also has fall/spring work-study internships; if you are interested contact COLAGE for more information.

Need more info? Want to apply?
COLAGE, 3543 18th St, #1
SF CA 94110
phone: 415-861-5437 fax (415) 255-8345,
www.colage.org

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14. Lifeworks Mentoring Program Activism Workshop (Los Angeles)

So it's a new year. Many people take this time to make New Year's Resolutions such as: Loosing weight, quit smoking, be a nicer person.
Well, come see what you can do to better yourself and your community. LifeWorks Proudly presents Activism: a Workshop. Join Us along with
Nichole Curran formerly with Grey Davis, a LGBTQ/ Women's Activist. Equality California, and others. We will be discussing how you can get involved. Make this your New Year's Resolution to do something to empower your community.

When: Thursday, January 26, 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: LifeWorks Mentoring Office
9021 Melrose ave, Suite 309, West Hollywood, CA
For information contact: Bobby Ridenour at 310-724-6300

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15. National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) one-day training for educators (Central Coast)

Dear Central Coast Consortium of Gay-Straight Alliances ,

On March 1, 2006, The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) of California's Central Coast will offer a one-day training designed to help K-12 educators, administrators, and high school students better understand why today's schools are so unsafe for students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and to find out what they can do about it.

"This was the single best professional development experience in my ten years on the job." -School Counselor / Safe Schools 2003 Participant

NCCJ's Safe Schools program is open to teachers, counselors, administrators and support staff who are interested in making their schools as safe for gay, lesbian and bisexual students as they are for heterosexual students. The Safe Schools program is open to any school (public, private or parochial) in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Attendees must be part of a team of 2-6 people from their school. In addition, high schools may also send a team of 2 - 8 students with an accompanying team of adults. Team members must be able to attend the entire training and be part of on-going efforts to bring their learning back to their school.

At the workshop participants will have opportunities to explore:
-what heterosexism and homophobia are
-how heterosexism and homophobia impact the safety of individual students in schools;
-how all people are affected by heterosexism and homophobia regardless of their sexual orientation;
-what they can do to interrupt heterosexism and homophobia.
-specific strategies for making their schools safer for lesbian, gay and bisexual students;
-how to better support lesbian, gay and bisexual employees and families;
-the legal obligations and protections schools have in addressing heterosexism, homophobia, and issues of sexual orientation.;
-how to work with specific populations (e.g. Latino parents and students, people of faith, etc.) on issues of homophobia and heterosexism;

In addition, participants will develop concrete action plans to ensure a safe and effective learning environment for lesbian, gay, and bisexual students, families, and staff in their schools. Participants will also gain the resources and support necessary to successfully implement their action plans once they return to their schools.

For more information, please see the attached brochure and registration forms , or contact NCCJ at nccjinfo@nccj-cc.org or 805.879.5225, ext. 2.

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16. SCHOLARSHIP: PFLAG Follansbee awarding a $1,000.00 scholarship to graduating senior (Sacramento)

Sacramento PFLAG will once again be awarding a $1,000.00 scholarship to a deserving graduating senior who identifies as lgbt and will be attending college in the fall. Scholarship information and application can be found at http://pflagsacramento.org/CMS/index.php. Please forward to any individuals or organizations you believe would be interested in this information. We appreciate your help in publicizing this opportunity for "our kids"! Sincerely, Kathleen Montgomery, Sacramento PFLAG

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17. SCHOLARSHIP: Officer Jon C. Cook Scholarship

The San Francisco Police Officers Pride Alliance is proud to announce this years application period for the officer Jon C. Cook Scholarship. This scholarship was named after Officer Jon C. Cook the first openly Gay officer to be killed in the line of duty in San Francisco.

This scholarship is open to the following individuals:
Students in their senior year of High School with a minumum 3.0 Grade point average.

Students must be either:
An LGBT Youth
The Child of an LGBT Parent
The Child of a San Francisco Police Officer (Active or Retired)

Last years first place recipient was Steven Shear from Maria Carillo High School in Santa Rosa, a member of his schools Gay, Straight Alliance. Steven received a $3500.00 Scholarship. This year we plan on distributing over $5000.00 in scholarship funds.

An application can be downloaded from our website at http://www.sfpopridealliance.org it is available in either adobe acrobat or Microsoft Word form. Good luck and we look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Lea Militello
co-Chair
San Francisco Police Officers Pride Alliance
415-553-1624

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18. NEWS: 5 teachers balk at posters for gay students - Signs mandated in San Leandro to ensure safety on campuses

Simone Sebastian, Chronicle Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Five teachers at San Leandro High School have refused to comply with a school district order to display a rainbow-flag poster in their classrooms that reads, "This is a safe place to be who you are," because they say homosexuality violates their religious beliefs, Principal Amy Furtado said.

The high school's Gay-Straight Alliance designed the poster, which includes pink triangles and other symbols of gay pride. In December the school board approved a policy requiring all district teachers to hang the posters in their classrooms.

District officials said the poster is an effort to comply with state laws requiring schools to ensure students' safety and curb discrimination and harassment. They say that too often teachers do not reprimand students who use derogatory slurs or refer to homosexuality in a negative way.

"This is not about religion, sex or a belief system,'' said district Superintendent Christine Lim, who initiated the poster policy. "This is about educators making sure our schools are safe for our children, regardless of their sexual orientation."

Teachers who refused to display the posters, which were distributed Monday, could not be reached for comment.

The San Leandro Unified School District has been embroiled in controversy over homosexuality in the past.

To read the full story, visit:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/01/25/MNGUNGSNCB1.DTL

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19. NEWS: Tracy students plan gay prom

by Zachary K. Johnson
Stockton Record

Jan 21, 2006TRACY - All high school students - gay or straight - deserve a prom to remember, says a group of Tracy students putting together a dance billed as a gay-friendly prom, the first of its kind in the region.

Organizers are expecting 400 gay and straight teens from San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Alameda counties to come to Tracy for the April 13 gala.

The dance is for same-sex couples who might not feel safe at traditional high school proms, for students who aren't "out" at school and for straight students to spend an evening of music and dance with their gay friends, said members of the Merrill F. West High School Gay-Straight Alliance club, which is organizing the event.

Most of all, it's a place for gay students to spend one of high school's defining moments among friends, they said.

"Everyone wants to have that as a memory of their high school days," said Dan Hadley, a 17-year-old junior at West High and a member of the Gay-Straight Alliance.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060121/NEWS0101/601210333

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January 18, 2006

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

GSA Network Highlight
Safe Schools Legislation Advances in Legislature: Assembly's Education Committee passes AB 606!

GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Network Welcomes Our New Central Valley Program Associate
2. Sign up for Queer Youth Advocacy Day
3. GSA Leadership Training (Palm Springs, San Jose)
4. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!
5. Sylvia Guerrero is Back!- Apply for Winter/Spring Speaking Engagement (Bay Area)
6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)
7. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)

Other Announcements
8. Want to meet other youth who have one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender parent? (Los Angeles)
9. Be an ally & a friend - PSA Campaign launches today!
10. Hey GSAs - A great resource on sexual orientation issues
11. Transitional Youth Task Force (San Francisco)
12. Empowerment - Programs at the Center for Human Development (Contra Costa)
13. SCHOLARSHIP: Do you or does someone you know qualify for a 2005-2006 eQuality Scholarship Award?
14. Every 18 minutes in the U.S., someone dies by suicide. (San Francisco)
15. NEWS: Bills to Make Schools Safer for Gay Students Move Forward

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

Safe Schools Legislation Advances in Legislature: Assembly's Education Committee passes AB 606!

The California Assembly's Education Committee passed AB 606, The Safe Place to Learn Act, last Wednesday afternoon. Committee members voted 7-2 for AB 606 after listening to compelling support testimony provided by staff members from Equality California and GSA Network and two Sacramento-area LGBTQ youth activists, Yvonne Neis and Lance Chih. Assemblymembers leaned in close to listen as Yvonne eloquently described the anti-gay harassment she has endured as a student at CK McClatchy High School. Lance outlined how his school mismanaged complaints he filed after he experienced harassment from his peers and how his school, Folsom High, has turned down an offer for a much-needed free sensitivity training for teachers.

AB 606, which youth will be lobbying for on Queer Youth Advocacy Day on March 6, seeks to make it clearer to schools what steps they should take to protect LGBTQ students from harassment and discrimination. AB 606 is authored by Assemblymember Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys), and is co-sponsored by Equality California, GSA Network's partner organization on Queer Youth Advocacy Day.

AB 606's passage is a key first step. What's important now is for the full Assembly to vote on and pass the bill before the end of January before it passes to the Senate for further consideration. Read below to find out how you can help.

1. Write Letters! You and your GSA can take steps to ensure that AB 606 passes the Assembly, and you can get started today! Organize a letter-writing party and mail your concerns directly to the office of your Assemblymember. Writing a letter is a great way of making sure people are listening. Share your stories and tell them what you need to feel safer and more supported in your school and encourage them to vote YES on AB 606!

To read about AB 606: http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad

To find out who your Assemblymember is: http://www.assembly.ca.gov

To download an example of a support letter: http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad

2. Make a visit! GSA Network is looking for youth to speak during lobbying visits at the district offices of several Southern CA and Central Valley Assemblymembers who have been identified as important swing votes on AB 606.

If you are a LGBTQ youth from one of the following counties who is willing to share experiences about being harassed and/or discriminated against at your school, please contact Advocacy Coordinator Lai-San Seto immediately at 415-552-4229 or mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org:

Fresno
Orange
San Bernardino
San Diego
Los Angeles (particularly South LA, Compton, Inglewood, and Northridge/Granada Hills)

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

1. GSA Network Welcomes Our New Central Valley Program Associate

GSA Network is very pleased to announce that we have hired Ty Ryan, former GSA Network Youth Council member, to the GSA Network team as our new Central Valley Program Assosiate.

Ty is a graduate of Clovis High in 2002. Ty was born and raised in the Central Valley and has been involved with the GSA Network for the past 5 years. He assisted in starting the GSA at Clovis High that led to policy change when starting any club in the Clovis Unified School District. Ty has been on the planning committees of all 5 of the Expression Not Suppression conferences. He has also done trainings on AB537 with nearly all the schools in the Central Valley. He plans to go to Fresno State this coming year to major in Politics and Women's Studies. Ty is very much looking forward to giving back to the organization that has given so much to him.

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2. Sign up for Queer Youth Advocacy Day!

Register! You must register online in order to participate in Queer Youth Advocacy Day. Signing up ensures that we know you're coming and a space is held for you.

The deadline for registration is February 13.

To sign up: http://www.eqca.org/advocacyday

You can download the required permission slip at: http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad

*****

Be a Leader! GSA Network is looking for 80 Advocacy Day Leaders to step up and lead the way on March 6. After receiving a full-day intensive training in Sacramento on Sunday, March 5, Advocacy Day Leaders will help teach participants at Queer Youth Advocacy Day on Monday, March 6th how to advocate for safe schools and lobby lawmakers. Advocacy Day Leaders will facilitate youth participants during lobbying visits with Assemblymembers and Senators. By being an Advocacy Day Leader, you will help facilitate dialogues between elected officials and youth. You will make sure young people's voices get heard!

Deadline for application is January 27. Everyone will be notified of the final selection by February 5.

All Advocacy Day Leaders must attend the day-long training on March 5.
Arrangements will be made for Leaders who need assistance with travel and housing in Sacramento.

To apply to become an Advocacy Day Leader: http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad

Or for more information please contact Lai-San @ 415-552-4229 or email advocacy@gsanetwork.org.

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3. GSA Leadership Training (Palm Springs and San Jose)

So what is a GSA Leadership training?
Led by other GSA leaders from around Southern California, the training will show students how to start and run a Kick-Ass GSA, organize campaigns and days of action as well as plan for Queer Youth Advocacy Day.

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area, while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.

******

Palm Springs GSA Leadership Training brought to you by GSA Network
This FREE event will be held from 11 am - 5 pm and includes breakfast and lunch.

WHO: GSA Members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: January 21, 2006, 11:00-5:00
WHERE: Desert Pride Center - 611 South Palm Canyon, Suite 201 (upstairs at the Sun Center) Palm Springs.
COST: Free!

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
Sandy Williams, GSA Network Southern California Program Coordinator, at 213-534-7162 or sandy@gsanetwork.org

*******

San Jose GSA Leadership Training brought to you by GSA Network
This FREE event will be held from 10 am - 4 pm and includes breakfast and lunch.

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSA's in your area, while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.
WHO: GSA Members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: January 28th 2006, 10:00-4:00
WHERE: Billy DeFrank Center 938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
COST: Free!
CO-SPONSORS: Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
Marco Castro-Bojorquez, GSA Network Northern California Program Coordinator, at 415-552-4229 or marco@gsanetwork.org, and Julianne Carroll, Youth Services Coordinator, at 408.293.3040 x 111 or youthprog@defrank.org

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4. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!

If you have any questions or concerns contact:
Tanya Mayo, Program Director
tanya@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229

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5. Sylvia Guerrero is Back!- Apply for Winter/Spring Speaking Engagement (Bay Area)

If you would like to bring Ms. Guerrero to your school, please contact Marco marco@gsanetwork.org.
Book NOW! Slots are limited.

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6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!

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7. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)

GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!
A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.

For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to: www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html

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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.

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8. Want to meet other youth who have one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender parent? (Los Angeles)

Want to make new friends, play games, do art and have fun?
Want to gain leadership and activism skills so that YOU can make a difference in your school, community and in California?

Then attend the 3rd Annual
LA Gay and Lesbian Center LGBT Family Conference - a Southern CA regional event for LGBT families- parents, youth and children!

Saturday, March 4, 2006
8:30 am-4:45 pm

COLAGE Programming will offer fun workshops and activities for youth with LGBT parents while there is a full schedule of workshops for parents and childcare for youth under the age of 8. We'll offer peer support activities for youth in elementary and middle school and a full slate of fun activism and community building events for teens. There will also be a full resource fair, an amazing panel of youth and young adults with LGBT parents for all conference participants, and a free lunch!

Selma Avenue Elementary School
6611 Selma Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028

For more information or to RSVP
please call 323-860-7320 or email familyservices@LAGayCenter.org

To learn more about COLAGE email meredith@colage.org

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9. Be an ally & a friend - PSA Campaign launches today!

PSA campaign that launches Wednesday, on ABC's GENERAL HOSPITAL. The show will feature the PSA because of its current storyline about coming out, hate crimes and straight allies.

The :15 spot will encourage the audience to "be an ally and a friend, check out www.glaad.org to find out how."
Tomorrow, we are launching our "be an ally & a friend" web channel for straight allies to find resources to get more information.

The PSA runs Wed., 1/18 on General Hospital; repeats on 1/18 on SoapNet; airs 1/18 on CNN's Headline News' Showbiz Tonight; airs Tues. 1/24 on General Hospital and repeats 1/24 on SoapNet.

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10. Hey GSAs - A great resource on sexual orientation issues

The "Blue Book" - What We Wish We Had Known - Breaking the Silence, Moving Toward Understanding - A Resource for Individuals and Families

Go to web site to see The "Blue Book" http://www.pcmk.org/.

The booklet is informally called their Blue Book, as the color of the cover of their printed version was blue. The full title is: What We Wish
We Had Known - Breaking the Silence, Moving Toward Understanding - A Resource for Individuals and Families.

This booklet is a compilation of available information and addresses questions on the scientific perspectives, social perspectives, Family Life perspectives and Theological perspectives.

There are 90 pages total, of which approx. 70 pages are devoted to Frequently Asked Questions, and 13 pages of references. The introduction
mentions about how our world has changed regarding issues of sexual orientation.

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11. Transitional Youth Task Force (San Francisco)

The Youth Commission's Health & Housing Committee is hosting an information session for youth on membership of the Transitional Youth Task Force.

Thursday, January 19, 2006 at 5 p.m.
City Hall, Rm. 278

Interested youth will have time to fill out applications and turn them in during this session.

What is the Transitional Youth Task Force?
The Transitional Youth Task Force is a partnership between Mayor Newsom and the San Francisco Youth Commission dedicated to improving services to the City's 18-25 year olds, who may have trouble transitioning successfully into adulthood. Once youth turn 18, they are often "aged-out" of City services, and many may be not be adequately linked to other resources. For more information on the TaskForce, please contact the Youth Commission at (415) 554-6446 youthcom@sfgov.org.

Who are we looking for?
We are seeking 8-12 youth task force members that have been/are being served by programs in foster care, healthcare (physical and mental health), violence prevention, housing/homelessness, juvenile justice, education, employment, and/or other important community/city programs.

What are the perks?
Youth will receive a stipend of $1000 for a year of service and will be required to attend quarterly task force meeting and monthly committee meetings. This will be approximately 8-10 hours of commitment per month. More importantly, task force members will have a powerful voice in determining how San Francisco can best serve transitional youth, and will be able to build relationships with the City's service providers and youth advocates.

Apply! And please forward to interested parties far and wide!
For application go to http://www.sfgov.org/site/youth_commission_index.asp
Please note applications are due the Youth Commission office (City Hall, Rm. 345) by Friday, January 20 at 5 p.m..

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12. Empowerment - Programs at the Center for Human Development (Contra Costa)

The Empowerment program is the longest-running project for LGBTQQ youth in Contra Costa County. A program of the Center for Human Development, Empowerment has a history of facilitating leadership opportunities for queer youth. Empowerment’s main projects are the Queer Youth Action Team (QYAT) and the Empowerment Leadership Group (ELG). We also offer a weekly support group in East County called PLATYPUS (People Learning About Their Youthful Peers and Understanding Sexuality).

The Center for Human Development (CHD) 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 experience. We value group process and teamwork. CHD does work through out Contra Costa County and in San Francisco with offices in Pleasant Hill, Antioch, North Richmond, and San Francisco.

Queer Youth Action Team (QYAT)
GO TEAM! QYAT is a group of youth organizers who work towards ending violence and harassment against LGBTQQ youth in schools. As part of an anti oppression/multicultural framework, QYAT keeps local school districts accountable to AB537. The team checks local school districts to see what’s up and to recommend the steps they need to take to be a safe district. So, if you want to stop the bullies and school the teachers who just don’t get it…this is for you! QYAT is supported by the Horizons Foundation, The California Endowment, and the California Safe Schools Coalition.

Empowerment Leadership Group (ELG)
Let’s Talk About Sex! ELG is a sex positive HIV peer education project for and by queer youth. Through interactive educational workshops ELG help stops the spread of HIV and other STIs within the diverse LGBTQQ youth communities. ELG offers access to safer sex materials and information. This ELG peer health educators foster a safe place to learn and be positive about expressing sexuality. So, if you want to talk about sex and all its safe possibilities…this is for you. ELG is supported by the Contra Costa AIDS program.

There are $75 monthly stipends available for working with ELG and QYAT. You work from 6 to 10 hours a month.

For more information please contact: Mario Balcita, Empowerment Program Director at 925.687.8844 x 304 or email mario@chd-prevention.org

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13. SCHOLARSHIP: Do you or does someone you know qualify for a 2005-2006 eQuality Scholarship Award?

GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay is a sponsoring member of the eQuality Scholarship Collaborative, a joint effort of a group of Bay Area-based organizations that annually award scholarships to graduating high school students in Northern and Central California who have promoted understanding of and equality for LGBTQ people.

Applications, including transcripts and letter of recommendation, must be postmarked no later than February 28, 2006. Scholarship applicants will be notified of their application status by April 15.

To learn more about the Collaborative and current scholarship opportunities, visit: www.glsen-sfeb.org/scholarship/index.htm.

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14. Every 18 minutes in the U.S., someone dies by suicide. Walk to to prevent suicide (San Francisco)

This summer, men and women will gather in Chicago and San Francisco from all over the country to do something bold in the face of this fact. They will walk together 20 miles through the night, from dusk until dawn. It's called the Out of the Darkness Overnight and it's designed to help shed light on the issue of suicide. We're bringing together friends, family members and loved ones whose lives have been touched by suicide or depression, giving them a voice to issues that have previously been kept in silence. Each walker agrees to raise at least $1,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Net proceeds will fund research, education, survivor and awareness programs – both to prevent suicide and to assist those affected by suicide.

Please go to www.theovernight.org or call 1-888-644-4805 for more information.

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15. NEWS: Bills to Make Schools Safer for Gay Students Move Forward

Out In Lodi
outinlodi.com
OIA Newsdesk

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Two bills that would promote a safer and healthier environment in California schools advanced in the state Assembly on Wednesday, demonstrating a commitment by legislators in California to the principles of equality and fairness.

The Safe Place to Learn Act (Levine, D-Van Nuys), a bill that would require school districts and the Department of Education to comply with California's existing laws regarding anti-discrimination in schools, earned a 7-2 vote in the Assembly Education Committee. Sponsored by Equality California, a statewide advocacy organization, Assembly Bill 606 puts public school officials in California on notice that protections against harassment are not surrendered when individuals step onto school property.

"California has led the nation in passing legislation that prohibits harassment and discrimination of LGBT students," said Geoffrey Kors, EQCA executive director. "This bill will ensure and enforce existing protections so that all students can learn and grow in a safe environment."

AB 606 provides clarification and guidance to schools districts to ensure that provisions of an earlier bill, the California Student Safety and Violence Act of 2000 (AB 537), are fully and properly implemented. The bill will clarify the minimum steps that a school district must take to ensure the safety of all students.

Current standards require school districts to establish and publicize a non-discrimination policy that includes actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity, among other steps that must be taken. Failure to comply with these requirements places funding for school districts in jeopardy.

"Many schools are failing to provide a safe place to learn for our children," said Assembly member Lloyd E. Levine, author of AB 606. "Students often suffer silently, without allies, their trust and security betrayed by peers or even the adults they are taught to look up to. We simply have to do better."

"I don't feel safe at my school," said Yvonne Neis, a senior at C.K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento whose locker was defaced when someone carved the word "fag" on it.

According to Neis, no action was taken as a result of this incident. "These incidents, among many others, have made me uncomfortable, not cared for and alone, and they have had an effect on my school work," she said. "AB 606 would not only provide needed support and protection for sexual minorities, (it would) make students, staff and parents more aware that the school environment should be safe for everyone."

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.outinlodi.com/home/news.asp?articleid=10523

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January 11, 2006

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

GSA Network Highlight
Hey GSAs! Get Engaged for the 9th Annual National Freedom to Marry Week (Feb 12-18, 2006)

GSA Network Announcements
1. ACTION ALERT: Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2006 -- Here's how to get involved!
2. GSA Leadership Training (Palm Springs)
3. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!
4. Sylvia Guerrero is Back!- Apply for Winter/Spring Speaking Engagement (Bay Area)
5. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)
6. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)

Other Announcements
7. Learn how to present Outlet’s Anti-homophobia workshop!! (Mountain View)
8. Queer Movie Night! (Los Angeles)
9. Put an End to Homophobia and Transphobia! - Become a Triangle Speaker (Santa Cruz)
10. Lifeworks Mentoring Events (Los Angeles)
11. End of the Spear opens January 20th w/ CHAD ALLEN (San Francisco)
12. here! Network lesbian romantic comedy film APRIL'S SHOWER tp premiere
13. Change the world...or at least Contra Costa County (Contra Costa County)
14. Juma Ventures wants you!!! - employment at the SBC Giants Ballpark (Bay Area)
15. SCHOLARSHIP: Do you or does someone you know qualify for a 2005-2006 eQuality Scholarship Award?
16. SCHOLARSHIP: PFLAG National Scholarships Program
17. SCHOLARSHIP: The Point Foundation and Matthew Shepard Foundation Announce Unique Collaboration to Safeguard Gay Youth
18. JOB: HIV/AIDS Educator

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

Hey GSAs! Get Engaged for the 9th Annual National Freedom to Marry Week (Feb 12-18, 2006)

Join folks all over the country in celebrating National Freedom to Marry Day (Sunday Feb 12th) by planning events at your school throughout the week! Freedom to Marry Day is a great chance to teach yourself and others about the importance of marriage equality and share real stories about the challenges of being a part of a LGBTQ family and being invisible to the government. It's also an excellent opportunity to add your perspective and voices as youth to the dialogues happening both within and around the marriage equality movement.

The official site for National Freedom to Marry Week is here: http://www.freedomtomarry.org/node.asp?id=3605 . You can sign your GSA up to receive a kit to help you plan events for the week.

Here are some other suggestions for activities:
* Mock Weddings : Get everyone's attention by having a marriage ceremony! Go all out and decorate your school hallway, courtyard or even the cafateria with posters giving information about marriage rights and have the characters use their vows to speak out about marriage equality. You could also have a "wedding reception" afterwards with cake, and get your guests to share their thoughts about the issue of marriage equality for all by making a toast.

* Guest speakers : Invite youth who are children of LGBTQ parents to speak out about their families to classes or during a lunchtime talk session.

* Teach-ins : Your GSA can hold an open meeting to teach other students about the issue of marriage equality, the history of marriage, and how they can take action in the movement.

* Movie night - Order One Wedding and a Revolution and have a movie night with your GSA. Go to http://www.womedia.org/onewedding.htm for more info

Keep an eye out for a brand new GSA Network fact sheet coming soon to your GSAs that's all about marriage equality!

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

1. ACTION ALERT: Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2006 -- Here's how to get involved!

GSA Network, Equality California, and hundreds of youth activists will converge in Sacramento at the capitol on March 6, 2006 for Queer Youth Advocacy Day. Youth will talk to lawmakers about what it's really like for LGBTQ students in schools and lobby for important legislation (AB 606) that will make it clearer what schools need to do to end harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ students.

This event is free & open to all youth age 24 and under.

Take Action! The CA Assembly is expected to vote on AB 606 this month before it passes to the state senate. But, your GSA doesn't have to wait until March to start talking to lawmakers. Organize a letter-writing party and mail your concerns directly to the office of your Assemblymember. Writing a letter is a great way of making sure people are listening. Share your stories and tell them what you need to feel safer and more supported in your school.

To read about AB 606: http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad

To find out who your Assemblymember is: http://www.assembly.ca.gov

To download an example of a support letter: http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad

*****

Register for QYAD! You must register online in order to participate in Queer Youth Advocacy Day. Signing up ensures that we know you're coming and a space is held for you.

The deadline for registration is February 13.

To sign up: http://www.eqca.org/advocacyday

You can download the required permission slip at: http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad

*****

Be a Leader! GSA Network is looking for 80 Advocacy Day Leaders to step up and lead the way on March 6. After receiving a full-day intensive training in Sacramento on Sunday, March 5, Advocacy Day Leaders will help teach participants at Queer Youth Advocacy Day on Monday, March 6th how to advocate for safe schools and lobby lawmakers. Advocacy Day Leaders will facilitate youth participants during lobbying visits with Assemblymembers and Senators. By being an Advocacy Day Leader, you will help facilitate dialogues between elected officials and youth. You will make sure young people's voices get heard!

Deadline for application is January 27. Everyone will be notified of the final selection by February 5.

All Advocacy Day Leaders must attend the day-long training on March 5. Arrangements will be made for Leaders who need assistance with travel and housing in Sacramento.

To apply to become an Advocacy Day Leader: http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad

Or for more information please contact Lai-San @ 415-552-4229 or email advocacy@gsanetwork.org.

*****

Become a QYAD Sponsor and Support Young Activists! If you are a local organization or community group that wants to help ensure Queer Youth Advocacy Day is open and accessible to as many youth as possible, please consider becoming a sponsor for this event and help subsidize meals and transportation for youth traveling to Sacramento on March 6.

To become a sponsor, please call Lai-San @ 415-552-4229 or email advocacy@gsanetwork.org. You can download the sponsorship letter and form by visiting: http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad.

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2. GSA Leadership Training (Palm Springs)

A GSA Leadership Training brought to you by GSA Network
This FREE event will be held from 11 am - 5 pm and includes breakfast and lunch.

So what is a GSA Leadership Training?
Where youth from GSAs come together for a FUN, interactive peer to peer training that provides students with the skills to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools.

Youth will leave this training knowing how to lead an educational workshop they can take back to their schools to increase awareness of queer issues.
This training is co-led by GSA leaders. At this training students will also become experts in starting and running a Kick-Ass GSA.

Topics of the day include:
*understanding laws to protect LGBTQ youth in schools
*how to take action against slurs, harassment and discrimination in your school
*concepts of gender and understanding sexual orientation
*how to set up and facilitate anti-homophobia workshops at your schools
*how to run a meeting
*outreach, building membership, and diversity

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area, while learning some new skills to strengthen your school you're your club

January 21, 2006
10am - 5pm
Desert Pride Center
611 South Palm Canyon, Suite 201 (upstairs at the Sun Center)
Palm Springs.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD!!!

For more information or to RSVP e-mail or call.
Sandy Williams
213-534-7162
sandy@gsanetwork.org

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3. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!

If you have any questions or concerns contact:
Tanya Mayo, Program Director
tanya@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229

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4. Sylvia Guerrero is Back!- Apply for Winter/Spring Speaking Engagement (Bay Area)

If you would like to bring Ms. Guerrero to your school, please contact Marco marco@gsanetwork.org.
Book NOW! Slots are limited.

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5. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!

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6. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)

GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!
A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.

For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to: www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html

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Tired of hearing “that’s so gay” 1000 times a day?
Looking for a great way to help educate your school about homophobia?
Ever wonder just how homophobia and other types of discrimination actually started?
Wish you had a great, effective come back for ignorant comments?

Learn how to present Outlet’s Anti-homophobia workshop!!
Sunday, January 22, 2006
12-5pm
Community Health Awareness Council
711 Church Street
Mountain View, CA 94041

We will do the 45 minute workshop for you, teach you how to do it, give you pointers on how to get it going at YOUR school and act as a resource when you do!!!

This is a free training for all students, 13-18, who are passionate about eliminating homophobia.

Looks great on college/work applications, increases public speaking skills, increases personal knowledge of homophobia, provides volunteering experience, is a lot of fun and extremely rewarding!!

Please RSVP to Eileen at eross@chacmv.org or call 650-965-2020 ext. 22. By Thursday January 19th!

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8. Queer Movie Night! (Los Angeles)

As part of the queer film series at Crossroads, sponsored by FLAG (our gay/straight alliance), we will be having our next movie screening of the year on Wednesday, Jan. 11th, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. We invite you to join us for a great event!

By popular demand, we'll be screening the award-winning film, The Celluloid Closet. We showed a little clip of this film at our last movie night and the response was so positive we’re showing the whole movie this time. This engaging movie shows the history of queer people in film, with commentary by stars including Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, Lily Tomlin and Harvey Fierstein.

All students and faculty from gay/straight alliances and their friends are welcome. It's a great way to meet new friends, or see old ones. We’ve had students from many different GSA's at our films this year and it’s a blast!

The event is FREE and free pizza and drinks will be provided! But please e-mail us and let us know if you might come, so we have an idea of how much pizza to get.
You can reach us at flag2@xrds.org

Directions are below. If you have any more questions, please feel free to e-mail and ask. Hope to see you there!

Directions:
Crossroads is at 1714 21st St. in Santa Monica, at the corner of 21st St. and Olympic Blvd.
The screening room we're meeting in is on the 2nd floor of the Arts Building.
Here's what you do--when you turn onto 21st from Olympic, take an immediate right onto a driveway-looking street and find a place to park. You'll see our "quad" which looks like a parking lot or an alley, and which we call (of course) the alley. Walk to the end of the alley to the tall building on the left, enter and climb the stairs to the 2nd floor. You should see people. Hope the directions aren't too confusing. It's not really that hard once you see it, and you can always ask people.

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9. Put an End to Homophobia and Transphobia! - Become a Triangle Speaker (Santa Cruz)

If you are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or the Family Member of someone who is LGBT it is easy & rewarding to become a volunteer speaker

- Speak on a panel with 3-5 other people.
-Tell your own life story.
-Talk to 4th-12th grade classrooms, college classes, community organization staff &volunteers, religious groups, etc.
-Be a role model
-Let LGBT youth know that they are not alone.
-You only participate on panels that work for your schedule.

The next training will be on Saturday, January 21. It will be held at Cabrillo College from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For more information, or to register (no charge) call Triangle Speakers at (831) 457-2934 or send an email to triangle@trianglespeakers.org

The following training will be on Saturday, March 25.

Most panels are in Santa Cruz County. There are some panels in Monterey County and in the San Jose area.

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10. Lifeworks Mentoring Events (Los Angeles)

Lifeworks Mentoring Movie Night - "Assassins" - Margaret Cho's new DVD
Sunday, January 15th, 2006 @ 4pm
Lifeworks Mentoring Office
9021 Melrose Avenue, Suite 309
West Hollywood, Ca 90069
Come hang out. We will have Pizza, Prizes, and fun!
PLEASE RSVP BY JANUARY 12, 2006

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WeHo Green Room Workshop - Activism
Come and join Lifeworks, Equality California, Nichole Curran and CHLA for a workshop on Activism in the Queer community. Come see what's going on and how you can get involved.

Lifoeworks Mentoring Office
9021 Melrose Avenue, Suite 309
West Hollywood, Ca 90069
For information caontact Bobby Ridenour at bridenour@lifeworksmentoring.org or 310-724-6300.

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11. End of the Spear opens January 20th w/ CHAD ALLEN (San Francisco)

…. a true story of adventure, tragedy, and a new beginning!

SYNOPSIS
In the Ecuadorian jungles of the Amazon, the Waodani people, one of the most violent societies on the planet, live totally cut off from civilization. Their homicide rate has brought them to the brink of extinction. One of their tribal leaders is Mincayani. Somewhere not far away along the Amazon, five young North American missionaries and their families eventually locates the Waodani village. When one of the tribesmen lies and says the foreigners have abducted and killed a tribeswoman, Mincayani and his fellow warriors find the location of their plane and spear the five Americans.

The missing missionaries make headlines in the world’s media and a search ensues. When the Waodani see the helicopter and the size of the search party they think the foreigners will take their revenge, so they burn their huts and flee deeper into the jungle. Within months of the killings, a Waodani woman who had fled the tribe helps gain entry into the tribe for the wife of one missionary and the sister of another. In time, they come to live with the Waodani and through a series of events the spearing that was destroying the tribe comes to an end. Years later the son of one of the speared missionaries returns to learn which warrior killed his father.

CHAD ALLEN (plays Nate Saint and Steve Saint)
Chad Allen began his professional acting career at the early age of five, starring in such hit television series as “St. Elsewhere,” “My Two Dads,” “Our House,”
and “Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman.” Continuing his work in television and film, Allen has appeared in numerous guest roles on television shows and series. His film roles include “Paris,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. He also earned a Best Supporting Actor award from the New York Independent Film Festival for his work in the short film, “Getting Out.”

In addition to “End of the Spear,” Allen recently completed his role in “Third Man Out,” the first of a six-picture deal for Regent’s new “Here TV!” network.
Allen has also lent his support to a large number of charities over the years, including The American Diabetes Association, The March of Dimes, Project Angel Food, the Autistic Children's Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, AIDS Project Arizona, and AIDS Project Los Angeles. In 2001, Allen announced his sexuality in The Advocate and has continued to be an advocate for gay and lesbian rights.

For more information on the film or Chad Allen please visit - http://www.endofthespear.com/ or http://www.chadallenonline.com/.

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12. here! Network lesbian romantic comedy film APRIL'S SHOWER tp premiere

here! Network will premiere on 01/13/06 San Francisco, CA Roxie Cinema our newest lesbian romantic comedy film APRIL'S SHOWER.
How far would you go for TRUE LOVE???????

Theaters April's Shower Begins Running Next week:
01/12/06 HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE - Los Angeles - Regent Showcase 8pm - $10 dollar tickets open to the public
01/13/06 Santa Rosa, CA Rialto Cinemas Lakeside
01/13/06 Palm Desert,CA Cinemas Palme d'Or
01/13/06 San Francisco, CA Roxie Cinema
01/13/06 CA West Hollywood, CA Lammle's Sunset 5
01/13/06 New York City, NY Quad Cinema
01/27/06 Raleigh Durham, NC Galaxy Cinema
01/27/06 Dallas,TX - Highland Park Village
01/27/06 Madison, WI Orpheum

info on April's Shower:
It's Raining Women on here! Network this January!!!!
As an EXCLUSIVE presentation from here! Networks, this modern day romantic comedy simultaneously premieres Jan 13th in theaters across the nation AND on here! networks. Film stars Trish Doolan, Maria Cina, Honey Labrador (Queer Eye for the Straight Girl) and Frank Grillo (Prison Break on FOX)

Trailer Link: http://www.aprilsshower-themovie.com/trailer.html
Alex attempts to host the perfect wedding shower for her best friend April by setting aside her unresolved feelings for the bride-to-be. But when Alex makes a surprising revelation, the picture-perfect party flips upside down, turning into a virtual downpour of confessions, flirtations, and seductions among the guests. Asking the question, "How far would you go for true love?" April's Shower is a comedy about love, romance and expectations

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13. Change the world...or at least Contra Costa County (Contra Costa County)

Please Spread the Word!!

The Empowerment Program of the Center for Human Development is looking for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-Spirit, Queer and Questioning Youth 23 and under for its Empowerment Leadership Group (ELG) and Queer Youth Action Team (QYAT)! We work in the large diverse communities of Contra Costa County. We work in collaboration with GLSEN SF-EAST BAY and RAINBOW COMMUNTIY CENTER.

Contact MARIO if you are interested 925.687.8844 x 304 or Mario@chd-prevention.org

Start in January.
Get involved!
Stipends are Available.

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14. Juma Ventures wants you!!! - employment at the SBC Giants Ballpark (Bay Area)

For Youth Ages 15 - 19: Please pass along and rsvp to a recruitment orientation.

Want to know more about education and how to get into college?
Need a bank account or money skills?
Interested in Job Training?
Interested in exploring a career?
What about learning more about your health and acquiring new life skills?

If you answered `YES' to the above questions and it sounds like something you are interested in and you are between the ages of 15 and 19, then you could be hired for a job at Juma Ventures!

As well, Juma provides extra support around Career Exploration, Financial Literacy. Health and Life Skills and College Exploration that all employees are required to participate in.

We provide opportunities for
-College and Career tours
-Recreational Outings
-Homework Help
-A fun youth space to hang out in
-New skills around resume building and interview skills
-T he ability to make your money work for you
-How to take excellent care of yourself
-On the job training and experience!

We are recruiting youth now for employment at the SBC Giants Ballpark. You could be hired as an ice cream scooper, a coffee barista, or a vendor.

Please attend one of our Recruitment Orientations. YOU MUST RSVP!
January 5th at 5pm
January 11th at 5pm
January 17th at 5pm
January 28th at noon
January 30th at 5pm
All orientations will be at 131 Steuart St. Ste. 201 (between Mission and Howard)

If you have any questions then please contact either Christy Saxton 415.371.0727x313 or Jasmine Najera 415.371.0727x312 at your earliest
convenience. We will begin interviews at the beginning of January.

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15. SCHOLARSHIP: Do you or does someone you know qualify for a 2005-2006 eQuality Scholarship Award?

GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay is a sponsoring member of the eQuality Scholarship Collaborative, a joint effort of a group of Bay Area-based organizations that annually award scholarships to graduating high school students in Northern and Central California who have promoted understanding of and equality for LGBTQ people.

Applications, including transcripts and letter of recommendation, must be postmarked no later than February 28, 2006. Scholarship applicants will be notified of their application status by April 15.

To learn more about the Collaborative and current scholarship opportunities, visit: www.glsen-sfeb.org/scholarship/index.htm.

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16. SCHOLARSHIP: PFLAG National Scholarships Program

This is an exciting program offering both $2,500 and $1,000 scholarships to LGBT students and their supporters. Students may apply for both a $2,500 scholarship and a $1,000 scholarship or either scholarship alone, but the Scholarship Advisory Committee will only award either a $2,500 or a $1,000 to successful students, i.e. scholarships will not be combined in a single award for $3,500.

The Scholarship Advisory Committee has decided that students awarded a scholarship by a local PFLAG scholarship program will still be eligible for a national award. Consequently, there should not be any conflict of interest between the National Scholarships Program and local PFLAG scholarship programs. Students who are related to your chapter members or who have been closely involved with your chapter are welcome to apply for one of the National Scholarships.

Application materials can be downloaded by students and financial aid administrators from our website, www.pflag.org. Application packets should be mailed to the following address postmarked no later than February 14th, 2006:

Judy Hoff
PFLAG National Scholarships Program
1726 M Street, NW, #400
Washington, DC 20036

If you have questions about the Program, please contact Judy Hoff, (202) 467-8180 extension 219, or schools@pflag.org.

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17. SCHOLARSHIP: The Point Foundation and Matthew Shepard Foundation Announce Unique Collaboration to Safeguard Gay Youth

Contact: Cathy Renna, (212) 584-5000 ext. 309, crenna@fenton.com>crenna@fenton.com
Ashley Harness, (212) 584-5000 ext. 333, aharness@fenton.com>aharness@fenton.com
Simon Aronoff, (202) 822-5200 ext. 222, saronoff@fenton.com>saronoff@fenton.com

The Point Foundation and Matthew Shepard Foundation Announce Unique Collaboration to Safeguard Gay Youth

mtvU, MTV's College Network, to Again Co-Sponsor Scholarship

First National Foundation Dedicated to LGBT Scholarship and Mentoring Announces Opening of 2006 Application Period

(Chicago, IL) - The Point Foundation, the first and largest national foundation to support academic achievement in higher education among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, has opened its 2006 application season by announcing more than a dozen named scholarships, including an exciting new partnership with the Matthew Shepard Foundation. The Point Foundation will also continue its partnership with mtvU, MTV's 24-hour college network. Recently featured in TIME Magazine and on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Foundation has experienced exponential growth and anticipates 5,000 applicants this year. In 2005, only one out of every 100 applicants was awarded a Point Scholarship. To meet the overwhelming need of LGBT students, Point is actively seeking funds to increase the number of scholarships it can offer in 2006

A Point Scholarship is the most substantive academic award of its kind, in most cases covering the cost of tuition, books, supplies, room and board, transportation and living expenses. The comprehensive scholarships allow students to excel in the classroom, on campus and in their communities. In addition, Point Scholars are matched with mentors from the professional world who serve as positive role models and provide personal support, ensuring that students build a foundation of leadership skills they can use throughout their careers.

Annually, the Point Foundation selects a range of students who are racially, ethnically, geographically and academically diverse. The students selected for Point Scholarships will earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees at some of the nation's most prestigious institutions of higher learning and pursue studies in a range of academic areas.

The application deadline for this year's scholarships is March 1, 2006. The application process is open to all LGBT students and student allies nationwide regardless of level of education. For information on how to apply, please visit: http://www.thepointfoundation.org/apply.

About The Matthew Shepard Foundation
The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspirations, the Foundation seeks to "Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance" through its varied educational programs and by continuing to tell Matthew's story. For more information, please go to www.MatthewShepard.org

About mtvU
Broadcasting to over 730 colleges across the country, with a combined enrollment of over 6.8 million, mtvU is the largest, most comprehensive television network just for college students. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, mtvU can be seen in the dining areas, fitness centers, student lounges and dorm rooms of campuses throughout the U.S. mtvU is dedicated to every aspect of college life, reaching students everywhere they hang out, through a three pronged approach-on-air, online and on campus. mtvU focuses on content including music programming, news, student life features, events, pro-social initiatives and more. For more information about mtvU, and for a complete programming schedule, visit http://www.mtvu.com>www.mtvu.com.

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18. JOB: HIV/AIDS Educator

The New Conservatory Theatre Center's (NCTC) YouthAware Educational Theatre Program is in search of a HIV/AIDS Educator for our upcoming prevention & educational play for 4th & 5th graders called Get Real! by Doug Holsclaw. This program will be performed at NCTC from January 24th - February 9th with performances at 10am & 11:30am on Monday's through Thursdays. NCTC is centrally located in the Civic Center of San Francisco at Van Ness and Market Streets. Potential candidates should have experience with all or some of the following: HIV education & prevention, public speaking, youth, and group facilitating. The HIV/AIDS Educator's responsibilities will include introducing the play and facilitating a scripted post show discussion with the cast and student audiences following each performance. HIV positive educators are also asked to share their experience living with HIV with the audience, and to provide their expertise on the disease in fielding questions from the audience at the end of the discussion. Educators will be asked to attend all or part of two rehearsals the week of January 16th (rehearsals are from 9:30am - 12pm), and the final dress rehearsal on 1/23 from 12pm-3pm. This is a paid contracted position with the potential for more work of this nature with YouthAware Educational Theatre's other 3 HIV prevention plays that go up in May and from October - December 2006.

Please fax or email (preferable) a resume and cover letter expressing your interest in this position to (415) 861-6988 (fax) or email sara@nctcsf.org>sara@nctcsf.org Visit us on the web at http://www.nctcsf.org/>www.nctcsf.org.

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January 4, 2006

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

GSA Network Highlight
GSA leaders resolve to fight transphobia and homophobia in schools in 2006!

GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Leadership Training (Santa Cruz & Palm Springs)
2. Sylvia Guerrero is Back!- Apply for Winter/Spring Speaking Engagement (Bay Area)
3. Queer Youth Advocacy Day! Sign up today!!!
4. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!
5. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)
6. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)

Other Announcements
7. Change the world...or at least Contra Costa County (Contra Costa County)
8. Youth Empowerment Team Presentation (San Francisco)
9. Become a GLSEN Los Angeles District Student Rep. (Los Angeles)
10. Gay Artists Writers Kollective (GAWK) calling all GSAs (San Francisco)
11. Communities United Against Violence - Speaker's Bureau Trainings (Bay Area)
12. NEWS: Christian school faces discrimination suit
13. NEWS: 'Gay-friendly' prom braces for protests
14. NEWS: Threat Against Gay Prom

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

GSA leaders resolve to fight transphobia and homophobia in the schools in 2006!

This time of year we hear many people asking the popular question, “What’s your New Year’s resolution?” Some will answer with ideas to lose weight, work out more, eat better, watch less TV or pay off bills. Recently, we asked GSA Network's Youth Council members to share with us their new year's resolutions for their GSAs.

GSA youth resolutions included:
"Our GSA plans to have a picnic with the GSA at Walnut High School. We also plan to start up a community event to fight homophobia and plan to become more active in national events."
-Martha, Senior, Diamond Bar High School

“My major goal is to attend Queer Youth Advocacy Day in the Spring!”
-Matt, Junior, West Park Home School

"In February, our GSA is having a motivational speaker for all the English Classes. We got a $1500 grant from the government and the district gave us $1500 more to have this assembly."
-Rafael, Senior, Moreno Valley High School

“Last year, I helped start the GSA club at my school. This year, I hope to help my club get “Safe Zone” posters to all administrators, staff and teachers. We also hope to participate in our first-ever Day of Silence event.”
-Heather, Junior, Central West High School

"We are currently undertaking a 'Play 4 Darfur' fund-raising poker tournament that will give aid and humanitarian relief to the people of Darfur. We have 7 other GSAs involved in what has come to be known as the GSA Save Darfur Team and will possibly be broadcast on MTV. Our goal is to encourage youth to get involved and fight oppression, and most importantly to educate people that racism, religious and ethnic oppression, and homophobia are all derived from a common root of fear and ignorance."
-Colin, Senior, Mira Costa High School

For 2006, GSA Network came up with a few ideas to help if you are looking for a New Year’s resolution to adopt for yourself or your club.
1. Mark your calendar and make plans to attend Queer Youth Advocacy Day on Monday, March 6, in Sacramento, CA. For more information about this resolution, contact lai-san@gsanetwork.org.

2. Make a decision to create a GSA club at your school!!!

3. If your club has never led a school-wide campaign, before the school year ends, work with your club to organize and present either an Anti-Slur, AB537 or Gender Identity campaign. For more information, visit http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/index.html

4. If you want to become more of an active youth leader in your community, attend the next GSA Network Youth Council meeting in your area. You can find more information about how to register on our website.

5. Make this year the biggest-ever Day of Silence. Help your club organize to participate in the Day of Silence on April 26, 2006. For more information, visit our website, http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/dos.html, and find a resource page that offers helpful tips when planning for this exciting event. Or for more information go to http://www.dayofsilence.org/

6. Have fun with your activism and with your club. Work on issues you believe in and stay strong in your fight to end homophobia and transphobia in your school.

GSA Network wishes you a very happy and productive New Year with the challenge that you will ask yourself or your club to adopt one of the New Year’s resolutions listed above.

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

1. GSA Leadership Training (Santa Cruz & Palm Springs)

CREATE CHANGE IN YOUR SCHOOL
A GSA Leadership Training brought to you by STRANGE and the GSA Network

This FREE event will be held from 11 am - 5 pm and includes breakfast and lunch.

So what is a GSA Leadership Training?
Where youth from GSAs around Santa Cruz County come together for a FUN, interactive peer to peer training that provides students with the skills to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools.

Youth will leave this training knowing how to lead an educational workshop they can take back to their schools to increase awareness of queer issues.

This training is co-led by GSA leaders. At this training students will also become experts in starting and running a Kick-Ass GSA.

Topics of the day include:
*understanding laws to protect LGBTQ youth in schools
*how to take action against slurs, harassment and discrimination in your school
*concepts of gender and understanding sexual orientation
*how to set up and facilitate anti-homophobia workshops at your schools
*how to run a meeting
*outreach, building membership, and diversity

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area, while learning some new skills to strengthen your school you're your club.

The GSA Network and STRANGE values the participation of adult allies in our fight against oppression & injustice in schools, and thus welcomes GSA Advisors and adult allies to the leadership training but ask that you help us to maintain the youth focus of this training.

WHO: GSA Members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, January 7th, 2006, 11:00-5:00 (Free food!)
WHERE: Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95061

Free!!

For more information, to RSVP or to get a ride, please contact:
Marco Castro-Bojorquez - GSA Network Northern CA Program Coordinator
415-552-4229 or email marco@gsanetwork.org

Jacob Lee Breslow - STRANGE Intern, training coordinator
925-788-8462 or jbreslow@ucsc.edu

Sharon Papo - STRANGE program coordinator
831- 469-1700 x 151 or Sharon.papo@scccc.org

CO-SPONSORS: GSA Network, STRANGE a program of Youth Services

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GSA NETWORK PALM SPRINGS LEADERSHIP TRAINING

This FREE event will be held from 10 am - 5 pm and includes breakfast and lunch.

January 21, 2006
10am - 5pm
Desert Pride Center
611 South Palm Canyon, Suite 201 (upstairs at the Sun Center)
Palm Springs.

Leadership Trainings are FREE Youth-Led trainings for GSA members and allies. Participants will learn everything they need to know about starting and running a GSA. There will be GSA members there from around the Palm Springs area, so it's also a great time to meet other GSA members.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD!!!

For more information or to RSVP e-mail or call.
Sandy Williams
213-534-7162
sandy@gsanetwork.org

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2. Sylvia Guerrero is Back!- Apply for Winter/Spring Speaking Engagement (Bay Area)

If you would like to bring Ms. Guerrero to your school, please contact Marco @ marco@gsanetwork.org.
Book NOW! Slots are limited.

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3. Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2006! Sign up today!!!

Sign up! Join GSA Network, Equality California, and hundreds of youth activists for Queer Youth Advocacy Day in Sacramento at the capitol on March 6, 2006. Talk to lawmakers about what it's really like for LGBTQ students in CA schools. Lobby for safer schools legislation (AB 606) & help to end discrimination and harassment for all students in California.

To sign up: www.eqca.org/advocacyday

Be a Leader! GSA Network is looking for 80 Advocacy Day Leaders to step up and lead the way on March 6. After receiving a full-day intensive training in Sacramento on Sunday, March 5, Advocacy Day Leaders will help teach participants at Queer Youth Advocacy Day on Monday, March 6th how to advocate for safe schools and lobby lawmakers. Advocacy Day Leaders will facilitate youth participants during lobbying visits with California Assemblymembers and Senators. By being an Advocacy Day Leader, you will help facilitate dialogues between elected officials and youth. You will make sure young people's voices get heard!

Deadline for application is January 27. Everyone will be notified of the final selection by February 5.

All Advocacy Day Leaders must attend the day-long training on March 5. Arrangements will be made for Leaders who need assistance with travel and housing in Sacramento.

To apply to become an Advocacy Day Leader: www.gsanetwork.org/qyad

Or for more information please contact Lai-San @ 415-552-4229 or email advocacy@gsanetwork.org.

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4. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!

Before you plan any events for your GSA, remember to register or re-register your group with the GSA Network. Do it NOW to make sure you receive our student activism manuals, FREE posters, other resources, and notifications of future GSA Network or LGBT-related events. (Mailings will go out only to California GSAs in middle and high schools.)
Register online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php

If you have any questions or concerns contact:
Tanya Mayo, Program Director
tanya@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229

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5. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!

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6. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)

GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!
A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.

For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to: www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html

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8. Youth Empowerment Team Presentation (San Francisco)

Monday, January 9th 2006
4:00-5:30p.m.

The Youth Empowerment Team (YET) of the San Francisco LGBT Community Center will present its research findings and recommendations to improve the lives of homeless and low-income queer and transgender youth in SF.

SUPPORT YOUTH EMPOWERMENT!
SUPPORT YOUTH LEADERSHIP!

See you at:
The SF LGBT Community Center
1800 Market St.
Ceremonial Room, 4th Floor
More info: (415)865-5542 or yet@sfcenter.org

Please forward widely!

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9. Become a GLSEN Los Angeles District Student Rep. (Los Angeles)

Feel like making a difference beyond the front steps of your school?

Are you someone who likes meeting up and networking with other youth, sharing cool ideas and strategies to tackle anti-bias issues CITY WIDE?

Are you in junior high or high school?

Then, think about becoming a District Student Rep for the Los Angeles GLSEN!

District Reps work as point contacts for a specific region of the Greater LA area -- usually partnering with another student to form a
District Rep team.

As a District Rep, you'll be qualified to apply for scholarships, earn community service points, get to network and work closely with other
student leaders throughout the county and you'll have opportunities to build relationships with state and local government field offices.

Get started by emailing the chapter office: glsenla@glsenla.org and provide:
YOUR NAME
YOUR email address
YOUR age or grade level

** Pass this along to a friend who might be interested !! **

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10. Gay Artists Writers Kollective (GAWK) calling all GSAs (San Francisco)

The GAWK is a loosely connected social group for GLBTIQ persons involved in music, performing, writing, and the arts. Meetings are held at Magnet @ 4122 18th Street in San Francisco (zip: 94114) every month.

All young GLBTIQ artists invited to share your work at upcoming GAWK meetings.

For more information, you may contact Jon at (415) 731-2424.

Please spread widely!!

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11. Communities United Against Violence - Speaker's Bureau Trainings (Bay Area)

The Speakers Bureau is currently accepting applications for new volunteers. Our next training is an all-ages training for LGBTQQ community members who want to speak their minds and help educate young folks. CUAV Speakers go into classrooms and discuss queer issues. Queer Activist youth are especially encouraged to make their voices heard. This is a great opportunity for folks to make a difference.The training will be held over 2 full days, Saturday and Sunday, January 14th and 15th, 10am to 6pm.

For information on how to apply, please contact Connie at connie@cuav.org. or 415-777-5500 ext. 303

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12. NEWS: Christian school faces discrimination suit

By: JENNIFER KABBANY
North County Times
December 20, 2005

WILDOMAR ---- In what one state official is calling the first case of its kind, two students and their parents are suing a private, Christian high school for expelling the two students for allegedly being lesbians.

The students and their parents sued the California Lutheran High School Association, which oversees the operation of the high school in Wildomar, and its principal, the Rev. Gregory Bork.

The lawsuit, filed in Riverside Superior Court on Thursday, claims discrimination, invasion of privacy and unfair business practices.

It calls on the courts to prevent the school from expelling other students based on its perception of their sexual orientation. The suit asks for punitive damages in excess of $25,000.

A spokesman for state Attorney General Bill Lockyer, as well as several local, prominent Christian attorneys, said the lawsuit is groundbreaking.

"This is an unsettled area of the law," said Nathan Barankin, communications director for the attorney general. "The public policy issues are religious freedom versus the right not to be discriminated against."

To read the full article, visit:
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/12/21/news/californian/21_33_4112_20_05.txt

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13. NEWS: 'Gay-friendly' prom braces for protests

Organizer of Tracy event trying to keep location secret from Kansas church

December 29, 2005
Tri-Valley Herald
By Aaron Swarts

TRACY - Justin Daley is more than happy to talk about the upcoming "gay -friendly" prom he is organizing, just don't ask him to mention where it will be held.

The West High senior and president of his school's Gay/Straight Alliance Club is not trying to be coy, but at this point he would simply rather not say.

Not with an impending protest from the Westboro Baptist Church of Kansas, which brought its message of "God hates fags" to the Central Valley last spring to protest graduation day at Tracy and West high schools.

"I don't want to make things too easy for Rev. Phelps and his followers," Daley said of his cloak-and-dagger routine surrounding the prom's official location. "We will announce the actual location of the event about a month before the prom."

The self-described "hate mongers" from Westboro have made numerous trips to the West Coast in recent years to protest everything from "gay-friendly" proms to funerals of American soldiers killed overseas.

To read the full story visit:
http://www.insidebayarea.com/trivalleyherald/localnews/ci_3352703

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14. NEWS: Threat Against Gay Prom

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
December 30, 2005

(Tracy, California) It may be a long time until spring, but gay students at Tracy's West High are already planning their prom and bracing for a demonstration by America's most notorious homophobe.

This already has been a difficult year for the students. The California Department of Education announced plans in October to investigate allegations that the Tracy Unified School District failed to protect LGBT students from harassment and bullying at West High.

The Gay-Straight Alliance at West High School went to the state after it said the district had done little to address concerns about harassment.

The 'gay friendly' prom was aimed at giving LGBT students an opportunity to bring same-sex dates and do all of the things students do at traditional proms.

GSA President Justin Daley hoped that the event, scheduled for April 13, would be a safe environment. But that was before the Rev. Fred Phelps and his anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas got wind of it.

Now the planning, even the location, is shrouded in secrecy.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.365gay.com/Newscon05/12/123005prom.htm

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