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In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Best Back to School Ever with GSA Network!
GSA Network Announcements
1. Apply for Youth Council! It's Cool! (Statewide)
Other Announcements
2. First Queer API Youth Conference in Southern California
3. Awareness Leadership Team Retreat 2004 (San Francisco)
4. Cootie Shots Fall Tour and Auditions (Los Angeles)
5. Models of Pride, November 13th (Los Angeles)
6. Let's Get Real-Free Screening, Sept. 21. 2004 (Los Angeles)
7. GLSEN's Voter Registration Week, September 22-29, 2004
8. Stop The Violence Against And Within Queer Communities! (San Francisco)
9. Yuba Sutter Pride needs volunteers and donations
10. Educators Needed for Young Men's HIV Prevention Project (Mid-Peninsula)
11. go/GSA Intern Position (San Francisco)
12. NEWS: Arcata school district launches comprehensive anti-bullying program
13. NEWS: Officials had feared violence at high school in San Diego
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++
Best Back to School Ever with GSA Network!
GSA Network wants to welcome you to a great new school year. This is a great time to get educated, get organized, and get all the necessary tools you need.
Here are some tools from GSA Network that will get your activism up and get
your fashion sense on point.
MUST HAVE'S
* Back by popular demand, it's GSA Network's anti-slur campaign organizing
manual:Take It Back: A Manual for Fighting Slurs on Campus, which you can download
at http://www.gsanetwork.org/takeitback/
* Know your rights. Read the AB 537 Fact Sheet at http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/ab537.html
and GSAs' Legal Rights at http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/legal.html.
* GSA Network's "Beyond the Binary: A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism
in Schools" This is our new publication to get you ready to fight gender
oppression at your school. COMING SOON!
* Transforming the Nation: A Teaching Guide to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual &
Transgender US History Since the 1950s. A supplementary manual on queer People
of Color history in the US. This manual is being sent to every high school in
LAUSD. Every GSA in California registered with GSA Network will receive this
manual in late September.WHAT'S HOT
* GSA Network's traveling art exhibits: High Contrast, The Closet Project, and
the Liberation Ink poster series. GSAs in California can order their 30 free
posters for this year at: http://www.gsanetwork.org/freezone/liberation/index.html
* New and improved GSA Network resource sheets! Improve your GSA and build your
leadership at the same time! COMING SOON!
* SB 71 fact sheet. Learn the basic facts about the new laws on sexual health
education and how they affect students! COMING SOON!
WHAT's NOT
* Homophobic Slurs
* Transphobic Policies
* Racist CurriculumLook for all of GSA Network publications to be mailed out
to GSAs registered in California in late September. If you are a GSA in California
and you not registered with GSA Network please go to:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php
The resource sheets and Beyond the Binary will also be available to download from our web site for folks outside of California.
Have great year and keep up the amazing activism you do!
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Apply for Youth Council! It's Cool! (Statewide)
The school year is starting back up again!! And where will you be??!? Of course, in school, but where else can you get involved, plug in, and make a difference?
Youth Council!!!
GSA Network has 3 Youth Councils: Northern California, Central California, and
Southern California. Each Youth Council is responsible for making decisions
about and guiding the programs of the GSA Network in their region. Youth Council
members will represent the needs of GSAs and youth activists from their geographic
region as well as set goals and establish priorities for the entire GSA Network.
The Youth Council meets once a month, generally on a Saturday. Typically, Youth
Council members are also involved in planning and/or implementing other trainings
and conferences, most of which happen on weekend days as well.
So submit your application today! http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events,
resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not
sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views
and opinions of GSA Network.
*********************************************
2. First Queer API Youth Conference in Southern California
Los Angeles, Calif. (August, 2004) - Asians Pacific Islanders for Human Rights (APIHR) / 'Ohana House announces "Double Vision: Reconciling Multiple Identities", the nation's first Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Questioning (LGBTIQ) conference to educate and inspire the next generation of API LGBT youth leaders will be held on November 7, 2004.
APIHR/ 'Ohana House's Youth Conference is geared to support, educate, inspire, and promote leadership development in API LGBTIQ youth. Youth will be selected to attend a one-day conference held at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. The youth will choose from a list of workshops ranging from campus organizing, to discrimination and homophobia, to health and coming out. This conference will provide interactive and social workshops while fostering leadership development.
"This conference is dedicated to teaching our API youth to life skills and to help them integrate their identities with regards their culture, ethnicity and sexuality," said Patrick Mangto, Executive Director of APIHR / 'Ohana House. "The most important thing is that this is a conference that is organized and programmed by API LGBTIQ youth for API LGBTIQ youth. It will speak directly to their issues and concerns."
The conference is for Asian and Pacific Islander, including multiracial, transnationally and transracially adopted, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexual, queer, and questioning youth 24 and under who want to learn and help transform the API LGBT communities through openly discussing the struggles we face. Individuals must come ready to participate in a safe environment, promoting healthy dialogue and engage in discussions about being queer Asian and Pacific Islanders. Individuals should be able to apply what they have learned and take it back to their communities. Current enrollment in school is not required. Enrollment forms are available of APIHR/ 'Ohana House's website http://www.apihr.org/
'Ohana House, the API LGBTIQ community center, is a program of Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights (APIHR). APIHR works to support the Pan Asian and Pacific Islander, including multiracial, transnationally and transracially adopted, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and questioning communities through public education, outreach, support services, leadership development, and advocacy in order to transform and improve the cultural and social conditions of our communities.
REGISTRATION
For the complete flyer and registration form, go to:
http://www.geocities.com/galasjourney/addamsconference.html
INFORMATION
If you are lost, or need information on the day of the conference, please call
our cell phone: 562-491-3174.
PARKING
Parking is available in the church lot just north of the Church. You may also
park on the street, but be careful of parking signs and bring quarters for the
meters.
DIRECTIONS
ALL SAINTS CHURCH
All Saints Episcopal Church is located at 132 North Euclid Avenue in Pasadena,
California.
The church is directly across the street from Pasadena City Hall.
If you are traveling east on the 210 freeway, exit at Lake Avenue and go south
to Walnut. Turn right on Walnut and go to Euclid. Turn left on Euclid.
If you are traveling west on the 210 freeway (west of Pasadena), exit at Fair
Oaks Avenue and continue to the signal. Turn right on Fair Oaks and go south
to Walnut. Turn left on Walnut and continue to Euclid. Turn right on Euclid.
If you are traveling east on the 134 freeway, continue on the 134 until it merges
with the 210 freeway and exit at Fair Oaks Avenue and continue to the signal.
Turn right on Fair Oaks and go south to Walnut. Turn left on Walnut and continue
to Euclid. Turn right on Euclid.
If you are traveling north on the 110 freeway, continue until it ends and becomes
Arroyo Parkway. Continue north on Arroyo Parkway to Colorado Boulevard and turn
right. Continue a few blocks to Euclid and turn left.
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*********************************************
3. Awareness Leadership Team Retreat 2004 (San Francisco)
WHO
GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay's Awareness Leadership Team (ALT) is a highly motivated
group of 20 youth ranging in ages from 14 to 23 that represent a diverse population
of LGBTQ and straight ally youth dedicated to ending anti-LGBTQ bias in schools.
WHEN
September 11th and 12th, 2004.
WHERE
San Francisco City Center Youth Hostel
WHAT
The retreat is a two-day intensive training experience that will set the foundation
for more advanced training in the months following the retreat. The retreat
is a vital learning experience for youth. They learn how to be good facilitators,
active listeners, and many other vital skills that will help them become strong
leaders and educators in their own community.
WHY
In order to develop these skills, youth need to come together and work as a
team to reach their fullest potential as leaders. They will take part in extensive
training ranging from learning about the history of the LGBTQ community to laws
that exist today to help protect all youth in schools from harassment and bullying
based on real or perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.
They will also participate in an interactive workshop that examines the intersections
of oppression and learn crucial skills to help advocate for their peers.
HOW
GLSEN SF-EB is able to help local Bay Area youth leadership with the generous
support of San Francisco and East Bay community members, businesses, and other
sponsors who care about creating safer schools for all.
For more information, please contact Ravi or Shanda at 925.685.5480 or email:
mailto:ravi@glsen-sfeb.org or mailto:shanda@glsen-sfeb.org.
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*********************************************
4. Cootie Shots Fall Tour and Auditions (Los Angeles)
Dear Fringe Benefits Friends and Colleagues,
COOTIE SHOTS is back by popular demand!
This fall we will be touring COOTIE SHOTS, our nationally-acclaimed play for
young audiences (k-to-6) from October 18 through December 15!
Cootie Shots addresses a wide range of diversity and discrimination issues,
including LGBT issues and different family structures!
If you know of an elementary school and/or community or religious center in
Southern California that might be interested in booking the show, please contact
Fringe Benefits Tour Manager, Donald Amerson, at mailto:DonaldAmerson@yahoo.com
or at (818) 755-8928.
Please contact Donald as soon as possible as our available dates are limited!!
(Please copy me at mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net)
If you would like to audition for the tour show, please contact the director,
Daniel Nadon at mailto:drnfringebenefits@yahoo.com,
and copy me at mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net
As soon as possible!!!!
We're looking for diverse cast of 4 who will portray a wide range of roles.
Daniel will be setting up individual audition times as people RSVP.
Most time slots for auditions will be Aug 7, 8 & 9.
For more information about the Cootie Shots fall tour...
check out the brief note below,
and/or check out our website: http://www.cootieshots.org
and/or rsvp to Donald, Daniel or me!
All the best,
Norma
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*********************************************
5. Models of Pride, November 13th (Los Angeles)
The annual Models of Pride conference (MOP XII) is around the corner. This
free conference, sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc., will be held on Saturday,
November 13, 2004, at Occidental College in Los Angeles. The conference focuses
on LGBT youth and their allies, ages 14-23. The day is filled with workshops,
a resource faire, round table discussions, food, networking, entertainment,
and a dance finale.
Please visit http://www.modelsofpride.org
for more information and to preregister.
*********************************************
6. Let's Get Real-Free Screening, Sept. 21. 2004 (Los Angeles)
Free screening of Let's Get Real, September 21, 2204, in Los Angeles!
You are invited to a free screening of Debra Chasnoff's film Let's Get Real
about the epidemic of bullying and name-calling in schools. The film will be
followed by a discussion with the filmmaker.
Don't miss your opportunity to see a film that is being widely used as a catalyst
for discussion among students, educators and parents all over the country!
The event is sponsored by the California Association of Independent Schools,
Los Angeles Unified School District, Assemblymember Paul Koretz and Senator
Sheila Kuehl.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004 4 pm
Center for Early Education Community Center
563 N. Alfred St
City of West Hollywood, CA
To RSVP, e-mail mailto:RSVP@respectforall.org
or call Sue Chen at 415-641-4616 ext. 304.
For more information about Let's Get Real, visit http://www.womedia.org
About the Film:
Let's Get Real (35 minutes) is a powerful new documentary film by Academy-Award-winning
director Debra Chasnoff. The film takes an honest, unflinching look at the epidemic
of name-calling and bullying among young teens today. It also addresses issues
of race, national origin, class, religion, sexual harassment, anti-gay name-calling
and other forms of prejudice that often fuel acts of bullying. Unlike other
films on bullying, Let's Get Real doesn't sugarcoat the truth or feature adults
lecturing kids. The film allows young people to tell their stories in their
own words‹and the results are heartbreaking, shocking and inspiring.
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*********************************************
7. GLSEN's Voter Registration Week, September 22-29, 2004
http://www.dayofsilence.org/vrw/
One of the most powerful ways to influence education and policy makers is by
choosing who has the job in the first place! Across the country members of Congress,
Governors, local elected officials and the President have expiring terms. This
November, voters will decide who will stay and who will go!
GLSEN's Voter Registration Week is about mobilizing students and student clubs,
commonly known as gay-straight alliances (GSAs), to get involved in the political
process. From registering to vote yourself to getting others registered to vote
-- or simply ensuring education and safer schools issue are parts of political
conversations -- this is your opportunity to have your voice heard!
So check out some of these resources created by GLSEN or others highlighted
from ally organizations and join us September 22-29, 2004 to make a difference
during Voter Registration Week!
http://www.dayofsilence.org/vrw/
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*********************************************
8. Stop The Violence Against And Within Queer Communities! (San Francisco)
Hey Folks, Community United Against Violence (CUAV) is currently looking for
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, & questioning folks and their
allies who are:
* Compassionate people willing to listen to others
* Folks who are committed to the struggle to end racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism,
and all other oppressions
YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT HATE VIOLENCE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES:
VOLUNTEER AS A CUAV SUPPORT LINE COUNSELOR!
(NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. BILINGUAL STIPENDS OFFERED.)
FALL 2004 TRAINING DATES:
Saturday October 9 & Sunday October 10;
Sunday October 17;
Saturday October 23 & Sunday October 24.
All sessions run from 9:30 AM-6:00 PM
Full attendance at the training is mandatory
For more information, contact Vanissar at CUAV,
415-777-5500, ext 323
mailto:vanissar@cuav.org
Folks of color, transgender folks, women, and survivors of violence strongly
encouraged to volunteer.
Community United Against Violence is a multicultural, multi-lingual anti-oppression
organization that prevents and responds to violence against and within our diverse
LGBTQQ communities.
*********************************************
9. Yuba Sutter Pride needs volunteers and donations
There are four upcoming events that YSP will participate in and we need volunteers
and support.
Please thoughtfully consider volunteering. By volunteering and promoting YSP
at the following events, you will be helping to make people from our area who
attend these events (but do not know about us) aware of the emerging LGBTI scene
in Yuba-Sutter.
Here are the events:
THE FIRST EVENT:
RAINBOW FESTIVAL STREET FAIRE 04
IN SACRAMENTO
This event occurs from Fri. 09/03/04 ˆ Sun. 09/05/04
The ONLY date YSP is scheduled to be at this event is on Sunday 09/05/04 The
event occurs from 10am-6pm.
The event will take place at 20th & K Streets in Sacramento.
Where YSP's table will be is not yet determined.
YSP Volunteers should be there 8am-8:30am to help set up. YSP volunteers are
needed to attend a table where we will have information to promote Yuba-Sutter
Pride.
THE SECOND EVENT:
YUBA CITY MALL COMMUNITY FAIR
This event occurs on Saturday 09/18/04. Set up for YSP at the Yuba City Mall
begins at 9:00am and we need to be set up by 9:45 am. The event takes place
from 10a-7p. The mall is located at 1215 Colusa Avenue, Yuba City, CA 95991.
This is YSP's first plan to participate in a notable community event in Yuba-Sutter.
This is a great opportunity to promote YSP locally, to be visible and to talk
with people.
The mall will provide us with a table, 2 chairs and a sign for our group. We
just need to bring LGBTI & YSP information. However, we are not allowed
to bring condoms or sexually vivid educational materials per YC Mall event rules.
THE THIRD EVENT:
CHICO PRIDE FEST 2004
This event also occurs on Saturday 09/18/04 from 12pm-5pm. (Note: There is an
ISCCD dance in Chico that evening from 8p-12a). The event will take place at
1705 Manzanita Avenue in Chico.
YSP will need committed volunteers to be at this event while some of us attend
the YC Mall Fair.
We will also have YSP promotional information too.
FOURTH EVENT
YS LGBTI PRIDE DAY
(THIS IS STILL A TENTATIVE PLAN)
Details will follow about location, time, etc. The planned date is either October
9 & 10, 16 & 17, or 23 & 24 (all dates are Sat. & Sun). The
likely date will be Oct. 9 & 10.
HERE'S WHAT WE NEED NOW
TALENT/VOLUNTEERS/PARTY HOSTS
-Volunteers for a performance to occur at a showing of "The Rocky Horror
Picture Show" at Sutter Theatre in Yuba City on the Saturday of the event
- and a coordinator/director for the performance.
-Volunteers to assist with set up and clean up at a health day at Sutter County
Health Dept. Likely on the Sunday.
-Volunteers to participate in a panel discussion on Saturday on the topic of
"Being an LGBTI person or their loved one in Yuba-Sutter." The panel
will be selected by the YSP Committee
DONATIONS OF HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
If you have any LGBTI merchandise, items, magazines, movies, books, etc. to
donate to YSP so that we can give the items away as "freebies" at
our booths at these events please donate. We will also gladly accept LGBTI decorations
and buttons if you have any to donate or lend. Nothing X-rated please.
NOTICE TO OTHER LGBTI GROUPS:
YSP will gladly take with us to these events information (flyers/cards/etc.)
any information about your LGBTI group. Please e-mail mailto:yubasutterpride@yahoo.com
for more details.
Thank you so much for all of your help and support!!!
Together, we are reaching for that rainbow above the Buttes.
-Jeffrey TG Gonzalez
Yuba-Sutter Pride Coordinator
*********************************************
10. Educators Needed for Young Men's HIV Prevention Project (Mid-Peninsula)
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
OUTLET's new HIV Prevention Program includes a series of 8 fun, hands-on, and
educational community workshops for gay, bisexual, queer & questioning youth
in Northern Santa Clara.
OUTLET is looking for 4 responsible, energetic Youth Peer Educators to assist
with HIV Prevention Program. Starting Fall 2004. Join a NEW and FUN prevention
program - GET INVOLVED!
The requirements are as follows:
JOB DUTIES:
_ Commit 10-15 hours per month for half a year
_ Conduct group outreach to Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Youth Guys (13-20) years
old
_ Perform bi-monthly small group facilitation on relevant queer youth issues
_ Promotion with large community event (Dance, BBQ, karaoke night, etc.)
_ Meet new friends with other Gay, Bisexual, Queer Folks in South Bay
_ Gain leadership and build job skills with community involvement!
_ Add to College Applications, HS volunteer service, or work credit!
--
OUTLET is also looking for 4 Gay, Bisexual, Queer Male Adult Educators to help
develop, train, and facilitate HIV Prevention Workshops. The team starts Fall
2004. A great youth mentoring project - GET INVOLVED!
JOB DUTIES:
_ Commit 10-15 hours per month, for half a year
_ Support Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Youth Guys (13-20) years old
_ Bi-monthly small group facilitation on queer youth issues in South Bay
_ Help promote queer youth community event (Dance, BBQ, karaoke nights, etc.)
_ Become a youth role model and a community resource!
_ Develop and implement HIV workshop series based on youth empowerment
_ Join a FUN and NEW HIV Prevention Program in Santa Clara County!
_ 1st Series runs November 2004- February 2005
For more information, please contact:
MANNY GRUESO
YOUNG MEN'S HIV PREVENTION COORDINATOR
650.965.2020 ext. 22
mailto:manny@chacmv.org
OUTLET PROGRAM
Empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth
and cultivating leaders to eradicate homophobia. Community Health Awareness
Council (CHAC) Mountain View CA 94041. http://www.projectoutlet.org
*********************************************
11. go/GSA Intern Position (San Francisco)
The go/GSA program is a unique program housed at the Richmond Village Beacon at George Washington High School (GWHS) that offers both on and off-campus programming for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth in the Richmond District. The program consists of two components: the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) and the go Youth Advisory Council (go YAC). The GSA is a Beacon sponsored school club that supports queer youth through offering a community space for queer youth and hosting monthly speakers from the queer community. The go YAC is a leadership group that provides direction in GSA activities, offers faculty and student sensitivity trainings, organizes on campus awareness raising events, and plans off-campus field trips to queer community events.
Intern Responsibilities
* Work collaboratively with go YAC youth leaders to coordinate on campus awareness
raising events including Coming Out Day, Transgender Remembrance Day, Queer
Valentineís Day, and Pride Week.
* Assist the Queer Youth Services Coordinator in the coordination/facilitation
of weekly go YAC and GSA meetings.
* Chaperone off-campus field trips and program retreats in collaboration with
program staff.
* Other duties as assigned by the Queer Youth Services Coordinator.Intern Qualifications
* HS diploma or equivalent
* Experience working with queer and other diverse youth groups
* Interest in or familiarity with youth development principles
* Interest in and experience with youth organizing
* Demonstrated skills in coordinating/facilitating youth groups
* Excellent written, verbal, and computer skills
* Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
* Strong organizational skills and ability to set priorities
* Availability for some evening/weekend workIntern Dates/ Hours
* September 2004- May 2005
* Thursdays 11am-1pm, Fridays 11am-1pm
* 6 additional hours per week (schedule based on intern availability)
Intern Compensation
This is an unpaid internship experience. Excellent position for someone pursuing
a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Queer Studies, Counseling, or
other related fields. To Apply
Please send resume and cover letter by September 10th, 2004 to:
Richmond Village Beacon
Jessica Van Tuyl
600 32nd Avenue - #T5
San Francisco, CA 94121
mailto:jvt@rvbeacon.org
*********************************************
12. NEWS: Arcata school district launches comprehensive anti-bullying program
School district launches comprehensive anti-bullying program
By Sara Watson Arthurs
The Times-Standard
August 30, 2004
ARCATA -- Most workplaces now have handbooks prohibiting employee harassment
as a matter of policy. The Arcata School District has taken it a step further
and is creating a more formal method for teachers to prevent students from bullying
or harassing one another.
To read the full article, visit:
http://www.times-standard.com/Stories/0,1413,127~2896~2368760,00.html
*********************************************
13. NEWS: Officials had feared violence at high school in San Diego
Gay, straight teens polarized; suit filed
By Onell R. Soto
SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
August 22, 2004
The animosity between gay and straight students at Poway High School was so
volatile last spring that school officials said they had to prevent a teenager
from wearing an anti-gay slogan on a T-shirt in class.
Administrators feared that violence might erupt over the shirt, according to
legal papers that for the first time detail the school district's side of a
controversy that has spilled into the courts.
The campus was so polarized that the district was slapped with a sexual harassment
lawsuit by gay and lesbian students on one side and fielded at least one threatening
phone call from a parent opposed to homosexuality.
To read the full article, visit:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/education/20040822-9999-1mi22tshirt.html
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Best Back to School Ever with GSA Network!
GSA Network Announcements
1. Apply for Youth Council! It's Cool! (Statewide)
2. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
3. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
4. Sacramento GSA Leadership Training
5. Palm Springs GSA Leadership Training
Other Announcements
6. First Queer API Youth Conference in Southern California
7. Awareness Leadership Team Retreat 2004 (San Francisco)
8. Websites for Queer Teens!
9. Young Women's Video Project (San Francisco)
10. Models of Pride, November 13th (Los Angeles)
11. Let's Get Real-Free Screening, Sept. 21. 2004 (Los Angeles)
12. GLSEN's Voter Registration Week, September 22-29, 2004
13. Stop The Violence Against And Within Queer Communities! (San Francisco)
14. Yuba Sutter Pride needs volunteers and donations
15. Educators Needed for Young Men's HIV Prevention Project (Mid-Peninsula)
16. go/GSA Intern Position (San Francisco)
17. Paid Youth Internship with Youth Initiated Projects!
18. LifeWorks seeks Mentors and Mentees
19. NEWS: Orange County School District Votes to Sue State
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++
Best Back to School Ever with GSA Network!
GSA Network wants to welcome you to a great new school year. This is a great time to get educated, get organized, and get all the necessary tools you need.
Here are some tools from GSA Network that will get your activism up and get
your fashion sense on point.
MUST HAVE'S
* Back by popular demand, it's GSA Network's anti-slur campaign organizing
manual:Take It Back: A Manual for Fighting Slurs on Campus, which you can download
at http://www.gsanetwork.org/takeitback/
* Know your rights. Read the AB 537 Fact Sheet at http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/ab537.html
and GSAs' Legal Rights at http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/legal.html.
* GSA Network's "Beyond the Binary: A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism
in Schools" This is our new publication to get you ready to fight gender
oppression at your school. COMING SOON!
* Transforming the Nation: A Teaching Guide to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual &
Transgender US History Since the 1950s. A supplementary manual on queer People
of Color history in the US. This manual is being sent to every high school in
LAUSD. Every GSA in California registered with GSA Network will receive this
manual in late September.WHAT'S HOT
* GSA Network's traveling art exhibits: High Contrast, The Closet Project, and
the Liberation Ink poster series. GSAs in California can order their 30 free
posters for this year at: http://www.gsanetwork.org/freezone/liberation/index.html
* New and improved GSA Network resource sheets! Improve your GSA and build your
leadership at the same time! COMING SOON!
* SB 71 fact sheet. Learn the basic facts about the new laws on sexual health
education and how they affect students! COMING SOON!
WHAT's NOT
* Homophobic Slurs
* Transphobic Policies
* Racist CurriculumLook for all of GSA Network publications to be mailed out
to GSAs registered in California in late September. If you are a GSA in California
and you not registered with GSA Network please go to:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php
The resource sheets and Beyond the Binary will also be available to download from our web site for folks outside of California.
Have great year and keep up the amazing activism you do!
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Apply for Youth Council! It's Cool! (Statewide)
The school year is starting back up again!! And where will you be??!? Of course, in school, but where else can you get involved, plug in, and make a difference?
Youth Council!!!
GSA Network has 3 Youth Councils: Northern California, Central California, and
Southern California. Each Youth Council is responsible for making decisions
about and guiding the programs of the GSA Network in their region. Youth Council
members will represent the needs of GSAs and youth activists from their geographic
region as well as set goals and establish priorities for the entire GSA Network.
The Youth Council meets once a month, generally on a Saturday. Typically, Youth
Council members are also involved in planning and/or implementing other trainings
and conferences, most of which happen on weekend days as well.
So submit your application today! http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html
*********************************************
2. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
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: http://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,
Transgender Day of Remembrance, 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.
*********************************************
3. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
The new school year has begun! Welcome back!
Before you plan any more 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,
Sean Saifa M. Wall
mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229 (phone)
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4. Sacramento GSA Leadership Training
WANNA MEET OTHER PEOPLE FIGHTING HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA ? ?
WANNA LEARN HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GSA?
WANNA BECOME A LEADER ?
Then come to the SACRAMENTO GSA LEADERSHIP TRAINING!
WHO: Any member or supporter of a Gay-Straight Alliance
WHEN: Saturday, October 2nd, 9 AM- 4:30 PM
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Folsom High School, 1655 Iron Point Road
COST: Free!
To register, contact GLSEN: mailto:sacglsen@yahoo.com
or 916.733.2135
Sean Saifa Wall, mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
or 415.522.4229
Please provide your name, school and number of GSA members attending.
Co-Sponsors are GSA Network and GLSEN Greater Sacramento
*********************************************
5. Palm Springs GSA Leadership Training
WANNA MEET OTHER PEOPLE FIGHTING HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA ? ?
WANNA LEARN HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GSA?
WANNA BECOME A LEADER ?
Who: Students and Advisors interested in GSA clubs
When: September 15, 2004, 5pm - 8:30pm
Where: Call Angela @ 760.776.1744 for address information
Cost: Free!
RSVP: Angela: 760.776.1744 mailto:PSGayCenter@aol.com
Stephanie: 415.552.4229 mailto:stephanie@gsanetwork.org
Co-sponsored by GSA Network and Gay Associated Youth Center
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events,
resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not
sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views
and opinions of GSA Network.
*********************************************
6. First Queer API Youth Conference in Southern California
Los Angeles, Calif. (August, 2004) - Asians Pacific Islanders for Human Rights (APIHR) / 'Ohana House announces "Double Vision: Reconciling Multiple Identities", the nation's first Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Questioning (LGBTIQ) conference to educate and inspire the next generation of API LGBT youth leaders will be held on November 7, 2004.
APIHR/ 'Ohana House's Youth Conference is geared to support, educate, inspire, and promote leadership development in API LGBTIQ youth. Youth will be selected to attend a one-day conference held at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. The youth will choose from a list of workshops ranging from campus organizing, to discrimination and homophobia, to health and coming out. This conference will provide interactive and social workshops while fostering leadership development.
"This conference is dedicated to teaching our API youth to life skills and to help them integrate their identities with regards their culture, ethnicity and sexuality," said Patrick Mangto, Executive Director of APIHR / 'Ohana House. "The most important thing is that this is a conference that is organized and programmed by API LGBTIQ youth for API LGBTIQ youth. It will speak directly to their issues and concerns."
The conference is for Asian and Pacific Islander, including multiracial, transnationally and transracially adopted, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexual, queer, and questioning youth 24 and under who want to learn and help transform the API LGBT communities through openly discussing the struggles we face. Individuals must come ready to participate in a safe environment, promoting healthy dialogue and engage in discussions about being queer Asian and Pacific Islanders. Individuals should be able to apply what they have learned and take it back to their communities. Current enrollment in school is not required. Enrollment forms are available of APIHR/ 'Ohana House's website http://www.apihr.org/
'Ohana House, the API LGBTIQ community center, is a program of Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights (APIHR). APIHR works to support the Pan Asian and Pacific Islander, including multiracial, transnationally and transracially adopted, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and questioning communities through public education, outreach, support services, leadership development, and advocacy in order to transform and improve the cultural and social conditions of our communities.
REGISTRATION
For the complete flyer and registration form, go to:
http://www.geocities.com/galasjourney/addamsconference.html
INFORMATION
If you are lost, or need information on the day of the conference, please call
our cell phone: 562-491-3174.
PARKING
Parking is available in the church lot just north of the Church. You may also
park on the street, but be careful of parking signs and bring quarters for the
meters.
DIRECTIONS
ALL SAINTS CHURCH
All Saints Episcopal Church is located at 132 North Euclid Avenue in Pasadena,
California.
The church is directly across the street from Pasadena City Hall.
If you are traveling east on the 210 freeway, exit at Lake Avenue and go south
to Walnut. Turn right on Walnut and go to Euclid. Turn left on Euclid.
If you are traveling west on the 210 freeway (west of Pasadena), exit at Fair
Oaks Avenue and continue to the signal. Turn right on Fair Oaks and go south
to Walnut. Turn left on Walnut and continue to Euclid. Turn right on Euclid.
If you are traveling east on the 134 freeway, continue on the 134 until it merges
with the 210 freeway and exit at Fair Oaks Avenue and continue to the signal.
Turn right on Fair Oaks and go south to Walnut. Turn left on Walnut and continue
to Euclid. Turn right on Euclid.
If you are traveling north on the 110 freeway, continue until it ends and becomes
Arroyo Parkway. Continue north on Arroyo Parkway to Colorado Boulevard and turn
right. Continue a few blocks to Euclid and turn left.
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7. Awareness Leadership Team Retreat 2004 (San Francisco)
WHO
GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay's Awareness Leadership Team (ALT) is a highly motivated
group of 20 youth ranging in ages from 14 to 23 that represent a diverse population
of LGBTQ and straight ally youth dedicated to ending anti-LGBTQ bias in schools.
WHEN
September 11th and 12th, 2004.
WHERE
San Francisco City Center Youth Hostel
WHAT
The retreat is a two-day intensive training experience that will set the foundation
for more advanced training in the months following the retreat. The retreat
is a vital learning experience for youth. They learn how to be good facilitators,
active listeners, and many other vital skills that will help them become strong
leaders and educators in their own community.
WHY
In order to develop these skills, youth need to come together and work as a
team to reach their fullest potential as leaders. They will take part in extensive
training ranging from learning about the history of the LGBTQ community to laws
that exist today to help protect all youth in schools from harassment and bullying
based on real or perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.
They will also participate in an interactive workshop that examines the intersections
of oppression and learn crucial skills to help advocate for their peers.
HOW
GLSEN SF-EB is able to help local Bay Area youth leadership with the generous
support of San Francisco and East Bay community members, businesses, and other
sponsors who care about creating safer schools for all.
For more information, please contact Ravi or Shanda at 925.685.5480 or email:
mailto:ravi@glsen-sfeb.org or mailto:shanda@glsen-sfeb.org.
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8. Websites for Queer Teens!
Hope YOU will check out our sites - for only TEENS!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lambda-Rainbow-TEENS-Northwest
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lambda-Rainbow-TEENS-Southwest
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LambdaRainbowYouthGroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LambdaRainbowYouthGroup-CA
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LambdaRainbowYouthGroup-SAC
The latter is new - and we hope to see if it is of interest...or to remain with our others. Perhaps YOU will tell us what YOU hope to see in this type of groups.
We presently have over 200 Chapter Group Sites in Cities, States and Territories throughout the USA and now expanding World-Wide!
*********************************************
9. Young Women's Video Project (San Francisco)
FREE!
Saturdays, 10am-4pm
September 11-December 4, 2004
Learn basic video production while working on a short video piece on the issue
of violence against women.
No experience necessary!
Supplies, access to equipment, and lunch provided!
First meeting is Saturday, September 11th, 10am-4pm, 2nd Floor of LYRIC
LYRIC is located in the Castro District at 127 Collingwood Street between 18th
and 19th Streets.
Meetings will be held at both LYRIC and BAVC.
This class is specifically for self-identified young LGBTQQ women.
23 and under please.To register for the class, please call Kristin at 415-703-6150
x12 or email mailto:kristin@lyric.org.
SPACE IS LIMITED!
This is a joint project between Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center
(LYRIC) and Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC).
LYRIC and BAVC are wheelchair accessible.
To speak to another young person, call 800-246-PRIDE.
*********************************************
10. Models of Pride, November 13th (Los Angeles)
The annual Models of Pride conference (MOP XII) is around the corner. This
free conference, sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc., will be held on Saturday,
November 13, 2004, at Occidental College in Los Angeles. The conference focuses
on LGBT youth and their allies, ages 14-23. The day is filled with workshops,
a resource faire, round table discussions, food, networking, entertainment,
and a dance finale.
Please visit http://www.modelsofpride.org
for more information and to preregister.
*********************************************
11. Let's Get Real-Free Screening, Sept. 21. 2004 (Los Angeles)
Free screening of Let's Get Real, September 21, 2204, in Los Angeles!
You are invited to a free screening of Debra Chasnoff's film Let's Get Real about the epidemic of bullying and name-calling in schools. The film will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker.
Don't miss your opportunity to see a film that is being widely used as a catalyst for discussion among students, educators and parents all over the country!
The event is sponsored by the California Association of Independent Schools, Los Angeles Unified School District, Assemblymember Paul Koretz and Senator Sheila Kuehl.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004 4 pm
Center for Early Education Community Center
563 N. Alfred St
City of West Hollywood, CA
To RSVP, e-mail mailto:RSVP@respectforall.org
or call Sue Chen at 415-641-4616 ext. 304.
For more information about Let's Get Real, visit http://www.womedia.org
About the Film:
Let's Get Real (35 minutes) is a powerful new documentary film by Academy-Award-winning
director Debra Chasnoff. The film takes an honest, unflinching look at the epidemic
of name-calling and bullying among young teens today. It also addresses issues
of race, national origin, class, religion, sexual harassment, anti-gay name-calling
and other forms of prejudice that often fuel acts of bullying. Unlike other
films on bullying, Let's Get Real doesn't sugarcoat the truth or feature adults
lecturing kids. The film allows young people to tell their stories in their
own words‹and the results are heartbreaking, shocking and inspiring.
*********************************************
12. GLSEN's Voter Registration Week, September 22-29, 2004
http://www.dayofsilence.org/vrw/
One of the most powerful ways to influence education and policy makers is by
choosing who has the job in the first place! Across the country members of Congress,
Governors, local elected officials and the President have expiring terms. This
November, voters will decide who will stay and who will go!
GLSEN's Voter Registration Week is about mobilizing students and student clubs,
commonly known as gay-straight alliances (GSAs), to get involved in the political
process. From registering to vote yourself to getting others registered to vote
-- or simply ensuring education and safer schools issue are parts of political
conversations -- this is your opportunity to have your voice heard!
So check out some of these resources created by GLSEN or others highlighted
from ally organizations and join us September 22-29, 2004 to make a difference
during Voter Registration Week!
http://www.dayofsilence.org/vrw/
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*********************************************
13. Stop The Violence Against And Within Queer Communities! (San Francisco)
Hey Folks, Community United Against Violence (CUAV) is currently looking for
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, & questioning folks and their
allies who are:
* Compassionate people willing to listen to others
* Folks who are committed to the struggle to end racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism,
and all other oppressions
YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT HATE VIOLENCE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES:
VOLUNTEER AS A CUAV SUPPORT LINE COUNSELOR!
(NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. BILINGUAL STIPENDS OFFERED.)
FALL 2004 TRAINING DATES:
Saturday October 9 & Sunday October 10;
Sunday October 17;
Saturday October 23 & Sunday October 24.
All sessions run from 9:30 AM-6:00 PM
Full attendance at the training is mandatory
For more information, contact Vanissar at CUAV,
415-777-5500, ext 323
mailto:vanissar@cuav.org
Folks of color, transgender folks, women, and survivors of violence strongly
encouraged to volunteer.
Community United Against Violence is a multicultural, multi-lingual anti-oppression
organization that prevents and responds to violence against and within our diverse
LGBTQQ communities.
*********************************************
14. Yuba Sutter Pride needs volunteers and donations
There are three upcoming events that YSP will participate in and we need volunteers
and support.
Please thoughtfully consider volunteering. By volunteering and promoting YSP
at the following events, you will be helping to make people from our area who
attend these events (but do not know about us) aware of the emerging LGBTI scene
in Yuba-Sutter.
Here are the events:
THE FIRST EVENT:
YUBA CITY MALL COMMUNITY FAIR
This event occurs on Saturday 09/18/04. Set up for YSP at the Yuba City Mall
begins at 9:00am and we need to be set up by 9:45 am. The event takes place
from 10a-7p. The mall is located at 1215 Colusa Avenue, Yuba City, CA 95991.
This is YSP's first plan to participate in a notable community event in Yuba-Sutter.
This is a great opportunity to promote YSP locally, to be visible and to talk
with people.
The mall will provide us with a table, 2 chairs and a sign for our group. We
just need to bring LGBTI & YSP information. However, we are not allowed
to bring condoms or sexually vivid educational materials per YC Mall event rules.
THE SECOND EVENT:
CHICO PRIDE FEST 2004
This event also occurs on Saturday 09/18/04 from 12pm-5pm. (Note: There is an
ISCCD dance in Chico that evening from 8p-12a). The event will take place at
1705 Manzanita Avenue in Chico.
YSP will need committed volunteers to be at this event while some of us attend
the YC Mall Fair.
We will also have YSP promotional information too.
THIRD EVENT
YS LGBTI PRIDE DAY
(THIS IS STILL A TENTATIVE PLAN)
Details will follow about location, time, etc. The planned date is either October
9 & 10, 16 & 17, or 23 & 24 (all dates are Sat. & Sun). The
likely date will be Oct. 9 & 10.
HERE'S WHAT WE NEED NOW
TALENT/VOLUNTEERS/PARTY HOSTS
-Volunteers for a performance to occur at a showing of "The Rocky Horror
Picture Show" at Sutter Theatre in Yuba City on the Saturday of the event
- and a coordinator/director for the performance.
-Volunteers to assist with set up and clean up at a health day at Sutter County
Health Dept. Likely on the Sunday.
-Volunteers to participate in a panel discussion on Saturday on the topic of
"Being an LGBTI person or their loved one in Yuba-Sutter." The panel
will be selected by the YSP Committee
DONATIONS OF HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
If you have any LGBTI merchandise, items, magazines, movies, books, etc. to
donate to YSP so that we can give the items away as "freebies" at
our booths at these events please donate. We will also gladly accept LGBTI decorations
and buttons if you have any to donate or lend. Nothing X-rated please.
NOTICE TO OTHER LGBTI GROUPS:
YSP will gladly take with us to these events information (flyers/cards/etc.)
any information about your LGBTI group. Please e-mail mailto:yubasutterpride@yahoo.com
for more details.
Thank you so much for all of your help and support!!!
Together, we are reaching for that rainbow above the Buttes.
-Jeffrey TG Gonzalez
Yuba-Sutter Pride Coordinator
*********************************************
15. Educators Needed for Young Men's HIV Prevention Project (Mid-Peninsula)
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
OUTLET's new HIV Prevention Program includes a series of 8 fun, hands-on, and
educational community workshops for gay, bisexual, queer & questioning youth
in Northern Santa Clara.
OUTLET is looking for 4 responsible, energetic Youth Peer Educators to assist
with HIV Prevention Program. Starting Fall 2004. Join a NEW and FUN prevention
program - GET INVOLVED!
The requirements are as follows:
JOB DUTIES:
_ Commit 10-15 hours per month for half a year
_ Conduct group outreach to Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Youth Guys (13-20) years
old
_ Perform bi-monthly small group facilitation on relevant queer youth issues
_ Promotion with large community event (Dance, BBQ, karaoke night, etc.)
_ Meet new friends with other Gay, Bisexual, Queer Folks in South Bay
_ Gain leadership and build job skills with community involvement!
_ Add to College Applications, HS volunteer service, or work credit!
--
OUTLET is also looking for 4 Gay, Bisexual, Queer Male Adult Educators to help
develop, train, and facilitate HIV Prevention Workshops. The team starts Fall
2004. A great youth mentoring project - GET INVOLVED!
JOB DUTIES:
_ Commit 10-15 hours per month, for half a year
_ Support Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Youth Guys (13-20) years old
_ Bi-monthly small group facilitation on queer youth issues in South Bay
_ Help promote queer youth community event (Dance, BBQ, karaoke nights, etc.)
_ Become a youth role model and a community resource!
_ Develop and implement HIV workshop series based on youth empowerment
_ Join a FUN and NEW HIV Prevention Program in Santa Clara County!
_ 1st Series runs November 2004- February 2005
For more information, please contact:
MANNY GRUESO
YOUNG MEN'S HIV PREVENTION COORDINATOR
650.965.2020 ext. 22
mailto:manny@chacmv.org
OUTLET PROGRAM
Empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth
and cultivating leaders to eradicate homophobia. Community Health Awareness
Council (CHAC) Mountain View CA 94041. http://www.projectoutlet.org
*********************************************
16. go/GSA Intern Position (San Francisco)
The go/GSA program is a unique program housed at the Richmond Village Beacon at George Washington High School (GWHS) that offers both on and off-campus programming for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth in the Richmond District. The program consists of two components: the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) and the go Youth Advisory Council (go YAC). The GSA is a Beacon sponsored school club that supports queer youth through offering a community space for queer youth and hosting monthly speakers from the queer community. The go YAC is a leadership group that provides direction in GSA activities, offers faculty and student sensitivity trainings, organizes on campus awareness raising events, and plans off-campus field trips to queer community events.
Intern Responsibilities
* Work collaboratively with go YAC youth leaders to coordinate on campus awareness
raising events including Coming Out Day, Transgender Remembrance Day, Queer
Valentineís Day, and Pride Week.
* Assist the Queer Youth Services Coordinator in the coordination/facilitation
of weekly go YAC and GSA meetings.
* Chaperone off-campus field trips and program retreats in collaboration with
program staff.
* Other duties as assigned by the Queer Youth Services Coordinator.Intern Qualifications
* HS diploma or equivalent
* Experience working with queer and other diverse youth groups
* Interest in or familiarity with youth development principles
* Interest in and experience with youth organizing
* Demonstrated skills in coordinating/facilitating youth groups
* Excellent written, verbal, and computer skills
* Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
* Strong organizational skills and ability to set priorities
* Availability for some evening/weekend workIntern Dates/ Hours
* September 2004- May 2005
* Thursdays 11am-1pm, Fridays 11am-1pm
* 6 additional hours per week (schedule based on intern availability)
Intern Compensation
This is an unpaid internship experience. Excellent position for someone pursuing
a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Queer Studies, Counseling, or
other related fields.
To Apply
Please send resume and cover letter by September 10th, 2004 to:
Richmond Village Beacon
Jessica Van Tuyl
600 32nd Avenue - #T5
San Francisco, CA 94121
mailto:jvt@rvbeacon.org
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17. Paid Youth Internship with Youth Initiated Projects!
What is Youth Initiated Projects YIP) ? YIP gives cash and support to youth-led projects, programs and campaigns across SF. A group of young people (the YIP Board) leads YIP and gives out the funds. YIP is a program of the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), San Francisco Peer Resources, and the San Francisco Youth Commission.
What does the YIP Intern do? The YIP intern works with YIP staff and the YIP Review Board. The intern reaches out to youth-led groups across the city, represents YIP in the community, supports the YIP Review Board, and connects with groups that YIP funds. The YIP intern helps out with YIP paperwork, YIP events, and gets an opportunity to do a special project of their choice. YIP staff will provide ongoing training and support to the intern.
What's the time commitment? 8-12 hours per week in afternoons, evenings and some Saturdays. The internship starts in September 2004, and ends in June 2005.
How much does the intern get paid? Interns get paid a "stipend" (a lump sum) about 4X a year, but it comes out to about $10/hour.
Who can apply? Anyone ages 16-23 who lives in SF. We are looking for someone
who wants to help out their community; likes speaking in front of groups; can
work with youth and adults from different backgrounds, is organized; and is
willing to learn. Experience with Microsoft Word & Excel is helpful.
Young people of color strongly encouraged to apply.
How do you apply? Send a resume or list of previous work or volunteer experiences to the following address or use fax (415-836-0071) or email (mailto:church@yli.org).
Youth Leadership Institute
246 First Street, # 400
San Francisco, CA 94105
C/o YIP intern Search
Who do I contact for more information? Contact Cole at 836-9160 for more info
about the position. See our website (http://www.yli.org)
for more info about YIP and YLI.
-Position open until filled-
*********************************************
18. LifeWorks seeks Mentors and Mentees
LifeWorks Mentoring
LifeWorks is a unique mentoring initiative for sexual minority youth and is
currently seeking Mentors and Mentees! A new organization dedicated to providing
vital and innovative mentoring services to LGBTQ youth. LifeWorks Mentoring
is comprised of two programs:
LifeSupport Program
The LifeSupport is comprised of two programs:
Peer Support Groups and the Youth Leadership Workshops
The Peer Support Groups are offered weekly and provide an opportunity for youth
to get together, talk, learn new skills, find new interests and develop a support
network. LifeWorks Mentoring seeks to create increased self-esteem, confidence,
social skills, school performance, health and happiness. Youth determine the
programming in cooperation with LifeWorks Mentoring staff.
The Youth Leadership Workshops are an ongoing series of meetings arranged by
LifeWorks Mentoring staff. For those interested in advocacy and community involvement
or just learning more about what opportunities and resources are available to
them, workshop sessions occur at least once a month. Community and government
leaders, law enforcement, corporate executives and professionals from diverse
fields are some of the examples of workshop leaders. Increased opportunities
and decreased barriers to success are the results.
LifeMentoring
The LifeMentoring program includes One on One mentoring, group community service
projects and outings.
One on One LifeMentoring is designed to facilitate the sharing of resources
and guidance, provide support and offer action oriented goal achievement to
youth participants.
Group Community Service Projects allow for the mentoring pairs to meet each
other and participant in the betterment of their communities by giving back
to worthwhile community service projects.
Outings will occur twice a year and are designed to facilitate further socialization
for mentees and to create a mentoring community for all participants. These
are fun, exciting and a great opportunity for networking and play.
Go to our website at http://www.lifeworksmentoring.org/
or call 310-874-8181 to request an application or find out more.
Join in shaping the future for our youth!
*********************************************
19. NEWS: Orange County School District Votes to Sue State
September 3, 2004
ORANGE COUNTY
School District Votes to Sue State
* Westminster trustees agree 3 to 2 to become the plaintiff in Christian group's
lawsuit over a regulation on gender anti-discrimination.
Los Angeles Times
By Joel Rubin
Months after narrowly avoiding severe financial sanctions because of its controversial stand against a state anti-discrimination regulation, the Westminster School District resumed the fight Thursday, voting to sue the state Department of Education.
Voting 3 to 2, the small Orange County district agreed to become the plaintiff in a case planned and funded by the Alliance Defense Fund, an Arizona-based Christian legal organization that recently argued against same-sex marriages before the California Supreme Court.
At issue is a part of the state education code - and the accompanying regulation written to enforce it - that is meant to protect transsexual teachers and students, as well as others who do not conform to traditional gender roles, from discrimination at school.
To read the full article, visit:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gender3sep03,1,154073.story
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Welcome to new Southern California Staff Member!
GSA Network Announcements
1. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: GSA Network Associate Director
2. Apply for Youth Council! It's Cool! (Statewide)
3. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
4. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
5. GSA Leadership Trainings (Sacramento, San Jose)
Other Announcements
6. Latino Heritage Month Celebration (San Francisco)
7. *1 in 3: Ending Child Sexual Abuse in Our Communities Training (Oakland)
8. GirlTalk (Los Angeles)
9. Young Women's Video Project (San Francisco)
10. Models of Pride, November 13th (Los Angeles)
11. Let's Get Real-Free Screening, Sept. 21. 2004 (Los Angeles)
12. Sacramento Youth Commission Openings
13. Another Death in CYA, How You Can Help
14. Guatemala Human Rights Study Tour for Young Leaders
15. SOUL's 3-day Training for Trainers Workshop (Bay Area)
16. LGBTQQ Youth Writers, Artists, and Photographers (San Francisco)
17. NEWS: State Definition of Gender Irks School District
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++
Welcome to new Southern California Staff Member!
GSA Network is pleased to introduce the newest addition to our staff. Bev Tang is a part of the Public Allies program in Los Angeles, and will be working with GSA Network as a community organizer in Southern California for the next 10 months. You can reach Bev at: mailto:bev@gsanetwork.org. Learn more about Public Allies at http://www.publicallies.org/losangeles/.
Bev is originally from LA, but went to Taiwan from middle school to high school.
S/he came back and went to UCLA, and worked at the Chinatown Service Center
for about four years with low-income youth. Bev has been involved with several
social justice organizations such as KABATAANG MAKA-BAYAN (youth student organizing
group working for National Democracy in the Philippines), International League
of People's Struggle and the Asian Pacific Youth Organizing Network and coalitions.
Bev likes to play the guitar and sing, but is kinda shy about it. And last but
not least, s/he loves photography and animals.
Welcome, Bev!
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
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1. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: GSA Network Associate Director
GSA Network is hiring an Associate Director. The position is an opportunity to provide leadership in a dynamic organization that is growing within California and beyond. The Associate Director will work closely with the Executive Director to manage and lead the organization in its next phase of development. Primary responsibilities of the Associate Director will be in program and staff management, individual donor fundraising, and communications. This is a perfect position for a committed, highly motivated, and detail-oriented individual who is interested in working in a fast-paced youth organization committed to social justice.
To read the full job announcement, visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/associatedirector.html
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2. Apply for Youth Council! It's Cool! (Statewide)
The school year is starting back up again!! And where will you be??!? Of course, in school, but where else can you get involved, plug in, and make a difference?
Youth Council!!!
GSA Network has 3 Youth Councils: Northern California, Central California, and
Southern California. Each Youth Council is responsible for making decisions
about and guiding the programs of the GSA Network in their region. Youth Council
members will represent the needs of GSAs and youth activists from their geographic
region as well as set goals and establish priorities for the entire GSA Network.
The Youth Council meets once a month, generally on a Saturday. Typically, Youth
Council members are also involved in planning and/or implementing other trainings
and conferences, most of which happen on weekend days as well.
So submit your application today! http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html
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3. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
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: http://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, Transgender Day of Remembrance,
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.
*********************************************
4. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
The new school year has begun! Welcome back!
Before you plan any more 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,
Sean Saifa M. Wall
mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229 (phone)
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5. GSA Leadership Trainings (Sacramento, San Jose)
WANNA MEET OTHER PEOPLE FIGHTING HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA ? ?
WANNA LEARN HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GSA?
WANNA BECOME A LEADER ?
Then come to a GSA LEADERSHIP TRAINING! Below is a list of the trainings scheduled
so far. We'll keep bringing you updates of trainings throughout the state throughout
the year.
Sacramento GSA Leadership Training
WHO: Any member or supporter of a Gay-Straight Alliance
WHEN: Saturday, October 2nd, 9 AM- 4:30 PM
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Folsom High School, 1655 Iron Point Road
COST: Free!
To register, contact GLSEN: mailto:sacglsen@yahoo.com
or 916.733.2135
Sean Saifa Wall, mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
or 415.522.4229
Please provide your name, school and number of GSA members attending.
Co-Sponsors are GSA Network and GLSEN Greater Sacramento
***
San Jose GSA Leadership Training
WHO: GSA Members and Potentials
WHEN: Saturday, October 16th, 2004, 10 am - 4pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Defrank Center in San Jose, 938 The Alameda in San Jose
COST: Free!
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Erika Escobedo at mailto:youthprg@defrank.org or 408.293.3040 ext 111, or Sean Saifa Wall, mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org or 415.552.4229.
Co-Sponsors are GSA Network and the Billy DeFrank Center
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events,
resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not
sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views
and opinions of GSA Network.
*********************************************
6. Latino Heritage Month Celebration (San Francisco)
You and your family are invited to commemorate Latino Heritage Month with the celebration of the creation of a mural by the Latino Club at George Washington H.S.
Date: Thursday Sept. 16th, 2004 @ 6pm
Location: George Washington High School 30th Avenue and Anza Avenue bet. Geary
and Balboa.
This event is free and open to the public
To RSVP call Yaromil at 415.750.8554
*********************************************
7. *1 in 3: Ending Child Sexual Abuse in Our Communities Training (Oakland)
Generation Five presents
*1 in 3:
Ending Child Sexual Abuse
in Our Communities
A workshop for Bay Area youth organizations
* Is child sexual abuse an issue you face in your work? Your life? Your community?
* Are you critical of how the system deals with victims/survivors of child sexual
abuse?
* Are you part of the Bay Area youth movement?
Saturday, Sept 25, 2004, 10-4pm
Downtown Oakland (RSVP for location)
Lunch provided/FREE
RSVP by Monday, Sept 20
For youth & adults in youth organizations
This free 6-hour workshop offers practical tools and framework for understanding child sexual abuse as a community issue. Topics covered include: Prevention, positive sexuality, alternative solutions, somatic healing and social justice.
To RSVP and/or more info:
(510) 282-5277 / mailto:physispeddlepusher@yahoo.com
Generation Five (G5) is dedicated to ending child sexual abuse in five generations
through survivor leadership, community organizing and public action
*1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys experience child sexual abuse before the age of
18. (Becker & Reilly, 1999; MMWR, 1997)
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*********************************************
8. GirlTalk (Los Angeles)
Trying to meet other lesbians under 25 in a pressure-free environment? Look no further! GIRLTALK is LA's largest social forum for young lesbians.
We provide the food, the entertainment- and it's all free. Come join us for discussions, movie nights, and evenings out on the town. We meet every Thursday at 745 N. San Vicente (Santa Monica & San Vicente) from 9-11pm.
For more information log onto http://www.cityproject.net/
or give Brigitte a ring at 323.993.7559
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9. Young Women's Video Project (San Francisco)
FREE!
Saturdays, 10am-4pm
September 11-December 4, 2004
Learn basic video production while working on a short video piece on the issue
of violence against women.
No experience necessary!
Supplies, access to equipment, and lunch provided!
First meeting is Saturday, September 11th, 10am-4pm, 2nd Floor of LYRIC
LYRIC is located in the Castro District at 127 Collingwood Street between 18th
and 19th Streets.
Meetings will be held at both LYRIC and BAVC.
This class is specifically for self-identified young LGBTQQ women.
23 and under please.To register for the class, please call Kristin at 415-703-6150
x12 or email mailto:kristin@lyric.org.
SPACE IS LIMITED!
This is a joint project between Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center
(LYRIC) and Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC).
LYRIC and BAVC are wheelchair accessible.
To speak to another young person, call 800-246-PRIDE.
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10. Models of Pride, November 13th (Los Angeles)
The annual Models of Pride conference (MOP XII) is around the corner. This
free conference, sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc., will be held on Saturday,
November 13, 2004, at Occidental College in Los Angeles. The conference focuses
on LGBT youth and their allies, ages 14-23. The day is filled with workshops,
a resource faire, round table discussions, food, networking, entertainment,
and a dance finale.
Please visit http://www.modelsofpride.org
for more information and to preregister.
*********************************************
11. Let's Get Real-Free Screening, Sept. 21. 2004 (Los Angeles)
Free screening of Let's Get Real, September 21, 2204, in Los Angeles!
You are invited to a free screening of Debra Chasnoff's film Let's Get Real
about the epidemic of bullying and name-calling in schools. The film will be
followed by a discussion with the filmmaker.
Don't miss your opportunity to see a film that is being widely used as a catalyst
for discussion among students, educators and parents all over the country!
The event is sponsored by the California Association of Independent Schools, Los Angeles Unified School District, Assemblymember Paul Koretz and Senator Sheila Kuehl.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004 4 pm
Center for Early Education Community Center
563 N. Alfred St
City of West Hollywood, CA
To RSVP, e-mail mailto:RSVP@respectforall.org
or call Sue Chen at 415-641-4616 ext. 304.
For more information about Let's Get Real, visit http://www.womedia.org
About the Film:
Let's Get Real (35 minutes) is a powerful new documentary film by Academy-Award-winning
director Debra Chasnoff. The film takes an honest, unflinching look at the epidemic
of name-calling and bullying among young teens today. It also addresses issues
of race, national origin, class, religion, sexual harassment, anti-gay name-calling
and other forms of prejudice that often fuel acts of bullying. Unlike other
films on bullying, Let's Get Real doesn't sugarcoat the truth or feature adults
lecturing kids. The film allows young people to tell their stories in their
own words‹and the results are heartbreaking, shocking and inspiring.
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*********************************************
12. Sacramento Youth Commission Openings
The County of Sacramento has announced vacancies in a number of boards and
commissions, including four open seats on the Sacramento County Youth Commission.
Serving on the Youth Commission gives you an opportunity to voice your concerns
and the concerns of others like you to adults in decision-making positions in
the county.
The Sacramento County Youth Commission consists of fifteen youth appointed by
the County Board of Supervisors to be a voice for youth in local government.
Commissioners serve three-year terms and must attend a Sacramento County middle
or senior high school to be eligible. Commission meetings are monthly. Commissioners
also represent the Commission at important community events, forums and committees.
The four seats are open for nominations by Supervisors in districts 1 (Roger
Dickinson), 2 (Illa Colin), 3 (Muriel Johnson), and 5 (Don Notoli). To find
out where these districts are in the county, view the map of supervisorial districts
here:
http://www.saccounty.net/portal/maps/supers.html.
If you are interested in applying for a vacant position, you can download the
application from this page on the Sacramento County
Website: http://www.sccob.saccounty.net/pages/boards.html.
*********************************************
13. Another Death in CYA, How You Can Help
Dear Books Not Bars Members and Supporters,
If you haven't heard yet, we have sad, bitter news. Another young man has died
inside a California Youth Authority prison.
CYA staff found Dyron Brewer "unresponsive" in his cell at the Chad
facility on Sunday, September 5 at about 3.45 am. Dyron was 24 years old. He
was from Oakland.
A lot of questions remain unanswered. How did Dyron die? Why does this keep
happening? How can we stop this from ever happening again?
* * * PROTEST THIS SUNDAY * * *
This tragedy weighs heavy on all of our hearts. On Sunday, we are going with
Dyron's family to Chad in Stockton, where Dyron died, We will show the guards,
the administrators and state lawmakers that we will not stand for one more death.
Please join us this Sunday in Stockton for a protest at the facility where Dyron
died. Here's the information about when we're meeting:
WHEN
Sunday, Sep 19 @ 2.30 pm
WHERE
Arch Road and Frontier Way
Stockton
MAP & DIRECTIONS
http://ellabakercenter.org/dyron/map
http://ellabakercenter.org/dyron/directions
CONTACT
Monet Zulpo-Dane
mailto:monet@ellabakercenter.org
415.951.4844 x231
* * * DONATE * * *
We are working hard to support Dyron's family in this difficult time. If you
would like to help, too, the family is accepting donations for funeral expenses.
Anything you can give would be truly appreciated.
If you can give, please make checks out to TYMAN SMALL and mail them to:
Tyman Small
c/o Ella Baker Center for Human Rights
1230 Market Street
PMB #409
San Francisco, CA 94117
Thank you for your time, concern and support. We have a long way to go before
CYA is no longer breaking, ruining and stealing the lives of our young people.
But with the support of people like you and the 200+ parents in Families for
Books Not Bars, it is only a matter of time.
In Solidarity,
Books Not Bars Staff and Interns
Celina, Lenore, Lily, Mike, Monet, Nicole, Tony
*********************************************
14. Guatemala Human Rights Study Tour for Young Leaders (January 2005)
Guatemala Human Rights Study Tour for Young Leaders
January 2 -16, 2005
Application Deadline: October 15, 2004
Global Youth Connect invites young leaders (ages 18-25) interested in expanding
their knowledge and understanding of human rights and social justice to join
us for a 2-week study tour to Guatemala.
This experiential education program will take participants to Guatemala City,
Antigua, and Quetzaltenango to explore the range of human rights issues that
are currently impacting Guatemala's development. We will explore the roots of
the violent conflict which held Guatemala in its grasp for almost four decades
and learn how this legacy of violence has impacted the country and its people.
Participants will meet with leading human rights defenders, government representatives,
youth and others from local communities to learn about the political and social
challenges faced by Guatemalans. We will also connect with young Guatemalans
in Quetzaltenango in an interactive workshop designed to build cross-cultural
understanding.
Through hands-on service activities, participants will also have a chance to work side-by-side with Guatemalans in finding positive solutions to social and economic concerns. We will consider the ways in which we can help raise awareness on the issues and provide collaborative support to Guatemalans who are already working to create change.
The inspiration for this project comes from the story of Eva Morales, a Guatemalan human rights defender who helped found Global Youth Connect in the hope that it would serve as a place for young people to act together for human rights, responsibilities and compassion. In this spirit she has been helping to connect and support young Guatemalans, providing them with the tools and the space they need to heal from the violence and trauma they experienced during the war.
This is a very unique opportunity for young leaders who wish to learn more
about the daily reality of human rights as experienced in a complex and increasingly
globalized world. We hope to work together with Guatemalan youth to explore
possible solutions to current problems. We aim to explore the roots of violence
and explore the avenues for healing from conflict. We desire to learn from each
other and understand the impact of our actions on the lives of others. Our greatest
hope is that our efforts will add to the forces already at work to create change.
And, at the end of the day, we hope we will successfully traverse cultural and
national barriers by connecting
at a fundamentally human level, forging bonds of friendship that will last our
lifetimes.
For more information on how to apply visit our web site:
http://www.globalyouthconnect.org/countries/guatemala/studytour.html
Global Youth Connect is an organization of youth acting together for human
rights, responsibilities, and compassion. Our mission is to build and support
a community of youth working to defend human rights and social
justice and to inspire and empower a new generation to act for meaningful social
change. (http://www.globalyouthconnect.org)
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15. SOUL's 3-day Training for Trainers Workshop (Bay Area)
3-day Training for Trainers Workshop
Thursday Nov. 4th-Saturday Nov. 6th 2004
9am-6pm each day, location (in the Bay Area) TBA
Our people do not learn about our history, our struggles, our communities and
our legacies of resistance.
It is our responsibility to teach one another.
This training is designed both for experienced facilitators who want to refine their skills and for beginners who want to develop them.
Each participant will receive SOUL's Political Education Workshop Manual, SOUL's Training for Trainers Manual, breakfast and lunch for three days and one-on-one follow-up consultation to continue your development as a facilitator.
This training is strictly limited to 25 people.
A short application is required and attached to this email.
People of color, LGBTQQ people, working class people, women and young people
are encouraged to apply.
Training priced on a sliding scale (see application) based on organizational
budget or individual income. Please contact SOUL for specifics or fundraising
support.
For further information email mailto:malachi@youthec.org
or call (510) 451-5466 x 307
Please call/email early to ensure space! Applications due October 8th, 2004
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16. LGBTQQ Youth Writers, Artists, and Photographers (San Francisco)
LGBTQQ youth writers, photographers, and artists wanted for LYRIC magazine project
THE PROJECT:
We are looking for a group of talented LGBTQQ young folks (ages 14-21) who would
be excited to help us launch our new LGBTQQ youth magazine project. Youth journalists
will be paid a stipend of $100 for the project, which will begin in late September
and run through November.
This is a unique opportunity to learn basic journalism skills and, at the same
time, work with other LGBTQQ youth to create something accessible, meaningful
and useful for our peers and larger communities. Besides working with
LYRIC youth-editors to research and produce the text and images of the magazine,
folks involved in this project will learn about important issues like how LGBTQQ
people are represented in the media. Participants will also be involved in selling
ads to local businesses and working on other major aspects of the magazine.
FREE JOURNALISM WORKSHOPS:
Also, participants will get to attend workshops led by professional journalists.
Trainings topics include:
The Basics of Journalistic Writing
Media Communication Skills
Story Design
Editing and Criticism
Media Literacy
QUALIFICATIONS:
To be a part of this exciting new project, you don't need previous journalism
experience. You do, however, need to be a committed, self-motivated, and enthusiastic
youth (14-21 years old). You must be able to meet tight deadlines and attend
all informational meetings, workshops, and field trips (a three month commitment).
We are looking for writers of every skill level, provided that you are
committed to developing your writing skills and working collaboratively with
other youth.
THE MEETING:
Anyone interested in participating will need to attend an informational meeting
on Monday, September 20th. The meeting will be from 4-5 p.m. on the second floor
of the LYRIC house, 127 Collingwood Street, San Francisco, CA, 94114. At the
meeting, you will get an overview of the project and an application to join
the magazine staff. If you plan to attend, please contact us to RSVP. If you
are unable to attend the meeting, but would like to be involved in the project,
please contact us to set up an individual appointment. We look forward to meeting
you!
CONTACT:
To RSVP, please contact the LYRIC magazine interns at mailto:magazine@lyric.org
or (415) 703-6150 ext. 28.
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17. NEWS: State Definition of Gender Irks School District
Daily Journal
September 14, 2004
STATE DEFINITION OF GENDER IRKS SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Votes to Join Gender-Definition Suit
By Dan Evans
Daily Journal Staff Writer
SANTA ANA - A proposed lawsuit aiming to change the state Department of Education's
definition of gender is being dubbed by its opponents as an ill-conceived and
manufactured controversy.
Education attorneys and an Orange County politician said the suit is doomed
to failure once a court strips away the political rhetoric surrounding the Westminster
School District trustees' pending action against the state. "Their legal
judgment is being clouded by a conservative social agenda," State Sen.
Joe Dunn, D-Santa Ana, said of the trustees' action. "Despite their claims
to the contrary, this is not a reasoned argument."
Earlier this month, the Orange County district voted 3 to 2 to become a plaintiff
in a suit funded by the Alliance Defense Fund. The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Christian
legal organization recently argued against same-sex marriages before the state
Supreme Court and is fighting to allow a Bible to be on display outside a Houston
courthouse.
However, an alliance attorney said, the suit will challenge the constitutionality
of part of Education Code 220 - as well as the regulation written to enforce
it - meant to protect transsexual teachers and students from discrimination.
Specifically, the alliance and the trustees oppose the code's gender definition
as "a person's actual or perceived sex," saying it promotes a transsexual
agenda and offends Christian beliefs.
Robert Tyler, a staff attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund, said he will
file the suit in early October. He said he is studying whether to file in state
or federal court.
Westminster School District attorney Mark Bucher said the suit seeks to resolve
what he sees as a conflict between California Code of Regulation, Title 5 Section
4610(k) and Penal Code 422.6, incorporated in Education Code 220. "[The
Legislature] shoehorned a definition out of the penal code into a discrimination
context, and it just doesn't fit," Bucher said. "But the definition
of gender is real clear in the penal code."
Bucher said the Education Code defines gender, in terms of discrimination, from
the perpetrator's point of view. The reverse would lead to absurd results, he
said. "If someone discriminates against me because they think I'm black,
it doesn't matter if I think I'm black or not," Bucher said.
In addition, Bucher said, Education Code 220 is vague and, therefore, unconstitutional,
citing Grayned v. City of Rockford, 408 U.S. 104.
But Kevin O'Connell, coordinator of the educational equity compliance division
of the Los Angeles Unified School District, said there is no conflict between
the law and the regulation.
O'Connell, a lawyer, said Education Code 221.1 specifically gives the Board
of Education the authority to regulate, among other things, anti-discrimination
procedures and gives wide latitude in the writing of those rules. "The
state Legislature has empowered the board to further define specific statutes,
and the board took them up on it [with regards to gender]," he said.
Jenny Pizer, a staff attorney with Lambda Legal, a gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender advocacy group, said the legal problems with the proposed lawsuit
are even more basic. "The Department of Education has a duty under Education
Codes 200 and 201 to protect students from discrimination and harassment,"
she said. "It's a broad command to protect students."
The regulations are simply following that command, Pizer said. "I see no
conflict," she said.
The Westminster district, she said, is trying to ignore that transgendered students
exist. "They are on a crusade, and I use that word guardedly, that is informed
by their religious view of the world," Pizer said.
And Catherine Lhamon, a staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union,
said the lawsuit is based on "wishful thinking."
Framing the issue in terms of cross-dressing, as the school board and its attorney
have, is missing the point, said Lhamon. "It's not whether they must allow
cross-dressing, but whether they should treat all students and teachers with
equal dignity," she said.
For his part, Bucher said the lawsuit will not challenge the right of the state
board to make regulations but will seek to limit how far the board can go. "The
regulations are supposed to implement the law," he said. "They're
not supposed to change the law, which is what happened here."
The gender definition continues to be the subject of a protracted battle between
the district and the Board of Education. State Superintendent Jack O'Connell
threatened in April to withhold $7.8 million in funding from the district if
it failed to adopt the state standard discrimination policy.
At the end of a closed session Sept. 2, Board President Helena Rutkowski announced
members voted 3-2 to authorize the lawsuit. Voting for the suit were Judy Ahrens,
Rutkowski and Blossie Marquez. James Reed and Jo-Ann Purcell voted against the
proposed litigation.
Earlier, along the same split, the board enacted an anti-discrimination policy
and refused to adopt the state's definition of gender, prompting the showdown.
A week later, O'Connell backed down from his threat to pull $7.8 million in
funding, finding the policy "technically" in compliance with state
law.
But O'Connell wrote a scathing letter to the board, stating its refusal to adopt
the gender definition had no legal weight.
In the letter, the state superintendent said that the 10,000-student district
still must enforce the complete anti-discrimination policy - which includes
protections for transsexuals. If it refuses, he wrote, "my department will
pursue all legal means available to stop you."
Tyler said he has spoken to one other school district about joining the suit.
However, he refused to identify it, or say if he had other meetings scheduled.
The Alliance Defense Fund is footing the bill for the litigation, but Tyler
said he could give no estimate on its cost.
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Central Valley GSAers show their Reel Pride!
GSA Network Announcements
1. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: GSA Network Associate Director
2. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
3. Apply for Youth Council! It's Cool! (Statewide)
4. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
5. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
6. GSA Leadership Trainings (Sacramento, San Jose)
7. GSA Car Wash (Fresno)
Other Announcements
8. *1 in 3: Ending Child Sexual Abuse in Our Communities Training (Oakland)
9. Nominate a Young Person for Youth Recognition Day!
10. Explore your creativity and get recognized! (San Francisco)
11. Models of Pride, November 13th (Los Angeles)
12. Sacramento PFLAG Service of Remembrance
13. GAPA GEORGE CHOY SCHOLARSHIP
14. LGBTQQ Youth Writers, Artists, and Photographers (San Francisco)
15. NEWS: GSA Network Changes in the Central Valley
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++
Central Valley GSAers show their Reel Pride!
Fresno's 15th Reel Pride Gay and Lesbian (five day) Film Festival with ten parties and receptions and over 40 films could not be complete without the smiling GSAers behind the concession stand.
Over 25 youth staffed the concession stand through out the course of the festival and over 30 youth attended the youth short films. The work of GSA Network was applauded by the audiences who showed their appreciation by leaving over $1000 in tips in support of on-going GSA Network programs and campaigns.
In addition to the awesome Central Valley GSAs, GSA Network would also like to thank Olga Garcia for her yearly dedication in co-managing the concession stand.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: GSA Network Associate Director
GSA Network is hiring an Associate Director. The position is an opportunity to provide leadership in a dynamic organization that is growing within California and beyond. The Associate Director will work closely with the Executive Director to manage and lead the organization in its next phase of development. Primary responsibilities of the Associate Director will be in program and staff management, individual donor fundraising, and communications. This is a perfect position for a committed, highly motivated, and detail-oriented individual who is interested in working in a fast-paced youth organization committed to social justice.
To read the full job announcement, visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/associatedirector.html
*********************************************
2. 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 mailto:highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.
For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html
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3. Apply for Youth Council! It's Cool! (Statewide)
The school year is starting back up again!! And where will you be??!? Of course,
in school, but where else can you get involved, plug in, and make a difference?
Youth Council!!!
GSA Network has 3 Youth Councils: Northern California, Central California, and Southern California. Each Youth Council is responsible for making decisions about and guiding the programs of the GSA Network in their region. Youth Council members will represent the needs of GSAs and youth activists from their geographic region as well as set goals and establish priorities for the entire GSA Network. The Youth Council meets once a month, generally on a Saturday. Typically, Youth Council members are also involved in planning and/or implementing other trainings and conferences, most of which happen on weekend days as well.
So submit your application today! http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html
*********************************************
4. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
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: http://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, Transgender Day of Remembrance,
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.
*********************************************
5. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
The new school year has begun! Welcome back!
Before you plan any more 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,
Sean Saifa M. Wall
mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229 (phone)
*********************************************
6. GSA Leadership Trainings (Sacramento, San Jose)
WANNA MEET OTHER PEOPLE FIGHTING HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA ? ?
WANNA LEARN HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GSA?
WANNA BECOME A LEADER ?
Then come to a GSA LEADERSHIP TRAINING! Below is a list of the trainings scheduled
so far. We'll keep bringing you updates of trainings throughout the state throughout
the year.
Sacramento GSA Leadership Training
WHO: Any member or supporter of a Gay-Straight Alliance
WHEN: Saturday, October 2nd, 9 AM- 4:30 PM
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Folsom High School, 1655 Iron Point Road
COST: Free!
To register, contact GLSEN: mailto:sacglsen@yahoo.com
or 916.733.2135
Sean Saifa Wall, mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
or 415.522.4229
Please provide your name, school and number of GSA members attending.
Co-Sponsors are GSA Network and GLSEN Greater Sacramento
***
San Jose GSA Leadership Training
WHO: GSA Members and Potentials
WHEN: Saturday, October 16th, 2004, 10 am - 4pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Defrank Center in San Jose, 938 The Alameda in San Jose
COST: Free!
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Erika Escobedo at mailto:youthprg@defrank.org
or 408.293.3040 ext 111, or Sean Saifa Wall, mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
or 415.552.4229.
Co-Sponsors are GSA Network and the Billy DeFrank Center
*********************************************
7. GSA Car Wash (Fresno)
The Central Valley's high school GSA club's will be having a Car wash fundraiser on Sunday September 26th from 10am-2pm. So get out of the house and get your car washed. The Car wash will be at the central California's GSA Network site located at 4403 E. Tulare Avenue in Fresno-across the street from Roosevelt High School. Rub-a-dub-dub!
For more information, please email mailto:ome@gsanetwork.org
or call 559.453.9040
*********************************************
++++++++++++++++ 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.
*********************************************
8. *1 in 3: Ending Child Sexual Abuse in Our Communities Training (Oakland)
Generation Five presents
*1 in 3:
Ending Child Sexual Abuse
in Our Communities
A workshop for Bay Area youth organizations
- Is child sexual abuse an issue you face in your work? Your life? Your community?
- Are you critical of how the system deals with victims/survivors of child sexual
abuse?
- Are you part of the Bay Area youth movement?
Saturday, Sept 25, 2004, 10-4pm
Downtown Oakland (RSVP for location)
Lunch provided/FREE
RSVP by Monday, Sept 20
For youth & adults in youth organizations
This free 6-hour workshop offers practical tools and framework for understanding child sexual abuse as a community issue. Topics covered include: Prevention, positive sexuality, alternative solutions, somatic healing and social justice.
To RSVP and/or more info:
(510) 282-5277 / mailto:physispeddlepusher@yahoo.com
Generation Five (G5) is dedicated to ending child sexual abuse in five generations
through survivor leadership, community organizing and public action
*1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys experience child sexual abuse before the age of
18. (Becker & Reilly, 1999; MMWR, 1997)
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*********************************************
9. Nominate a Young Person for Youth Recognition Day!
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the San Francisco Youth Commission are proud to be sponsoring the 4th Annual Youth Recognition Day to be held Tuesday, December 14, 2004.
In 2001, The San Francisco Youth Commission urged the citizens of San Francisco
to start actively recognizing the positive contributions made each and every
day by San Francisco's young people. The Board of Supervisors responded with
legislation creating Youth Recognition Day "a day for San Francisco to
honor young people who have
demonstrated the kind of leadership and courage that deserves our recognition.
Eleven young people, one from each Supervisorial District, will be selected and recognized at a ceremony and reception at City Hall on Tuesday, December 14th. In order to be considered for this honor, nominees must be between the ages of 12 and 23 years old. Nomination forms will be reviewed by the members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Those honorees selected will be contacted by October 31, 2004.
Throughout our city and the world, youth are making valuable contributions to improving schools, neighborhoods, and communities.
Be a part of this important day by nominating a young person to be honored at Youth Recognition Day!
To nominate a young person, visit our website at
http://www.sfgov.org/youth_commission
to download a nomination form, and return to the San Francisco Youth Commission
no later than 5:00pm on Thursday, September 30, 2004.
For more information, please contact Ron McCan, Program & Policy Coordinator,
at the San Francisco Youth
Commission at (415) 554-6446.
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*********************************************
10. Explore your creativity and get recognized! (San Francisco)
Ever dreamed of being an artist? Or maybe you are an artist and you want your work to be displayed for everyone to see it?
The San Francisco LGBT Community Center wants to provide youth artists and
would be artists 17 and under this opportunity. Come to the Youth Space at The
Center every Saturday in October and learn a new art skill or perfect an old
one! Then in November come see your work displayed in The Center! Come and meet
other LGBT teens, talk about the issues that are important to you, and let your
voice be heard and your art.
Every Saturday in October from 12-4 in The Center's Youth Space.
Come and meet other teens, talk about the issues that are important to you,
and let your voice be heard and your art be seen!
The Center is located at 1800 Market St, San Francisco 94102
Contact Joel @
415 865-5560 or
mailto:JoelL@sfcenter.org
for more information
*********************************************
11. Models of Pride, November 13th (Los Angeles)
The annual Models of Pride conference (MOP XII) is around the corner. This
free conference, sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc., will be held on Saturday,
November 13, 2004, at Occidental College in Los Angeles. The conference focuses
on LGBT youth and their allies, ages 14-23. The day is filled with workshops,
a resource faire, round table discussions, food, networking, entertainment,
and a dance finale.
Please visit http://www.modelsofpride.org
for more information and to preregister.
*********************************************
12. Sacramento PFLAG Service of Remembrance
On Sunday October 3rd, 2004, Sacramento PFLAG (Parents, Family & Friends
of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Persons) will be holding its 6th
Annual Service of Remembrance. Attendants meet at 4pm at United Methodist Church,
21st & J Streets. The Service will be for all individuals who have died
violently due to actual or assumed sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
This event is a way to meet supportive people, enjoy eumerical prayers
and choir music, and hear speeches of support from local government representatives.
It's a very moving experience that lets fellow Californians know that the LGBT
community matters.
Sacramento PFLAG President Kathleen Montgomery has asked for my help in
spreading the word. Kathleen would like for two representatives from each California
GSA to participate in a procession at the Service. The procession would consist
of holding poster boards, pictures, etc. of the deceased people acknowledged.
If someone is able to make a committment to this event, please have them directly contact
Sacramento PFLAG through email mailto:sacpflag@sacramentopflag.org
or phone 916-978-0410 asap.
Thanks! Your support and presence is much appreciated!
*********************************************
13. GAPA GEORGE CHOY SCHOLARSHIP
This is a reminder to all the students who are in GAPA and those who know of
any students in the Bay Area, which should cover just about everyone, that the
GAPA George Choy Memorial Scholarship is due in less than 1 month. The postmark
deadline for this year's $1,000 award is:
*** OCTOBER 15 ***
and forms can be downloaded off the http://www.gapa.org
website. Feel free to email Hao Thai, GAPA Scholarship Chair at mailto:hao@gapa.org
if you have any questions.
You qualify for the scholarship if you:
* are self-identified as an Asian/Pacific Islander; (at least 25% API ancestry);
priority will be given to those self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or
transgender, or involved in the l/g/b/t community);
* are in the process of applying to, or are currently attending, a post-secondary
undergraduate institution; (college, university, or vocational school);
* are living in one of the nine-Bay Area counties; (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin,
San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano);
* have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or better.
*********************************************
14. LGBTQQ Youth Writers, Artists, and Photographers (San Francisco)
LGBTQQ youth writers, photographers, and artists wanted for LYRIC magazine project
THE PROJECT:
We are looking for a group of talented LGBTQQ young folks (ages 14-21) who would
be excited to help us launch our new LGBTQQ youth magazine project. Youth journalists
will be paid a stipend of $100 for the project, which will begin in late September
and run through November.
This is a unique opportunity to learn basic journalism skills and, at the same
time, work with other LGBTQQ youth to create something accessible, meaningful
and useful for our peers and larger communities. Besides working with
LYRIC youth-editors to research and produce the text and images of the magazine,
folks involved in this project will learn about important issues like how LGBTQQ
people are represented in the media. Participants will also be involved in selling
ads to local businesses and working on other major aspects of the magazine.
FREE JOURNALISM WORKSHOPS:
Also, participants will get to attend workshops led by professional journalists.
Trainings topics include:
The Basics of Journalistic Writing
Media Communication Skills
Story Design
Editing and Criticism
Media Literacy
QUALIFICATIONS:
To be a part of this exciting new project, you don't need previous journalism
experience. You do, however, need to be a committed, self-motivated, and enthusiastic
youth (14-21 years old). You must be able to meet tight deadlines and attend
all informational meetings, workshops, and field trips (a three month commitment).
We are looking for writers of every skill level, provided that you are
committed to developing your writing skills and working collaboratively with
other youth.
THE MEETING:
Anyone interested in participating will need to attend an informational meeting
on Monday, September 20th. The meeting will be from 4-5 p.m. on the second floor
of the LYRIC house, 127 Collingwood Street, San Francisco, CA, 94114. At the
meeting, you will get an overview of the project and an application to join
the magazine staff. If you plan to attend, please contact us to RSVP. If you
are unable to attend the meeting, but would like to be involved in the project,
please contact us to set up an individual appointment. We look forward to meeting
you!
CONTACT:
To RSVP, please contact the LYRIC magazine interns at mailto:magazine@lyric.org
or (415) 703-6150 ext. 28.
*********************************************
15. NEWS: GSA Network Changes in the Central Valley
Diana Bohn Returns To Pulpit
by Dan Waterhouse
After nearly four years on the cutting-edge of youth activism in the Central
Valley, Gay- Straight Alliance Network community organizer Diana Bohn returned
to active ministry in August, as pastor of a United Methodist church in Oakhurst.
She leaves behind in a sense--she will be serving on GSA Network's statewide board--an organization that has empowered youth in a way no other local group ever has.
"The culture here in the Central Valley is very disempowering to youth." Bohn said. "Often youth are mentored into working on adult-driven projects that aren't owned by them. In GSA Network, on the other hand, the students are organizing with others their own age. They're empowered by federal and California state laws, and through their own networking efforts as activists."
Read the full article at: http://www.queerfresno.com/dianabohn.htm
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Announcements
1. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: GSA Network Associate Director
2. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
3. Apply for Youth Council! It's Cool! (Statewide)
4. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
5. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
6. GSA Leadership Trainings (Sacramento, San Jose)
Other Announcements
7. ATTENTION: GSA advisors and GSA student leaders
8. Young Queer Women's Health Conference (San Francisco)
9. Call for Workshops: Genderblast 5 (Bay Area)
10. Community Workshop in Theatre for Social Change (San Francisco)
11. March Against Racism this Friday, October 1st (San Francisco)
12. "System Failure: Violence, Abuse and Neglect in the CYA" Film
Screening (Oakland)
13. Call for Films: Women of Color Film Festival 2005
14. SOUL Job Announcement: Organizing Trainer
15. NEWS: Gay youth answer the call
16. NEWS: CYA fires brutal guards
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: GSA Network Associate Director
GSA Network is hiring an Associate Director. The position is an opportunity to provide leadership in a dynamic organization that is growing within California and beyond. The Associate Director will work closely with the Executive Director to manage and lead the organization in its next phase of development. Primary responsibilities of the Associate Director will be in program and staff management, individual donor fundraising, and communications. This is a perfect position for a committed, highly motivated, and detail-oriented individual who is interested in working in a fast-paced youth organization committed to social justice.
To read the full job announcement, visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/associatedirector.html
*********************************************
2. 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 mailto:highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.
For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html
*********************************************
3. Apply for Youth Council! It's Cool! (Statewide)
The school year is starting back up again!! And where will you be??!? Of course, in school, but where else can you get involved, plug in, and make a difference?
Youth Council!!!
GSA Network has 3 Youth Councils: Northern California, Central California, and Southern California. Each Youth Council is responsible for making decisions about and guiding the programs of the GSA Network in their region. Youth Council members will represent the needs of GSAs and youth activists from their geographic region as well as set goals and establish priorities for the entire GSA Network. The Youth Council meets once a month, generally on a Saturday. Typically, Youth Council members are also involved in planning and/or implementing other trainings and conferences, most of which happen on weekend days as well.
So submit your application today! http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html
*********************************************
4. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
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: http://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, Transgender Day of Remembrance,
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.
*********************************************
5. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
The new school year has begun! Welcome back!
Before you plan any more 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,
Sean Saifa M. Wall
mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229 (phone)
*********************************************
6. GSA Leadership Trainings (Sacramento, San Jose)
WANNA MEET OTHER PEOPLE FIGHTING HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA ? ?
WANNA LEARN HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GSA?
WANNA BECOME A LEADER ?
Then come to a GSA LEADERSHIP TRAINING! Below is a list of the trainings scheduled
so far. We'll keep bringing you updates of trainings throughout the state throughout
the year.
Sacramento GSA Leadership Training
WHO: Any member or supporter of a Gay-Straight Alliance
WHEN: Saturday, October 2nd, 9 AM- 4:30 PM
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Folsom High School, 1655 Iron Point Road
COST: Free!
To register, contact GLSEN: mailto:sacglsen@yahoo.com
or 916.733.2135
Sean Saifa Wall, mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
or 415.522.4229
Please provide your name, school and number of GSA members attending.
Co-Sponsors are GSA Network and GLSEN Greater Sacramento
***
San Jose GSA Leadership Training
WHO: GSA Members and Potentials
WHEN: Saturday, October 16th, 2004, 10 am - 4pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Defrank Center in San Jose, 938 The Alameda in San Jose
COST: Free!
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Erika Escobedo at mailto:youthprg@defrank.org
or 408.293.3040 ext 111, or Sean Saifa Wall, mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
or 415.552.4229.
Co-Sponsors are GSA Network and the Billy DeFrank Center
++++++++++++++++ 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.
*********************************************
7. ATTENTION: GSA advisors and GSA student leaders
Take Part in an Important Sociological Study on High School Gay-Straight Alliances
I am a sociologist working on a book, tentatively titled "Allied Forces:
The Social and Political Impact of Gay-Straight Alliances," which documents
the development and rise of gay-straight alliances in high schools across the
country. It is important that the book to include the greatest diversity of
experiences from as many schools in as many regions of the country as
possible.
If you are interested in sharing the story of the beginnings of your school's
gay-straight alliance with me please go to http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/miceli/survey.htm
and complete an open-ended survey about your experiences. Neither your name
nor email address will be recorded by this survey, so absolute anonymity will
be assured.
The book (to be published by Routledge in 2005) will help provide well-deserved
recognition to the struggles of GLBT students and the work being done by students
and faculty to ameliorate the situation. I look forward hearing about the great
work you are doing in your schools.
Melinda S. Miceli, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sociology
University of Hartford
mailto:miceli@hartford.edu
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*********************************************
8. Young Queer Women's Health Conference (San Francisco)
LYRIC presents...
EASY ACCESS
The 10th annual Young Queer Women's Health Conference
Saturday, October 16, 2004
10am-4pm
The Women's Building (3543 18th Street, San Francisco)
FREE!!!!
Breakfast and Lunch Provided
For self-identified LBTQQ young women 25 and under
Workshops such as Vagina 101, Complimentary Medicine, Youth Lobbying, and more!
Plus a special Good Vibrations presentation and prizes from Mr. Lady Records
and Vixen Creations!
To register, go to
http://www.lyric.org/ywconference2004.html
or call Kristin at 415-703-6150x12, mailto:kristin@lyric.org
The Women's Building is wheelchair accessible.
ASL provided upon prior request.
LYRIC youth talkline: 800.246-PRIDE
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*********************************************
9. Call for Workshops: Genderblast 5 (Bay Area)
Youth Gender Project's
GenderBlast 5
GenderBlast is a conference for transgender, gender-variant and gender questioning
(TGQ) youth 25 and under, and our allies of all ages. The conference will be
held from 9:00am-5:30pm on November 20, 2004, before the Transgender Day of
Remembrance march (6:30pm).
We are looking for workshops addressing a wide range of issues affecting TGQ
youth, allies and providers. Some suggestions are: how to change your name/gender
legally; creative writing or art; trans issues and race or ethnicity; safe cruising,
passing tips; trans issues for allies 101; know your rights; and any other fabulous
ideas you come up with!
We may receive more workshop proposals than we have space for workshops, so
filling out this application does not- guarantee that you will have a workshop
at the conference.
Please answer the following questions about your proposed workshop and return
to the Youth Gender Project office. Plan for your workshop to last 75 minutes,
including any time you need for introductions, check-in, and check-out.
1.
a. Name, phone number, and email address for contact person:
b. Special contact instructions-discretion needed? Different name?
2. Who will the presenters be?
3.
a. Title of your workshop
b. Brief outline
c. Description of workshop (for conference manual; 75 words or less)
4. Who is the target audience for your workshop? Will it be open to other interested
people or is it a closed or "only" space?
5. Why do you want to present this workshop? Why do you think this will appeal
to GenderBlast conference attendees?
6. How did you hear about GenderBlast?
Thank you for your interest, time, and ideas!
Please submit your proposal by October 20 (you will hear back by Nov. 1) to:
Youth Gender Project
1800 Market St. #307
San Francisco, CA 94102
Email: mailto:genderblast@youthgenderproject.org
Phone: (415) 865-5625
*********************************************
10. Community Workshop in Theatre for Social Change (San Francisco)
The Bay Area Theatre of the Oppressed Collective presents
Intro to Theatre of the Oppressed
A 3-session workshop in using theater for personal and societal transformation
Theatre of the Oppressed (T.O.) is a collection of over 600 games and exercises
developed by Brazilian theatre director Augusto Boal to help people confront
both internal and external forms of oppression. T.O. uses movement, storytelling,
and improvisation to explore how images of personal experience reflect universal
issues of struggle, power and liberation.
Theatre of the Oppressed was created in the 1970's as a way of empowering people
to draw on their personal experience to make political change. It is used by
cultural activists all over the world. This workshop, which is facilitated by
experienced local T.O. facilitators, offers an energizing set of skills for
activists, teachers, and artists working for social change.
No previous theatre experience is necessary!
Sundays October 10th, 17th, and 24th
4-8pm
New College of California, San Francisco
777 Valencia Street @ 19th Street, Room 4,
3 blocks from 16th/Mission Street BART and Mission busses
Sliding Scale $30-60 for the series
Snacks Provided and Child Care Available (please call or email for more information)
Registration required. Please call 415-820-3999
or email mailto:batocollective@yahoo.com
Space is limited. Please register before October 5th
*********************************************
11. March Against Racism this Friday, October 1st (San Francisco)
In the LGBT Community:
SPEAK OUT Against Racism and Discrimination.
STAND UP for Inclusion.
En la comunidad gai/lesbiana/bisexual/transgénero:
Eleven la voz en contra del racismo y la discriminación.
Apoyen la diversidad en nuestra comunidad.March and Rally
Friday, October 1, 2004 at 5PM
Meet at the LGBT Community Center (Market at Octavia)
Marcha y manifestación
viernes, el 1 de Octubre 2004, 5 pm
reúnanse en frente del centro LGBT (calles Market y Octavia)Organized
by/organizado por: Black Rap, And Castro for All, API Queer Women and Transgender
Coalition, ANSWER, the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, the SF LGBT Pride Celebration
Committee, GAPA &others
Co-sponsored by/patrocinado por: AIDS Emergency Fund, AIDS Housing Alliance,
Alice B. Toklas Democratic Club, Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, Community United
Against Violence (CUAV), In Partnership Consulting, Inc., Lavender Caucus of
SEIU, LGADDA, LYRIC, Marriage Equality CA, BAAI-TS, Positive Resource Center,
Men of All Colors Together, Nia Collective, Pride at Work, Queers for Peace
and Justice, SF Gay Men's Chorus, SF Lesbian Chorus, Sistahs Steppin' in Pride,
the UC Berkeley School of Law Queer Caucus & many others
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12. "System Failure: Violence, Abuse and Neglect in the CYA" Film
Screening (Oakland)
Books Not Bars presents:
THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
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"SYSTEM FAILURE: VIOLENCE, ABUSE & NEGLECT IN CYA"
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Tuesday October 19th 7pm
Grand Lake Theater
3200 Grand Avenue, Oakland
Come see our new 30-minute, grassroots-driven documentary about the California
Youth Authority, produced in collaboration with Witness (http://www.witness.org).
The California Youth Authority (CYA) is notorious as the most abusive juvenile
justice system in the nation. See exclusive interviews with former wards, parents,
advocates and activists about the human rights crisis in CYA -- and about the
movement to end this crisis and revolutionize juvenile justice in California.
* A panel discussion with filmmakers, former wards and parents will follow the
screening.
* Suggested donation: $5 - $10 (no one turned away for lack of funds)
* For more information or to request postcard flyers to be mailed to you please
contact:
mailto:bnb@ellabakercenter.org
415-951-4844 ext 230
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13. Call for Films: Women of Color Film Festival 2005
THE 10TH ANNUAL
WOMEN OF COLOR FILM FESTIVAL
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FORWARD WIDELY!!!
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Women of Color Film Project aims to
provide a progressive showcase of films created by an underrepresented sector
of the film industry. Films must have a woman of color in at least one key creative
role (producer/director, screenwriter). However, priority is given to women
of color in the director's chair. The festival will take place in March of 2005
at the Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley, CA. Past festivals have proudly featured
Dolissa Medina's Grounds, Jennifer Thuy Lan Phang's Love Ltd., She Wants to
Talk to You by Anita Wen-Shin Chang, Grace Lee's Academy Award-winning Barrier
Device, Shawnee and Shawnelle
Gibbs'‚ Ravishing Raspberry, JJ Goldberger's Stone Mansion and Shooter,
and Shilpi Gupta's Sundance Award-winning documentary, When the Storm Came.
Submissions Criteria: Films or videos may be of any length, genre and format,
and must be less than 3 years old. Preview copy of submission must be in VHS
format. Please do not send originals. We are not responsible for damage incurred
during shipping. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would
like your submission returned.
Priority post-mark deadline: Friday October 15, NO ENTRY FEE
Final post-mark deadline: November 15; Entry fee: $10 for all entries postmarked
after October 15, $5 each additional entry (no one turned away for lack of funds).
Fees waived for international entries.
Make checks payable to Ariana Proehl, memo: Women of Color Film Project
Send submissions to:
Women of Color Film Festival Project
c/o Pacific Film Archive
2625 Durant Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94720-2250
You must include the following information with your submission:
NAME(S):
ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:
EMAIL:
TITLE OF SUBMISSION:
YEAR OF PRODUCTION:
LENGTH: GENRE:
COLOR: Y/N SOUND: Y/N
EXHIBITION FORMAT: 35mm Beta 16mm Video other________________
DO YOU HAVE STILLS? Y/N
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE FESTIVAL?
RACE/ETHNICITY of director(s):
GENDER IDENTITY of director(s):
PLEASE ATTACH A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PIECE AND AN ARTIST BIO OF
THE WOMAN/WOMEN OF COLOR.
For more information, please email mailto:wocfilmproject@berkeley.edu.
Online information and official application submission forms available at our
website:
http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/pfa_programs/women_of_color/
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14. SOUL Job Announcement: Organizing Trainer
School Of Unity & Liberation - Job Available
Organizing Trainer -- Position open until filled
Our Mission:
Since 1996, The School Of Unity & Liberation, SOUL, is a training center
to develop a new multi-racial generation of young organizers - especially young
women, young people of color, queer youth and working-class youth - who will
have the skills and vision they need to struggle for the liberation of all oppressed
people. SOUL strives to support the growing youth sector of the broader social
justice movement - designing political education, organizing sills and technical
assistance program to meet the distinct needs of our generation.
Responsibilities for SOUL's Organizing Trainer Position include:
∑ Coordinating and facilitating introductory organizing training such
as Organizing 101 and a National Youth Organizing Institute.
∑ Coordinating and facilitating organizing gatherings such as the Youth
Organizing Training Exchange and Youth Organizer Strategy Sessions.
∑ Coordinating and facilitating SOUL Summer Program including, logistics
& outreach.
∑ Ally Development: building & maintaining ally relationships with
youth organizations, community organizations, and other intermediaries;
∑ Develop and revise SOUL organizing curriculum;
∑ Provide organizations with technical assistance and support as needed.
∑ General staff tasks as needed (administrative, fundraising, etc..)
Qualifications for the SOUL Organizing Trainer position:
* At least 2 years of organizing experience in community, labor, youth or student
organizing and knowledge of local youth organizing . Life experiences considered.
* Experience or strong interest in educating youth-especially young people of
color and working class youth-between the ages of 14 and 25.
∑ Have a radical political analysis, practice an anti-oppression framework
and hold a strong desire to help build a strong youth sector.
* Experience or strong interest in combining radical politics and organizing;
∑ Hold a high level of discipline, accountability and follow through.
∑ Ability to make a 2-year commitment (at minimum).
Compensation:
The position is full time (40 hours a week) on SOUL's regular staff salary ($27,000/year).
Full Medical and Dental benefits are provided, paid vacation and self-care stipend.
How to Apply:
E-mail or mail a cover letter, resume and two references to SOUL/Organizer Trainer
Search at: 1357a 5th Street, Oakland, CA 94607 or mailto:soul@youthec.org.
People of color, women, immigrants, LGBTQ, and working class candidates are
strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants from outside the region are welcomed
to apply.
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15. NEWS: Gay youth answer the call
Gay youth answer the call
Castro-based peer hot line seeing itself become nationwide resource
by Rona Marech
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
It's 8 o'clock on a Wednesday night, and a college student from a Northeastern
city wants to know if he's gay. He broke up with his girlfriend, he says. He
blushes sometimes around other guys. He's confused.
Rose -- at least she calls herself Rose when she's working on the hot line for
gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth -- is sitting in front of a computer
in a cramped, hot room plastered with "you are not alone" and "girls
who like girls" posters.
"Sometimes it takes a long time to figure it out," says Rose, who's
21 and has short dark hair, a pierced chin and an air of unalloyed self- confidence
the caller probably would envy. "It's different for everyone."
You can read the complete article at:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/09/28/BAGVO906R61.DTL
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16. NEWS: CYA fires brutal guards
The California Youth Authority has just fired the six guards involved in the vicious beating of two young wards at a CYA facility earlier this year.
* * * BACKGROUND: BRUTAL CYA ATTACK CAUGHT ON TAPE * * *
As you probably remember, a security camera at the facility caught the beating
on video. That video made national news throughout April and May. But county
and state prosecutors refused to take the case, instead letting these brutal
guards go unchallenged and unpunished.
Now, after months of pressure from families, youth, advocates and the media,
CYA has fired these guards! They may not be behind bars, but at least these
men will no longer get a paycheck for terrorizing young people.
* * * GUARDS FIRED: HUGE VICTORY! * * *
This monumental firing is just one more sign that the work that all of us have
done is making a difference. We are changing the face of juvenile justice in
California. In years past, guards abused wards with impunity. Violent guards
have been more likely to get promotions than discipline.
Thanks to everyone who has helped shine the spotlight on CYA, guards are not
getting away with everything and anything they want anymore. All of us should
be extremely proud that our efforts have helped protect California's young people
from these brutal guards.
We are excited that so many people have stepped up and taken a stand for change,
a stand for justice. We are excited that the new reform-oriented CYA leadership
is challenging the failing status quo. And we are excited to continue working
for change until California has a juvenile justice system we can all be proud
of.
Many thanks,
Lenore Anderson
Books Not Bars
NEWS ARTICLES ABOUT THE FIRINGS:
San Francisco Chronicle:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2004/09/24/BAGQP8UBUN1.DTL
San Jose Mercury News:
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/9748101.htm
Sacramento Bee:
http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/10854429p-11772159c.html
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Get more information about the Books Not Bars "Alternatives for Youth"
Campaign: http://ellabakercenter.org/bnb/campaign