NJ GSA’s “CHANGE THE GAME” at 8th ANNUAL GSA FORUM
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, Central New Jersey Chapter, once again teams with HiTOPS, the Princeton-based organization promoting adolescent health and well-being, to present the Eighth Annual NJ GSA Forum on Saturday, February 4th 2012, a conference for Gay-Straight Alliances. Pat Griffin, Director of The GLSEN Sports Project: Changing the Game will be the keynote speaker and will be joined by LGBT and ally student and alumni athletes to enhance safe and respectful sports in schools.
Students, advisors, and all supporters are invited to attend and encouraged to bring ally athletes to join in the event. The Forum will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at Long Branch High School, 404 Indiana Avenue, Long Branch, New Jersey. Registration (fees apply), exhibits, networking and a light breakfast will open at 9:00 am and the formal program takes place from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Further information about the Forum can be found by contacting cnj@njglsen.org, by calling 609-448-5215, or visiting www.njgsaforum.com .
In addition to providing strategies for addressing homophobia and transphobia in school-based athletic and physical education programs, the Forum will offer the ever-popular workshops on coming out, knowing your rights, being an ally, dynamic activities for Gay Straight Alliances to foster respectful school climate and more. This year’s workshops include Time Out for Respect: Making School Sports Teams and Gym Class Great and Scholarship Strategies: Finding and Winning the Money You Need. Carol Watchler, GLSEN Central Jersey co-chair says that “students can expect to take home a wealth of ideas for strengthening their Gay Straight Alliances and generating respectful environments for everybody regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or gender expression.”
GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for ALL students. GLSEN strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. HiTOPS is a 501(c)3 organization located in Mercer County, New Jersey whose mission is to promote adolescent health and well-being. HiTOPS helps adolescents clarify their values and make responsible decisions regarding their health and actions, and gives parents, teachers and caregivers of adolescents the tools they need to best support and guide the young people they nurture.
Reporters are invited to cover the event, but will be asked to sign an agreement of conduct and ethics regarding the topics, confidentiality, and sensitivity due to children being involved.
Thursday, October 20th, the Monmouth County Library in Manalapan will be hosting “It Gets Better”, an evening for LGBT teens and their allies. The documentary Bullied will be shown, and Paul Zilber, local activist and speaker will be talking with the attendees.
The event is free, and will also feature local LGBT organizations and supporters. Questions and information can be obtained by contacting Veronica Stevens, Coordinator of Young Adult Programming at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters; 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan, NJ 07726, 732-451-7253
It’s October now, and many of us are back to school; as students, teachers, or parents of school age children. With that comes the daily drama of social lives and school lunches, after school activities and homework. And for many, the uncertainty of how they will be received in school as a LGBT identified student.
The media has been full of stories relating to our loved ones’ identities, and it is a reminder of the long road yet to be traveled. New Jersey is making a step in the right direction with implementing the toughest anti-bullying legislation in the country. Some schools are making progress, and other schools are trying to figure out how to implement the changes. The legislation makes it clear that ANYBODY can report bullying in a school – a parent, friend, teacher, or other concerned individual. Schools MUST have a means to report concerns and incidents. The Anti-BullyingLaw_Summary outlines school responsibilities and factors in determining the severity of the situation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, harassment, or intimidation, report it to your school. If you need support or help, reach out to PFLAG, The Consortium, or your local GSA.
This weekend is the 1st annual Pride Triathlon in Asbury Park, NJ. With so many events for the LGBT crowd centered in Asbury, why not round out the sports offerings (Volleyball anyone? Roller Derby?) and host a triathlon! What’s even better is that Make It Better for Youth (Yippee! That’s us! The Monmouth County Consortium on LGBT Youth) is named a recipient of the charitable proceeds! The triathlon and related events begin bright and early tomorrow June 9th.
While online registrations are closed, you can register early in the morning in person!
On June 10th, Monmouth Regional High School in partnership with Make it Better for Youth and PFLAG will host GAYLA! an alternative prom for LGBTQI youth and their allies.
Where: Monmouth Regional High School, 1 Norman J. Field Way, Tinton Falls NJ 07724
When: June 10th, 7 – 11 pm
Cost: $25 per person, and includes food
You must be registered in advance to attend. Please download GAYLA 2011 Registration Form and follow the instructions to complete registration. If All questions can be directed to prom@makeitbetter4youth.org . Don’t forget to organize your GSA or student group to attend! Download GAYLA! posters now!
UPDATE: If you need a registration form that doesn’t specify the organization/purpose, please download this Dance Registration Form.
