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August 11, 2005

Request for Information: Arcadia High |

GLSEN Phoenix frequently receives requests for school climate information from students, parents and school staff. The most recent request was for information about the LGBT school climate at Arcadia High School. Anyone with information is kindly requested to contact Madelaine at info@glsenphoenix.org and/or (602)705-9780

GLSEN Phoenix Student Internships: Past and present |

Over the last year, GLSEN Phoenix has benefited greatly from the contributions of student interns who have tirelessly energized the chapter and advanced our mission to create safe and respectful K-12 schools for all. Thanks to Amanda & Ken & Casey & Beck & Rod who have made it possible for GLSEN Phoenix to get its business done and done well. Congratulations to the college graduates among you, and best of luck for the new semester for those working toward graduation.

If you are interested in a student internship with GLSEN Phoenix, please contact us at info@glsenphoenix.org and/or (602)705-9780 - we have immediate openings for qualified individuals.

Monthly Meeting: August 17 |

GLSEN Phoenix meets the third Wednesday of each month between 6:30-8pm to discuss new business, welcome new volunteers and respond to questions and concerns. All are welcome: all ages, professions, sexual orientations, educational backgrounds, etc...

We meet at the NCCJ office, 99 East Virginia Ave, Suite 150, located in Central Phoenix, just south of Thomas and just east of Central. Next meeting: August 17th, 2005

First Responders Unit Activities |

GLSEN Phoenix First Responders Unit (FRU) trains school staff to work more effectively with LBGTQ students and families. This summer, we conducted workshops for Scottsdale & Cave Creek School Resource Officers, AZ School Counselor Academy, and Southwest Behavioral Health School-based Prevention Specialists. Upcoming workshops include: AZ Parks & Recreation Association, AZ Library Association and Planned Parenthood Parents for Accurate Sexual Health Education. To schedule a workshop for your school, organization or agency, please contact counselorsupport@glsenphoenix.org or call (602)705-9780

We also trained a cadre of volunteers to conduct upcoming workshops. If you have a flexible schedule, enjoy working with adult learners and have time to commit to a series of volunteer trainings, contact counselorsupport@glsenphoenix.org or call (602)705-9780 to find out more about FRU.

Next Teachers' Lounge: Friday, September 2 |

GLSEN Phoenix Teachers' Lounge meets the first Friday of each month between 5-7pm at Mama Java's Coffeehouse, located at 3619 East Indian School Road, to connect LGBTQ and allied K-12 school teachers and staff in an informal setting in order to network and discuss school-based concerns. For the back-to-school Teachers' Lounge we distributed 10 copies of the second edition of One Teacher in 10, edited by Kevin Jennings, GLSEN's Executive Director. Thanks to all who participated and best of luck to all you new teachers!

Bridges Project & Youth Theatre |

GLSEN Phoenix Bridges Project provides resources to new and established Gay/Straight Alliance student clubs and shares LGBT college resources with high school GSAs through workshops conducted by LGBTQ college and university student club members.

If you need ideas or resources for your GSA or would like to start a GSA, contact info@glsenphoenix.org.

Stay tuned for a new Program Menu for your GSA.

GLSEN Phoenix Youth Theatre breaks new ground in Phoenix!

What: GLSEN Theatre Workshops for youth ages 14-20 who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning or who are straight allies
When: Saturdays 1-4 pm
Contact: theatre@glsenphoenix.org
Phone: (602)705-9780

GLSEN Phoenix is pleased to announce summer theatre workshops for queer youth and their allies. Students attending the GLSEN theatre workshops will learn basic acting skills, develop existing skills, engage in story-telling techniques and become part of a larger community. Participants will explore physical theatre, create new, original material, practice in improvisation, learn basic playwriting techniques and will be able to bring their own talents and suggestions to the work. The workshops are free of charge and are open to all youth ages 14-20, no experience is necessary.

Participants will work in a safe and private student workspace where they can explore personal stories, guided by theatre professional A. Beck. Beck is a graduate of the Dell’ Arte International School of Physical Theatre, currently pursuing a Masters degree in Theatre for Youth at Arizona State University. Beck most recently served as a director, playwright, theatre instructor and tour manager with About Face Youth Theatre, a nationally recognized LGBT theatre in Chicago. Beck has worked throughout the country as an educational theatre artist.

GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) is the largest network of parents, students, educators and community members in the U.S. whose goal is to create safe, respectful and affirming K-12 schools for all students and staff regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.

For more information or to register to be part of the Saturday workshops, please contact Beck at theatre@glsenphoenix.org or call (602)705-9780.

New GSAs? |

Have you organized a new GSA? Have you re-organized a GSA? Have you become a member of an established GSA? Let us know so we can provide you with useful information, updates, and resources throughout the year.

Updated Resource Bookmark |

Updated LGBTQ Youth Resource Bookmarks are now available - let us know how many would you like and we can mail them to you.

Accreditation: September 6 |

GLSEN Phoenix, like all GLSEN chapters, undergoes an annual review and accreditation process. We will submit our application for renewal on September 6th. We welcome your feedback about GLSEN Phoenix programming and events - and suggestions for the new school year. The chapter will discuss the application during the next chapter meeting to be held on August 17th (see above for details).

Day of Action: Ally Week: September 18-24 |

Who can help us to end anti-LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) bullying and harassment in our schools? ALLIES!

GLSEN is proud to be encouraging students to end anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in K-12 schools with a new day of action, Ally Week! What better way to kick-off the school year than to have student clubs, commonly known as gay-straight alliances (GSA's), identify and support allies in your school? Ally Week can be simple - passing out stickers to allies who sign the pledge, or more advanced with an event or series of events planned throughout the week.

Find out more about Ally Week online!

Rainbows Festival: October 1&2 |

GLSEN Phoenix at Rainbows Festival: October 1&2 - Volunteers are needed to help organize and "person" our booth for the two-day festival. Please contact info@glsenphoenix.org or call (602)705-9780 us to sign up - it is a fun way to meet other volunteers and GSA members and talk to the community about creating safe and respectful K-12 schools. GSAs are encouraged to reserve a block of time at the table to advertise your club.

GPGLCC Non-profit of the year award: Oct 15 |

Come out and support the national award-winning Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce during their annual awards dinner. AND - COME WATCH AND SUPPORT GLSEN PHOENIX GET THE NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR AWARD!!!!! Click here for ticket information!

Regional Youth Summit: November 4, 5 & 6 |

GLSEN Phoenix is the proud host of the GLSEN Western Regional Student Organizing Youth Summit, which will take place November 4, 5 & 6 and will include a range of activities to develop student leadership. Ideas, resources and volunteers needed.

TeachRespect.org En Español |

GLSEN releases its first Spanish-language press release!

On Monday, August 8th, GLSEN will launch Teach Respect En Español. To view the Spanish-language print PSA's or to listen to the Spanish radio spot, visit Teachrespect.org.

Three Research Opportunites |

High School Campuses

Laurie Stapleton, a doctoral candidate from Stanford University, would like to interview GLBTQ students and teachers about their experiences on high school campuses. Interviews will be used for a book scheduled for publication in Spring, 2006. If you'd like to complete a questionnaire or are willing to be interviewed, email Laurie at: lstapleton@stanford.edu. Thanks!


LGBT Families & Schools Research Project

GLSEN National needs assistance getting the word out about the LGBT Families and Schools Project. Please help us by including the announcement (see below) in your Chapter newsletters, email lists and websites, and let others who may be interested know about this research project. Thank you!

GLSEN-in collaboration with COLAGE and the Family Pride Coalition-is looking for LGBT parents of school-age children and children of LGBT parents to participate in surveys about their experiences with schools. The information gathered from this survey will help GLSEN to lobby and advocate for the rights of all students and their families to be treated with respect in their schools.

If you are interested in participating in this valuable research project and are either:

an LGBT parent with at least one school-age child currently attending school (grades K through 12), or a student in middle or high school (13 years of age or older) who has an LGBT parent or parents Please go to the website for more information and to complete the online survey.

(If the link does not work, please go to GLSEN's survey page and click on "LGBT Families and Schools Project.")

If you would prefer a paper copy of the survey or have further questions, please contact Maria Garcia, Research Consultant, at mgarcia@glsen.org or (646)388-6599.

Research Opportunity for LGB-Identified Teachers

Terri Lance, a doctoral student at Western Michigan University, is conducting an anonymous on-line survey examining how LGB teachers "manage their sexual identity at work." To learn more, go to: http://homepages.wmich.edu/~t7lance. To access the survey, log-in name for the study is "teacherstudy" and password is "pride.

Donations: Check, PayPal or Valley of the Sun United Way |

GLSEN Phoenix seeks your contribution of time, resources and ideas. We also welcome your tax-deductible financial donations - and there are three ways to support GLSEN Phoenix programs and events: 1) send a check to GLSEN Phoenix, P.O. Box 2386, Phoenix, AZ, 85002; 2) donate via PayPal at glsenphoenix.org; and/or 3) donate via a directed contribution to the Valley of the Sun United Way - 8255



Corporate PRIDE: August 17 |

The next Corporate Pride meeting is coming up! Hope you are able to join us! Be sure to spread the word with your employee resource group!

Meeting Details:

Date: August 17th, 2005 (3rd Wednesday of each month)
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 - Informal Networking and meeting
Location: Hamburger Mary's - ( Game Room )
5111 North 7th Street
Phoenix
(602)240-6969

RSVP: RSVP's not required...but greatly appreciated... Jim.S.Cook@cox.net

ASU Multicultural Student Center Welcome Receptions |

Latino Student Welcome - Friday, August 19, 4:00-5:00, Maricopa Room

Native American Student Reception - Saturday, August 20, time, AZ Ballroom

Asian Pacific American Student Reception - Saturday, August 20, 3:30 - 5:00pm, Alumni Lounge

African American Student Welcoming BBQ - Saturday, August 20, 4:00-7:00pm, SSV Lawn

LBGTQ Welcome Reception - Saturday, August 20, 7:00-8:00pm, MU 222, Mohave. The LGBTQ Welcome Reception is open to ALL faculty, staff, Alumni, new and returning students!


ARIZONA TOGETHER FORUM ON BALLOT TO BAN SAME-SEX MARRIAGE |

The Arizona Human Rights Foundation, in partnership with the Arizona Together Coalition, the Community Church of Hope, and ECHO Magazine, will host a community forum on Wednesday evening, August 31 to discuss the "Protect Marriage Arizona" ballot measure.

In 2004, 11 states passed initiatives to amend their state constitutions to ban gay marriage. In several states, the initiative also banned any government recognition of domestic partnerships - gay or straight. In November 2006, Arizona voters WILL turn the trend around! Come hear the details and prepare to get excited.

"There's been a lot of media attention on this initiative, but not a lot of information," said Greg Polzin, Executive Director of the Arizona Human Rights Foundation. "Many people have expressed an intense interest in learning the facts about this initiative, what's going on to stop it and how they can help. This forum will be their opportunity to learn about the work that has been done so far, and to plug into future campaign activities."

WHERE: Community Church of Hope
4121 N 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ
(main entrance is off 6th Drive)

WHEN: Wednesday, August 31, 2005, 7:00pm to 9:00pm

http://www.AzTogether.org

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's 18th Annual Creating Change Conference |

Registration is now under way for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's 18th Annual Creating Change Conference, which will be held in Oakland, Calif., Nov. 9-13, 2005. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists and allies are encouraged to attend. Early bird registration rate is available until Aug. 31. Attendees 16/under and 65/over will be admitted without charge. The registration form is available at creatingchange.org


CAST YOUR VOTE TO SUPPORT GLSEN NATIONAL! |

Working Assets is a long distance, wireless, credit card and online
company that donates a percentage of its revenue to progressive
nonprofit groups. Since 1985, it has raised approximately $30 million in donations for hundreds of nonprofit organizations.

Last year, the Working Assets Corporation gave more than $62,000 to
GLSEN National to support our critical work ensuring safe schools for all, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students ... and we are delighted to report that GLSEN has again been selected to receive funding next year!

Every time a customer uses a Working Assets service, the company donates a percentage of the charges (at no extra cost) to nonprofit groups working for a better world. The allocation of the funds among the 50 selected organizations is decided by the votes of Working Assets' customers.

Please show your support for GLSEN! If you are a current Working Assets long distance, wireless, or credit card customer, visit http://www.workingassets.com/voting/. Take a moment to register, read the online donations ballot, and cast your vote for GLSEN! The final voting results will be announced in the spring of 2006.