posted Jan 6, 2011, 6:06 AM by Michael Chanak
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 Educator Update
Happy New Year from GLSEN! By all accounts, 2010 was a difficult year for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) students and their allies. From Constance McMillen being denied the opportunity to attend Prom with her girlfriend to the unfortunate series of teen suicides, we were reminded of the destructive toll that bullying takes on young people. However, 2010 also provided a new outreach to LGBT and Questioning youth as videos proclaiming "It Gets Better" conveyed the message that there can be a rich and wonderful world after high school. GLSEN Greater Cincinnati supports the "It Gets Better" Project, but doesn't want the sole message to young people that it gets better AFTER high school, we are striving in 2011 to make it better in high schools NOW.
That is why GLSEN Greater Cincinnati is dedicating 2011 as "The Year of Safe Schools." Our intention as a chapter is to make a concerted effort to provide more trainings, more outreach and more support to schools and community organizations working with youth to ensure our young people are safe and respected.
Safe Space Training - January 20
GLSEN believes that in every school there needs to be a few identifiable educators or staff to whom studens can turn when they feel unsafe or bullied in the school. If you desire to be one of those teachers, please consider attending the Safe Space Training.
The training is designed for anybody who works with youth, since young people need safe spaces both in their schools and the larger community. All attendees will receive a free Safe Space Kit. The training will cover the most asked questions from educators:
- How can I be an ally to students if they reach out?
- How to respond when a student says 'that's so gay' in class?
- How can I make my school a Safe Space?
- What resources can I direct young people to if they are not feeling safe?
The training will also feature a youth panel. Local students will share experiences and highlight what answers teachers gave them to the above questions that have been most helpful. We will have food and drinks on hand, so come learn, network and help us build safer schools in 2011!
What: GLSEN's Safe Space Training
When: Thursday, January 20 at 6:30 - 7:30pm
Where: Pleasant Ridge Branch - Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
(6233 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati, OH 45213 - 2 blocks North of the Ridge Rd/Montgomery Rd intersection)
Contact: Shawn Jeffers, Education Chair (email or phone: 513.404.8191)
No Name-Calling Week
GLSEN's Eighth No NameCalling Week will be held January 24 - 28. No Name-Calling Week is an annual week of edu cational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities.
If you want to bring No Name-Calling Week to your school or classroom, follow the following steps:
1. Obtain approval from your administration
2. Select Activities for the Week (view a collection of submitted lesson plans)
3. Implement during the week of January 24-28
4. Evaluate/Let GLSEN know how it went
If you would like more information or intend on having No Name-Calling Week in your school, please contact us at education@glsencincinnati.org Select S
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GLSEN Greater Cincinnati (The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) works toward safe schools for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.
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