4 days Workshops Sex Ed Art-Based Physical Musical Endless
Possibilities Safe Not Alone Volunteer Run Counselors Medical care
Speakers
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UNSAFE SCHOOLS An overwhelming majority of Canadian students
who identify as; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ)
feel unsafe at school and most do not feel comfortable taking to
staff at their school. [EGALE, 2009]
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GAY-STAIGHT ALLIANCES Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) have been
identified as a critical component in creating SAFE, CARING,
SUPPORTIVE and INCLUSIVE schools for LGBTQ students (and staff) and
their allies.
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GOALS & INTENDED OUTCOMES Build awareness of LGBTQ issues
in schools Share strategies, resources, supports, and community
connections (Hopefully) enhance comfort, skills and capacity to
support and provide safe spaces for LGBTQ students and staff.
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QUICK REVIEW Gender Orientation Sex
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ISSUES FACING LGBTQ STUDENTS & STAFF Stigmatization &
marginalization Lack of support Non-inclusive policies &
curriculum Minimization of discrimination Discrimination Bullying
& Harassment Emotional and verbal abuse Physical assaults
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NEGATIVE OUTCOMES FOR LGBTQ FOLKS Academic Performance Truancy
(attendance) & Graduation Rates Drug and Alcoholic Abuse Mental
Health Issues Suicide Homelessness
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LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE POLICIES Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms The ATA Code of Professional Conduct The Declaration of
Rights and Responsibilities for Teachers ATA Diversity, Equality
and Human Rights Long-Range Policy 18.A.35 The ATA supports the
establishment of gay-straight alliance groups to create awareness
and action that promotes the creation of safe learning environments
for all students in Alberta high schools. [2005]
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LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE POLICIES The Alberta School Act Section
45(8) Each student is provided with a safe and caring environment
that fosters and maintains respectful and responsible behaviors.
Schools should promote and support environments that contribute
positively to students physical, psychological and emotional
development. This responsibility extends to all students regardless
of race, ethnicity, ability, class, gender, religion, sexual
orientation and gender identity.
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WHATS A GSA? Gay-Straight student alliance (GSAs) are
student-run and teach- supported school-based groups that work to
create safe, caring, supportive and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ
students and their allies in schools. Provides a safe space for
students to meet, socialize and support one another as they discuss
their feelings and experiences related to sexual orientation and
gender identity issues.
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WHY HAVE A GSA? VALUE AND BENEFITS Students at schools with
GSAs feel: Safer at school, Less likely to be harassed for their
differences, More likely to have supportive adults who want them to
succeed More likely to say that teachers treat them more fairly and
with greater respect.
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WHY HAVE A GSA? VALUE AND BENEFITS GSAs: *Positively affect
relationships with school administrators, teachers, family and
peers Counter negative outcomes and lower risk factors
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TYPES OF GSAS Safe Spaces Counselling and Support Raise
Visibility and Awareness Effect Educational and Social Change
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IMPORTANT ASPECTS Right to Self-determination and
Self-identification Confidential No Assumptions No one has to
identify Must be inclusive Welcome space to ALL FUN
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10 STEPS TO STARTING A GSA 1.Follow all school/district
policies and guidelines. 2.Find a GSA advisor. 3.Speak to your
school administration. 4.Inform school counselors and other school
resources 5.Develop a mission or vision statement. 6.Find a safe
meeting place. 7.Advertise your group. 8.Plan your first meeting.
9.Establish clear guidelines. 10.Plan for the future.
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GSA ACTIVES Brainstorming Session Films and Discussions Guest
Speakers Events Pot-Luck lunches Projects Community Involvement
Art: button or t-shirt design Make PSA videos Fundraisers Bake
Sales Discussion forums Education and Awareness Campaigns endless
possibilities!
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HOW CAN WE SUPPORT EACH OTHER? What would you like to know more
about? Questions? Lets: Problem-solve Strategize Share ideas &
resources Build Community
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SUPPORTS: INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES & ONLINE RESOURCES LGBTQ
& Human Rights EAGALE: Canadian Human Rights Trust
www.egale.cawww.egale.ca GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education
Network www.glsen.orgwww.glsen.org Pride Education Network:
www.pridenet.ca/resourceswww.pridenet.ca/resources Human Rights
Campaign: www.hrc.org A Resource Guide to Coming Outwww.hrc.org
Gay-Straight Alliances GSA Network
www.gsanetwork.orgwww.gsanetwork.org EGALE: My GSA
www.mygsa.orgwww.mygsa.org
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2 ND ANNUAL GSA CONFERENCE 2013 CALGARY PRESENTATION Adam Wall
INFORMATION 2 ND Annual GSA Conference 2013