1. 2 ND ANNUAL GSA CONFERENCE 2013 CALGARY

7.  4 days  Workshops  Sex Ed  Art-Based  Physical  Musical  Endless Possibilities  Safe  Not Alone  Volunteer Run  Counselors  Medical care  Speakers

10. 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]

11. GAY-STAIGHT ALLIANCES  Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA’s) have been identified as a critical component in creating SAFE, CARING, SUPPORTIVE and INCLUSIVE schools for LGBTQ students (and staff) and their allies.

13. 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.

14. QUICK REVIEW  Gender  Orientation  Sex

15. 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

17. NEGATIVE OUTCOMES FOR LGBTQ FOLKS  Academic Performance  Truancy (attendance) & Graduation Rates  Drug and Alcoholic Abuse  Mental Health Issues  Suicide  Homelessness

18. 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]

20. 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.

21. WHAT’S 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.

23. WHY HAVE A GSA? VALUE AND BENEFITS Students at schools with GSA’s 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.

24. WHY HAVE A GSA? VALUE AND BENEFITS GSA’s:  *Positively affect relationships with school administrators, teachers, family and peers  Counter negative outcomes and lower risk factors

26. TYPES OF GSA’S  Safe Spaces  Counselling and Support  Raise Visibility and Awareness  Effect Educational and Social Change

27. 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

29. 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.

30. 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!

32. HOW CAN WE SUPPORT EACH OTHER?  What would you like to know more about?  Questions? Let’s:  Problem-solve  Strategize  Share ideas & resources  Build Community

33. 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 Out”www.hrc.org Gay-Straight Alliances  GSA Network – www.gsanetwork.orgwww.gsanetwork.org EGALE: My GSA – www.mygsa.orgwww.mygsa.org

35. 2 ND ANNUAL GSA CONFERENCE 2013 CALGARY  PRESENTATION  Adam Wall  INFORMATION  2 ND Annual GSA Conference 2013