1. How to start a GSA: Gay-Straight Alliance
Alicea Rieger, NBCT and Amy Wiskerchen, NBCT
Kentridge High School

2. Agenda for today Introductions
Description of GSA and what it looks like at our school
Round Robin activity
Overview of GLSEN GSA Advisor Handbook

3. Introductions Alicea Amy Audience: What school(s)
Currently have a GSA?
What are you hoping to get out of this presentation?

4. What is a GSA? GSA clubs provide a safety net for students
GSA clubs unite LGBTQ students, straight allies, and members of the school community who are committed to making schools safer and more accepting for LGBT students
GSAs draw on the courage of LGBTQ youth and the commitment of straight allies working in partnership to build bridges, improve school climates, and change school policies
GSAs can have a major impact on the education environment and possess the power to transform individuals, school cultures, and educational institutions

7. The Kentridge HS GSA
History (as we know it)
Inactive status
New beginning
It’s not all rainbows and unicorns

8. Round Robin Activity Please visit each station and add to the list
Topics:
What do you think the focus of your GSA should be?
What activities do you think your GSA should plan?
What barriers do you think you need to overcome to start/maintain your GSA?

9. GSA Network Advisor Handbook
32 pages
Available in pdf from the GSA Network website
FREE

10. Table of Contents About GSAs Getting Started Your Role in a GSA
What to Do in Your GSA
Sustaining Your GSA Over Time
Frequent Issues
Resources
Appendix

11. Helpful Websites
gsanetwork.org
glsen.org
community.pflag.org
safeschoolscoalition.org
genderdiversity.org

12. Any Questions??? Thank you so much! Alicea Rieger 253-373-4209
Amy Wiskerchen