GLSEN Tucson Update August 5, 2010

Welcome back to the school year—where did the time go this summer????? We had a nicely-attended meeting yesterday, particularly considering that it was the first day of classes for some of our folks, and some are not starting until next week.

We discussed the meeting day/time—for many years we have been meeting the first Thursday of each month at 4:30, and it was agreed that this is a good time for everyone who was in attendance.

Gayle reported on her trip to Camp GLSEN, taking student Dixie Austin from Catalina Magnet High School with her. Gayle reported the real push for the Jump Start program for student leadership and has committed to work with Dixie to recruit students to become part of GLSEN Tucson and to really become politically active.

Gayle, Karen, and Brenda reported on the organizing efforts for Wingspan’s Anti-Violence Project. This grew out of complaints received from the parent of a student at Mansfeld Middle School and there is growing concern that we are seeing a return to former years of complacency by administrators in the schools and not addressing harassment of GLBT students. The next meeting of this organizing group will be on August 19th at 5:30 at SAAF (open to all). The city-wide event sponsored by this group is set for September 23rd at 5:00 pm, location to be determined.

Zami provided updates on EON’s work with youth and reported that there were 112 new youth who visited the project during the month of July! The report also focused on the “I TEAM” project in conjunction with the University of Arizona. The project focuses on providing culturally responsive services to youth ages 15-23.

Erin reported on a proposed “Ethnic Studies Week” for October. There is a planning meeting scheduled for August 15—more information will be provided as received.

Melissa reported on her new position with AmeriCorps. She is coordinating youth (ages 11-18) service and learning projects and would love to work with GLBT youth.

Alan will do follow-up on the Tax Credit donation and use of funds issue with the Arizona School Business Officials organization (ASBO) for some clarification.

We desperately need your annual donations of $35 to keep our work going. Last year we had only about 12 people who contributed, and our treasury is in sad shape, although our only true costs are assisting with the leadership projects, our annual scholarship, and our winter and end-of-year gatherings. Please send your tax deductible donations to Alan at 4800 W. Placita del Quetzal, Tucson 85745.

Our next meeting will be on September 2 at 4:30 at the Martha Cooper Library. Let’s have lots of GSA sponsors and their students in attendance!!!!!