[b]7th Annual GSA Leadership Summit Workshops[/b]

A Look at the Workshops Offered at the GSA Summit
Jan 18, 2010

1. Queer Families (Christian and Heather, GLSEN)

*Christian (transguy) and Heather (femme dyke) will talk briefly about the evolution of their family (and daughter Zoe) and how they operate similarly and differently from straight couples. Discussion of the joys, challenges, and needs of LGBT families will follow. ALL ARE WELCOME!

2. LGBTQ Issues in Schools and the Law (Beth, Safe Schools)

3. LGBTQ Youth Suicide Awareness/Prevention (Heather, Jaden & Ximena Youth Suicide Prevention Program)

* GLBTQ youth are at an increased risk for suicide, self harm, and depression. Come and find out how you can work to increase support for GLBTQ youth-thereby reducing risk. We will focus on risk and protective factors and what to do if you think a friend is contemplating suicide. This peer to peer workshop is appropriate for youth and staff.

4. Advisor/Educator Workshop Part 1 (Jannette and Monique, NEA) Exploring Intersections of Gender, Race & GLBT

* This workshop, designed for all school personnel, explores the relationship and commonalities between gender, race and GLBT issues, with an emphasis on enhancing race and gender awareness when addressing GLBT issues in schools.

Session 2 Workshops

1. LGBTQ Dating and Healthy Relationship Skills (Shannon, Northwest Network)

* In this interactive workshop we'll be talking about various aspects of sex, dating and healthy relationship skills. From boundaries and what we want from our relationships to dating violence this workshop will look at issues specific to bi, trans, lesbian, gay, queer and questioning youth. We'll look at the skills you need to have the relationship you want. This workshop is hosted by the youth programming at The Northwest Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse, supporting LGBT youth around issues of violence, crime and healthy relationship skills.

2. LGBTQ Youth Activist Leadership (Ken Shulman, MPA, Executive Director, Lambert House)

* In this experiential learning session, you will advance your ability to successfully facilitate inclusive decision-making among individuals with diverse personalities, backgrounds, and perspectives - an essential skill for GSA and other social justice leaders. A brief theory presentation will be followed by a longer, participatory exercise. Come prepared to appreciate, assess, and challenge yourself while you listen to, and are heard by, other supportive LGBT youth leaders.

3. Addressing Bullying in Schools (Beth and Kyle, Safe Schools)

* To appreciate the nature of anti-LGBT bullying in schools and its sometimes devastating academic, social and health consequences

4. Advisor/Educator Workshop Part 2

Session 3 Workshops (Keynote Presentation)

1. Put This On the {Map} (Megan, Youth Eastside Services)

Fed up with a lack of queer visibility, PUT THIS ON THE {MAP} documents young people who challenge their polished suburban community to do more than sweep their existence under the rug. Professing expertise over their own lives, youth provide an honest evaluation of their schools and families. From getting beat-up in a schoolyard to being picked up as a runaway, we learn that queer youth in the suburbs exercise courage daily. Personal accounts of depression, isolation, and violence are woven together with optimistic portraits of fearlessness and liberation. Queerness comes to be defined as one part of a whole identity, as youth "come out" as not just queer, but also as writers, photographers, activist, and much more.

PUT THIS ON THE {MAP} is unpretentious in its call to action, yet decisively instructive. Animated graphics are thoughtfully used to expand on terminology and advice. In 42 minutes, 26 individuals provide a rare glimpse into their lives juxtaposed against a local soundtrack and distinctive Pacific Northwest landscape. The genuine partnership between subject and filmmaker results in highly intimate storytelling, which is this film's primary achievement.

2. Advisor/Educator Workshop Part 3

Session 4 Workshops

1. GLSEN Leadership Team (GLSEN)

* GLSEN is looking for energetic youth to be a part of our Leadership Team. This team would plan GSA events across the state and participate in trainings for Schools starting GSA groups. This meeting will discuss what we are looking for and how you can join our team!

2. Safer Sex (Matt, Planned Parenthood)

* This interactive workshop will answer the questions you have about safer sex. we'll talk about how to keep yourself protected, ways to avoid STD's, and where to go for resources and testing. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions anonymously. Come join the conversation, and leave with knowledge and power to keep yourself safe!

3. Coalition Building (Janet, Safe Schools)

* Coalition building is when separate groups join forces to focus on one main issue. When many different groups unite, anything is possible. Learn how to form coalitions and the different kinds of coalitions in this session.

4. Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (Barb, Seattle PFLAG)

* PFLAG, Seattle Chapter (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Bisexual and Transgender Persons) "The effect of Accepting or Rejecting Parents and Family Members" Barb will tell her story, explain what PFLAG is about and about their support meetings, then open up for Q&A.