GSA Network News archives

GSA Network News Email Archive - January 2007

back to GSA Network News

January 31

January 24

January 17

January 10

January 3



Sign Up for GSA Network News! Email:

January 31, 2007

In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:

GSA Network Highlight
Going to the Chapel and You’re…Gonna Get Married...Or Are You?
Go directly to GSA Network highlight

GSA Network Announcements
1. Pre-Register for the Expression NOT Suppression Conference! (Central Valley)
2. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (San Jose)
3. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (East LA/San Gabriel Valley)
4. Apply to become a Queer Youth Advocacy Day Leader! (Statewide)
5. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!
6. Learn Great Skills as a GSA Network Intern! (San Francisco)
7. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)
Go directly to GSA Network announcements

Other Announcements
Southern California
8. Cupid's KickBack (West Hollywood)
9. Join the Girl2Girl Leadership Program! (Los Angeles)
10. LGBTQ Youth Prom (Los Angeles)
11. Get Involved with the Family Acceptance Project!
Go directly to Southern California listings

Northern California
12. Health Care Workshop For LGBT Youth! (San Francisco)
13. LYRIC: This Week in After School Program (San Francisco)
14. Earn Money for a Study on Trans Youth! (Bay Area)
15. March Calendar for Jewish Family and Children's Services (Marin)
Go directly to Northern California listings

Statewide
16. LGBTQIA College Conference at UC Riverside (Riverside)
Go directly to Statewide listings

National
17. 50 Under 30 Public Education Campaign
Go directly to National listings

Scholarships
18. PFLAG Scholarships
19. PG&E and Women's Foundation College Scholarship
20. eQuality Scholarship
21. Models of Excellence Scholarship
Go directly to Scholarships listings

Jobs
22. Love and Justice Program Intern (San Francisco)
23. Queer Youth Services Coordinator (San Francisco)
24. Part-Time Van Driver (San Francisco)
Go directly to Jobs listings

News
25. NEWS: Modesto LGBT Center Opens
26. NEWS: Uproar Over Ban on Gays' Blood
27. NEWS: Queer Youth Out in the World, But Not to Doctors
28. NEWS: School Wins Another Round In Ongoing Anti-Gay T-Shirt Case
Go directly to News listings

+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++

Going to the Chapel and You’re…Gonna Get Married...Or Are You?

Celebrate the 10th Annual Freedom to Marry Week!
February 11-17, 2007

People are speaking out because a fundamental human right--the right to marry those whom we love--is denied to LGBT people. Aside for wanting the same dignity for our relationships, same sex couples have many of the same needs as straight people that legal marriage can address:
• The right to medical coverage on each other’s medical plans without having to depend on the good will of insurance companies or employers
• The right to visit our spouse in hospitals and if necessary, make medical decisions on their behalf
• The right to provide two legally recognized parents for our children
• The right to have our spouse naturalized as a U.S. citizen if he or she is from other country
• The right to make sure our spouse inherits our belongings when we die
• The right to access our spouse’s Social Security and pension survivors benefits
• More then 1000 rights and benefits come with legal marriage, but are currently denied to LGBT people.

Freedom to Marry Day, Sunday, February 11th, is a day for GSAs to celebrate and share stories, reflect on the values of equality and love, while also engaging our peers in the movement for equality and fairness. It's also an excellent opportunity to add your perspective and voices as youth to the dialogues happening both within and around the marriage equality movement.

Here are some other ideas for GSAs activities:
* Mock Weddings: Get everyone's attention by having a marriage ceremony! Go all out and decorate your school hallway, courtyard or even the cafeteria with posters giving information about marriage rights and have the characters use their vows to speak out about marriage equality. You could also have a "wedding reception" afterwards with cake, and get your guests to share their thoughts about the issue of marriage equality for all by making a toast.
* Guest speakers: Invite youth who are children of LGBTQ parents to speak out about their families to classes or during lunchtime talk session. COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere) has a great resource page! Go to: http://www.colage.org/resources/organizations.htm
* Teach-ins: Your GSA can hold an open meeting to teach other students about the issue of marriage equality, the history of marriage, and how they can take action in the movement. Use resources like http://www.aclu.org/getequal/ffm/index.html
* Contact the Media: Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, or any other publication, TV/radio station in support of ending the denial of marriage. Urge them to cover marriage equality, and offer to serve as a resource.
* Write Letters: Contact your national and local elected representatives, urging them to support marriage equality and asking them to defend against any attempts to amend your state constitution or the U.S. Constitution.
* Movie night - Order One Wedding and a Revolution and have a movie night with your GSA. Go to http://www.womedia.org/onewedding.htm

The official site for National Freedom to Marry Week is here: http://www.freedomtomarry.org. You can sign your GSA up to receive a kit to help you plan events for the week!

back to top

+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++

*********************************************
1. Pre-Register for the Expression NOT Suppression Conference! (Central Valley)

Your Expression NOT Suppression Conference is only one month away. Make sure you and your GSA register online to attend the ENS Conference!

GSA Network's Expression NOT Suppression Conference is coming soon to the Central Valley. ENS is a FREE conference for LGBTQQI youth activists and their allies who are dedicated to defeating homophobia and transphobia, and creating safe and supportive schools for everyone. The target audience is high school & middle school students. Teachers & GSA advisors are welcome.

WHO: LGBTQQI youth activists & their allies
WHERE: 1343 East Barstow Avenue, Fresno, 93710
WHEN: Saturday, February 10, 11:00am-9:30pm
WHY: To meet other youth leaders, learn new skills, and share strength!
COST: Everything, including food, is FREE!
WHAT ELSE: Get down & dance with everyone you've just met at a special, youth-only dance at the same location – we will be
celebrating the Freedom to Marry movements and there will be a Drag Show as well – if you’d like to participate, contact us NOW!

The ENS Conference is a chance for LGBTQQI and straight ally youth to network and enjoy free workshops on activism and topics related to queer life.

Pre-register for the GSA Network's ENS Conference at http://www.gsanetwork.org/ens

For more info, email mailto:ens@gsanetwork.org or call 559-268-2780.

Don't forget, GSA Network is also looking for Conference Committee members! If you are interested, please contact Sara at mailto:sara@gsanetwork.org

back to top

*********************************************
2. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (San Jose)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!
This FREE event will be held on February 10 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. It includes breakfast and lunch!

So what is a GSA Network Leadership training?
Youth from various GSAs come together for a FUN, interactive, peer-to-peer training that provides students with the skills to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools. Led by other GSA leaders from around Northern California, the training will show students how to start and run a kick-ass GSA.

Topics include
* How to run a GSA meeting
* Outreach, membership building, and diversity
* Understanding gender and sexual orientation
* Understanding laws that protect LGBTQ youth in schools
* How to take action against slurs, harassment, and discrimination in your school.

Young people become activists because they respect themselves and other people too much to let anyone be treated like a second-class citizen. They believe in the basic worth of all human beings, including themselves. That's why so many students, including straight allies, are coming together to fight sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination at their schools. The goals of a student activism group include winning concrete improvements in people's lives, making students aware of their own power, and altering the relations of power. GSAs in California are leading the fight for social change and justice.

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.

WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, February 10 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Billy DeFrank Center
938 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
COST: Free!

GSA Network values the participation of adult allies in our fight against oppression and injustice in schools, and thus welcomes GSA Advisors and other adult allies to the leadership training. That being said, we ask that they help us to maintain the youth focus of this training.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact
* Marco Castro-Bojorquez, GSA Network Northern California Program Coordinator, at 415-552-4229 or mailto:marco@gsanetwork.org
* Cassie Blume, Youth Programs and Volunteer Coordinator, Billy DeFrank Center, at 408-293-3040 X 111 or mailto:youthprog@defrank.org

back to top

*********************************************
3. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (East LA/San Gabriel Valley)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on February 17, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It includes breakfast and lunch!

So what is a GSA Network Leadership training?
Youth from various GSAs come together for a FUN, interactive, peer-to-peer training that provides students with the skills to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools. Led by other GSA leaders from California, the training will show students how to start and run a kick-ass GSA.

Topics include
* How to run a GSA meeting
* Outreach, membership building, and diversity
* Understanding gender and sexual orientation
* Understanding laws that protect LGBTQ youth in schools
* How to take action against slurs, harassment, and discrimination in your school.

Young people become activists because they respect themselves and other people too much to let anyone be treated like a second-class citizen. They believe in the basic worth of all human beings, including themselves. That's why so many students, including straight allies, are coming together to fight sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination at their schools. The goals of a student activism group include winning concrete improvements in people's lives, making students aware of their own power, and altering the relations of power. GSAs in California are leading the fight for social and justice.

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.

WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, February 17, 2007, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Bienestar, La Casa LGBT Center
5301 E. Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90022
323-727-7897
COST: Free!

GSA Network values the participation of adult allies in our fight against oppression and injustice in schools, and thus welcomes GSA Advisors and other adult allies to the leadership training. That being said, we ask that they help us to maintain the youth focus of this training.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact
Carlos Cabrera, GSA Network Southern California Program Coordinator, at 213-534-7162 or mailto:carlos@gsanetwork.org

back to top

*********************************************
4. Apply to become a Queer Youth Advocacy Day Leader! (Statewide)

Represent your school and community, and become an Advocacy Day Leader!

All of Queer Youth Advocacy Day is focused on youth like you, but it's the Advocacy Day Leaders who step up, take charge, and make sure youth voices get heard loud and clear at the Capitol.

Advocacy Day Leaders receive special intensive training to prepare them to train the hundreds of youth who will be in Sacramento for the event. Furthermore, each Leader will be in charge of leading a group of youth during their lobbying visits with lawmakers, helping out and facilitating conversations. All Leaders get to spend the entire weekend of March 24-26 in Sacramento training, networking, and practicing for the big day on Monday. Event sponsors will provide for all meals, housing, and transportation for all Leaders, when necessary.

Leaders are needed from each of CA's 40 state senate district which means you will be helping to represent folks in your community. To become a Leader, you must apply at http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad. The deadline is February 12.

back to top

*********************************************
5. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!

Before you plan any events for your GSA, remember to register or re-register your group with GSA Network. Do it NOW to make sure you receive our student resource sheets, FREE posters, other resources, and notifications of future GSA Network or LGBT-related events. Please note that mailings will go out only to California GSAs in middle and high schools.

Register online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php

For more info, email Tanya Mayo at mailto:tanya@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229

back to top

*********************************************
6. Learn Great Skills as a GSA Network Intern! (San Francisco)

Intern call outs!

What's in it for you?
As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience working for California's most dynamic LGBTQ youth-led organization. You will gain invaluable insight about a mid-sized non-profit and GSA Network's particular organizational and organizing models. You will also learn a broad range of skills while providing program and/or administrative support.

Duties May Include
*Outreach and technical assistance to high school and middle school GSAs
*Curriculum, resource sheet, and program material development
*Media or press work
*Lobbying and policy
*Event planning
*Individual donor fundraising
*Organizational spin-off
*Database systems.

Interns also have the option of participating in staff meetings, thus ensuring that their voices will be heard and that their opinions are valued. Each intern will have a supervisor who will be responsible for providing support, an evaluation, and a letter of recommendation upon the conclusion of the internship.

Please note that this is a non-paid position and that the internship is for our San Francisco office.

Your Responsibilities
*If you are student, your school must take responsibility for setting the number of credits for the internship
*If you are coming from a considerable distance, you are responsible for your own housing, living expenses, and any other costs.

How to Apply
Please contact Kiely for an application. Thank you for applying!

Kiely Hosmon
Program Assistant
Phone - 415-552-4229
Fax - 415-552-4729
mailto:kiely@gsanetwork.org

back to top

*********************************************
7. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)

GSA Network is accepting applications for new Youth Council members.
Go to the website and apply: http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html

The GSA Network Youth Council is a diverse group of youth leaders from GSAs all over California. As a member of the Youth Council, you will learn skills to become a stronger activist and work toward creating a safer climate at your school for LGBTQ youth and straight allies. You will get support around mounting a campaign, planning events, and starting a GSA club on your campus. In addition, Youth Council members are responsible for giving input to GSA Network and helping to guide our programs. Youth Council members will represent the needs of GSAs and youth activists from their geographic region, as well as plan events and lead peer-to-peer workshops, leadership trainings, advocacy trainings, and activist camps.

As a member of the Youth Council, you will have monthly opportunities to
* Network with youth from throughout your region
* Get peer and staff support and feedback on your ongoing campaign, action, or event
* Give input on GSA Network's programs, policies, and curriculum development.

In addition, you may have an opportunity to
* Help plan and run a youth-led conference
* Present workshops at local conferences
* Plan and participate in GSA Network social activities, like Pride
* Apply to become a paid peer-to-peer youth trainer
* Discuss emerging trends in the LGBTQ and greater social justice movements
* Provide occasional technical assistance to other GSAs.

Requirements
* Willingness to commit to serving on Youth Council for one year
* Commitment to creating change for LGBTQ youth and fighting homophobia and transphobia in schools
* Interest in developing GSA Network and suggesting ideas to strengthen it
* Must be a student in a public or private middle or high school in California.

Southern California
For more info, email mailto:carlos@gsanetwork.org or call 213-534-7162.

Central Valley
For more info, email mailto:robin@gsanetwork.org or call 559-268-2780.

Northern California
For more info, email mailto:marco@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

back to top

++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events, resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of GSA Network.

Southern California
*********************************************
8. Cupid's KickBack (West Hollywood)

The C.I.T.Y. x1 Youth Group proudly announces its next event, "Cupid's KickBack". This event will be held on Saturday, February 10th, 2007 at Plummer Park's Fiesta Hall (6:00pm-9:00pm). Plummer Park is located at 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. in the City of West Hollywood.

This free event is for youth (14-24) and is an alcohol & tobacco-free event. We will have A Dance, Free Food, Raffles, Games, Giveaways, and more!

If you would like more information on this event, or if you have any questions, please send us an e-mail at mailto:webmail@cityx1.com or you may call our 24hr HotLine at (310) 712-3918.

Be sure to also check out our very colorful event web site to download a flyer and access all sorts of cool online features. The address is: http://www.cityx1.com/cupid

If you know of any youth that might be interested in attending, please pass this information along to them.

back to top

*********************************************
9. Join the Girl2Girl Leadership Program! (Los Angeles)

Join the Girl2Girl Leadership Program which is though REACH LA, an arts an media organization that focuses on reproductive justice issues. We are currently taking applications for our next leadership team. We are specifically looking for out queer youth to be involved!

The Girl2Girl Sexual/Reproductive Health Initiative for Young Women of Color strives for justice by improving the health/wellness education of girls/young women, and by seeking policies to protect and increase access to quality medical care, public health information, and social services for low-income girls/young women of color.

The new G2G Leadership Program will train and develop 15 young women, ages 16-24, to strengthen and expand the existing REACH LA Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative for Young Women of Color. The new program will build a body of young women of color, trained in the legislative process and community organizing, who will be able to both direct the thinking of policy-makers towards specific needs/services in the targeted community, and mobilize other teen girls/young women to advocate for their rights to sexual and reproductive health services.

For more information, please contact the G2G Leadership Coordinator, La Dawn Best at (213)622-1650 Ex 105.

back to top

*********************************************
10. LGBTQ Youth Prom (Los Angeles)

This annual event is held in May of each year at the Friendship Auditorium in Los Angeles (near Griffith Park). This year's prom will be held on Friday, May 18, 2007.

Prepaid tickets are $30 and tickets bought at the door at $40, which includes free parking, dinner, beverages, DJ, and live entertainment. For more information about our programs please contact us at: mailto:project10@hotmail.com or 626.577.4553.

back to top

*********************************************
11. Get Involved with the Family Acceptance Project!

FAP ia a research project that is developing family education materials in several languages for the family members of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth; these materials will be based on our project findings from the past three years along with the feedback we are now in the process of collecting from family members.

FAP is a participatory research and education project of the César E. Chávez Institute at San Francisco State University developed in 2002 to help increase family support for LGBT young people. FAP includes the first major study of LGBT adolescents and their parents to be conducted throughout California. The project is beginning to develop a series of educational, assessment and training materials to help strengthen families, and increase support for LGBT youth and improve the quality of care they receive.

For those who call-in and qualify we will arrange a time and place that is convenient for participants to hold the presentation. The project is open to all and can go beyond the community at Project 10 or LAUSD.

Also, all those who participate in a 2 hour project presentation session will be paid a $50 cash stipend for their time and any feedback they care to offer the project. We are also paying $25 a piece to all those who refer someone into the project, who qualifies and completes a session.

For more information:
-All those interested can call our project toll free at (888) 354-4222
-Visit our website http://familyproject.sfsu.edu
-Email us at mailto:fap@sfsu.edu

back to top

Northern California
*********************************************
12. Health Care Workshop For LGBT Youth! (San Francisco)

Be Your Own Best Advocate - come to a workshop designed to empower LGBT youth to be able to make informed choices when receiving health care.

When? Saturday February 3rd, 2007, 1pm-3pm
Where? Dimensions Clinic, 3850 17th St. (between Noe & Sanchez) San Francisco, CA 94114.

No need to rsvp - snacks & beverages provided.

For more information, please contact: Esteban Rodriguez at mailto:Esteban.Rodriguez@sfdph.org.

Sponsored by Dimensions Clinic & LIFT Bay Area

back to top

*********************************************
13. LYRIC: This Week in After School Program (San Francisco)

Wednesday, January 31st

Youth Speaks
From the day to day drama of our school and family lives, to the larger issues of social and economic injustice, we all struggle. In this poetry and Spoken Word workshop, we will use our words as weapons and tools for change. Come prepared to begin fighting back!

Thursday, February 1st and Friday, February 2nd

LYRIC is closed for roof repairs. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

back to top

*********************************************
14. Earn Money for a Study on Trans Youth! (Bay Area)

Looking for trans youth to participate in a study about going through puberty!

Are you transgender, gender queer, gender variant, MTF, FTM? Share your experiences and earn $20!

Growing Up Outside the Lines is a research project through the UC Berkeley School of Public Health to understand what it's like to grow up trans. We want to hear your story.

If you are:
** 12-25 years old
** Live, go to school, hang out in San Francisco or the Bay Area
** Identify as trans… including gender queer, drag artist, MTF, FTM, transman, transwoman, gender bender, androgynous…

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!
** Participate in a one-time 90 minute interview.
** We will arrange a safe and convenient time and location.
** All information will be completely confidential and private.
** All participants will be paid a $20 cash stipend for your time.

If you are interested contact: Lealah at 401.573.6663 [Feel free to call collect]

back to top

*********************************************
15. March Calendar for Jewish Family and Children's Services (Marin)

March 2007 Community Programs at JFCS in Marin

Unless otherwise noted, these programs will be held at Jewish Family and Children’s Services at 600 Fifth Avenue in San Rafael. Free Program for Holocaust Survivors

Café By The Bay
Café By The Bay is a monthly event for Holocaust Survivors in Marin. On Wednesday, March 7, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Leah Garrrick will speak to Café By The Bay members about her experience as part of the Shanghai Jewish community. For more information, contact Lorraine Harris at 415/419-3635 or mailto:LorraineH@jfcs.org. FREESliding-Fee, Nonsectarian Programs Open to All

Juggling Two: The New Baby and the Older Sibling
The second (or third…) is not the same as the first! Gain greater insight and practical tips to help ease the transition of a new arrival in the family for yourself and your child, before and after the birth. With Bonnie Romanow. Thursday, 31/, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. $30. Pre-registration required. To register, call 491-7959 or register online at http://www.ParentsPlaceOnline.org. Volunteers Needed!

Passover is coming: Decorate, Assemble and Deliver Holiday Gift Bags!
Help bring holiday cheer to Marin County seniors. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to perform the mitzvah of holiday outreach to those who can use a friendly visit. We will assemble and decorate bags on Thursday, March 22, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at 600 Fifth Avenue. Delivery of bags is at your convenience any time before Passover. Come join us! Contact Betty Hirschfeld at 415/419-3661 or mailto:BettyH@jfcs.org.

For more information please contact:
Bonni Schiff
Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS)
600 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael
415/419-3632
mailto:BonniS@jfcs.org

back to top

Statewide
*********************************************
16. LGBTQIA College Conference at UC Riverside (Riverside)

The 17th Annual Western Regional LGBTQIA College Conference "Out of the Rainbow & Into the Streets" takes place at the UC Riverside from February 16-18th .

High school students involved in LGBTIQ community projects, GSA members and their advisors welcome.

Sponsored, in part, by The University of California Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Intersex Association (UCLGBTIA).

For information on the conference, visit: http://www.uclgbtia.org/conference2007

back to top

National
*********************************************
17. 50 Under 30 Public Education Campaign

Gender-Based Violence: In Our Classrooms and Communities

Since 1995, more than 50 youth and young adults, ages 30 and unders have died in an under-reported tide of violence in attacks that targeted them because they didn't fit stereotypes for masculinity or femininity -- because of their gender identity or gender expression. 92% were Black or Latina, and most of them were gay or transgender. Most were biologically male and killed by young males their own age, often in attacks of profound violence. One-third of the victims are teens. They are young people who are in our classrooms - or were forced out of school because of merciless bullying and harassment.

The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition documents this epidemic that continues to claim another young life every 2-3 months in a new report, 50 Under 30: Masculinity and the War on America's Youth. Youth and educators have a unique role to play in stopping gender-based bullying and its escalation into fatal assaults through early intervention, education and prevention. To learn more about the 50 Under 30 public education campaign - and what you can do in our classrooms and communities to help stem this tide of violence - visit http://www.50under30.org.

back to top

Scholarships
*********************************************
18. PFLAG Scholarships!

Applications must be postmarked by 2/14/07

PFLAG's (Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) National Office offers $1,000 and $2,500 scholarships. In order to be eligible for these funds, applicants must be a graduating high school senior entering higher education for the first time in fall 2007 (if student graduated in 2006 and took a year off before going to college they are also eligible to apply); self identify as either a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender person, or as a supporter of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people; demonstrate an interest in service to the LGBT community; and have applied to an accredited higher education institution in pursuit of either an associate's degree leading to transfer credits towards a bachelor's degree, or a bachelor's degree program at a four-year college. This year, new awards are available for students with one or more GLBT parents/guardians.

More info: http://www.pflag.org/Scholarships.122.0.html application form and instructions are downloadable from the web site, or can be emailed as an attachment. Contact Danielle Flink at mailto:dflink@pflag.org.

NOTE: Some local PFLAG chapters also offer scholarships and may have different qualifications. See: http://www.pflag.org/Local_PFLAG_scholarships.344.0.html

back to top

*********************************************
19. PG&E and Women's Foundation College Scholarship

Once again, the Women's Foundation of California is proud to partner with the Women's Network Employee Association (WNEA) of PG&E to administer their Scholarship Program. Through this partnership, PG&E will be awarding twelve or more scholarships in varying amounts (ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 each) to young women throughout Central and Northern California for higher education-related expenses.

The deadline is April 20th. Please visit our website at http://www.womensfoundca.org/ and find the application and guidelines under "What's New". Please share this announcement with young women who you believe are eligible for this scholarship. They must reside or go to school in PG&E's service area.

For more information, please contact:
Maya Thornell-Sandifor
Program Officer
The Women's Foundation of California
Office: 415-837-1113 ext. 303
mailto:mayat@womensfoundca.org

back to top

*********************************************
20. eQuality Scholarship

The eQuality Scholarship is awarding at least 10 scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each. The scholarship deadline is Feb. 28th.

Please visit the website for more information and for an application: http://www.allyaction.org/scholarship. Or, you can email David Stevenson at: mailto:eQuality@allyaction.org or mailto:d2sp@pge.com.

back to top

*********************************************
21. Models of Excellence Scholarship

This competition is open to any senior high school student who is graduating from a California senior high school and who has demonstrated a commitment to LGBT civil rights.

The student needs to provide evidence that he/she is going on to some form of higher education. Awards of $1,000 and $500 are given at a scholarship dinner in June 2007.

Applications are on the http://www.modelsofpride.org Web site.

back to top

Jobs:
*********************************************
22. Love and Justice Program Intern (San Francisco)

Community United Against Violence Love and Justice Program Intern

Title: Love and Justice Program Intern

About the Program: The Love and Justice Program is a youth outreach and education project that serves to end hate motivated violence, intimate partner violence, and oppression, within and against LGBTQQ youth communities. We accomplish this through peer to peer trainings, by providing technical assistance to other agencies, and by outreaching information and resources into the community.

Qualifications:
• Must be 20 years old or under
• Experience with LGBTQQ youth (particularly youth of color)
• Experience and/or desire to work with high school age youth, and youth ages 18-25
• Ability to commit for through June amount of time
• Willingness to learn and share knowledge
• Ability to work in a diverse environment
• Good computer skills (Microsoft word, internet, etc)
• Excellent oral communication skills
• Ability to interact with others face to face (other orgs)
• Experience with researching/verifying information (online/phone)
• Reliable, Responsible, Punctual
• Interest in learning about anti-oppression and violence
• Comfortable speaking to groups, of both youth and adults
• Organized and good with details

Job Responsibilities:
• Intern will work directly with and report to the Love and Justice Program Manager
• Researching outreach locations (orgs/schools/hang outs/etc)
• Working on updating outreach strategy and materials
• Revising content of Queer Youth Resource Guide
• Distribute outreach and education materials (to different orgs/tabling events)
• Possible additional project based on interest and experience (planning events/multi-media project)
• 8-16 hours per week

Salary:
$9 per hour

This is a temporary position that runs through June 30, 2007, with the possibility for renewal.

To Apply:
For more information and an application, contact Tamara: 415.777.5500 ext. 312 or at mailto:tamara@cuav.org, fax 415.777.5565 (Attention: Tamara) or via mail: 170-A Capp Street, SF, CA 94110

Position open until filled Youth, women, people or color, queer and trans folks, and differently abled folks are strongly encouraged to apply.

back to top

*********************************************
23. Queer Youth Services Coordinator (San Francisco)

Job Description
The Richmond Village Beacon’s Queer Youth Services Coordinator designs and implements youth development programming for queer youth and their allies through the go/GSA program at George Washington High School. The go/GSA program, in collaboration with the Richmond YMCA, sponsors on/off campus events, case management, faculty sensitivity trainings, a youth leadership council, and weekly meetings of the Gay Straight Alliance. The Youth Services Coordinator works collaboratively with Beacon staff, community organizations and school personnel to provide programming to queer youth and their allies. The Queer Youth Services Coordinator should be available to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends when necessary.

Other Duties Include
• Manage small budget and participate in fundraising/grant writing
• Write program reports and track youth participation
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community agencies
• Participate on agency wide and school based committees and councils as required

Qualifications
• BA preferred but not required
• At least 2-3 years direct work experience with a diverse population of youth, especially queer youth
• Knowledge of youth development principles and practice, facilitation, outreach and mentoring
• Ability to work collaboratively in a school environment
• Strong writing, communication, and computer skills
• Ability to work in a diverse, fast-paced environment, be flexible, and multi-task
• LGBTQQ people, bi-lingual people, and people of color especially encouraged to apply.

Salary: $30,000-$33,000 per year DOE, plus excellent benefits. Full-time, exempt position.

To Apply:
Please send resume and cover letter by January 31st to:
Richmond District Neighborhood Center
Attn. Michelle Cusano
741 30th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94121
415-750-8554

Or CUT AND PASTE your resume and cover letter into the body of an email with the subject title "Queer Youth Services Coordinator," to: mailto:RVBresumes@yahoo.com

back to top

*********************************************
24. Part-Time Van Driver (San Francisco)

TITLE: Part-Time Van Driver

Hours: 14-18 hours/week in the afternoons and early evenings.

Salary: $12 - $16/hour depending on experience

Start Date: Immediately

General Description: Responsible for the transportation of youth to and from programs.

Qualifications:
-Must have excellent driving record.
-Commercial Class B license with Passenger Endorsement preferred.
-Must be proficient in English.
-At least one year experience working with youth.
-Experience in reporting.
-Experience managing schedules.
-Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities:
-Obtaining Commercial Class B license with Passenger Endorsement if necessary.
-Transporting youth ages 6-17 to and from various sites.
-Filling out necessary paperwork for van use including logs, inspection sheets, and trip data.
-Doing light upkeep/maintenance of van.
-Supervising youth while in the van.
-Reports to the Mission Van Collaborative Manager.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.

Please send resume, cover letter, & DMV driving record to:

Bret Falconer, MVC Manager
Email: mailto:bret@jamestownsf.org
c/o Jamestown Community Center
Fax: 647-4718
3382 – 26th Street No phone calls please.
San Francisco, CA 94110

We are an EOE employer. Women and people of color encouraged to apply.

back to top

NEWS
********************************************
25. NEWS: Modesto LGBT Center Opens

1/18/2007
by Matthew S. Bajko
Bay Area Reporter

The Central Valley's LGBT community now has a place to call home with the opening of a community center in downtown Modesto. Officially named the Stanislaus Pride Center, the facility is the first of its kind to open between Stockton and Bakersfield.

"It is a big step. Having a drop-in center is really important for people to go to when they want to talk to someone or hang out," said Sara Martinez, 29, a lesbian who grew up in Reedley, 25 minutes southeast of Fresno.

Since last fall Martinez has been the Gay-Straight Alliance Network's Central Valley program associate based out of the Fresno office. She hopes the Stanislaus center sparks more such facilities to open in the valley.

"Living in the valley tends to be a little bit harder. We are considered the 'Bible Belt' in California. I don't want to say homophobic, but it can be conservative," she said. "I was happy and surprised when I heard it was opening. It will encourage and bring awareness to the fact other centers are needed in our area."

Located across the street from Modesto's main library, the pride center is housed in a former dental office in the city's cultural district. It's the brick and mortar realization of a project first begun in 2005 by a small group of founding members who wanted a safe meeting place and resource center for the growing number of LGBT residents in the area.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=1494

back to top

*********************************************
26. NEWS: Uproar Over Ban on Gays' Blood

Teen Tries To Donate, Fuels Debate of Policy
By Dana Hull
San Jose Mercury News
Jan. 22, 2007

Last month, Harbor High School in Santa Cruz held its annual blood drive with the American Red Cross. After volunteering for hours, student body president Ronnie Childers waited in line to donate his own blood.
He was turned away.

Ronnie is gay, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration bars any boy or man who has had sex with another man since 1977 from donating blood. The FDA says gay men are far more likely to be infected with HIV than the general population, so the agency has a duty to protect the nation's blood supply.

Ronnie's experience inflamed the Harbor High School community and has reignited an ongoing debate about the FDA's policy. The fact that gay men are prohibited from donating blood -- regardless of their sexual activity, safe-sex practices or HIV status -- has rankled the gay community for years. But the American Red Cross and other national organizations that regularly run blood drives are also pushing the FDA to revise the policy, which has been in place since AIDS first hit in the early 1980s.

Both the disease and the process by which blood is screened have evolved dramatically in the past 25 years. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is increasingly transmitted between heterosexuals.

Women now account for more than one-quarter of all new HIV and AIDS diagnoses in the United States, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And blood banks are using new screening technology that identifies the virus at an early stage of infection.

"The government is not prepared to deal with the changing climate of the AIDS epidemic,'' said Chris Weber, development director at the Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center in San Jose.

High school students contribute 8 percent of the blood the American Red Cross collects in Northern California, and many blood banks have launched ad campaigns to encourage 17- to 24-year-olds to become lifelong donors. At the same time, though, a new generation of openly gay high school and college students is questioning and protesting what they say is a discriminatory policy.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/peninsula/16517012.htm

back to top

*********************************************
27. NEWS: Queer Youth Out in the World, But Not to Doctors

01/25/2007
by Heather Cassell
Bay Area Reporter

Imagine the moment you walk into your doctor's office and you see a rainbow flag sticker or an educational poster with a group of LGBT people promoting good health. Would you be more willing to be out to your doctor? What if you were a teenager?

An estimated 70 percent of queer youth are not out to their doctors, despite being out to almost everyone else in their lives, including to some family members, according to a study released in December by the Rand Corporation, a nonprofit research organization, and the University of California, Los Angeles. The study surveyed 179 gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens who had attended a conference.

Bisexual youth were least likely to be out to their doctors and transgender youth were barely represented in the survey, so more research is needed to identify their health needs.

"The thing that was surprising is this is a group that is out enough about their orientation to attend a conference of LGBT youth and even most of them were not out to their physicians," said Dr. Mark Schuster, senior author of the study and a pediatrician at UCLA and health policy researcher at Rand.

The catch is that 64 percent of the GLB teenagers surveyed said they want to be out to their doctors, all the doctors need to do is ask. So, where is the disconnect?

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=1505

back to top

*********************************************
28. NEWS: School Wins Another Round In Ongoing Anti-Gay T-Shirt Case

365Gay.com
January 25, 2007

(San Diego, California) A federal court has ruled that a Southern California school had the power to suspend a student for wearing a T-shirt denouncing homosexuality.

Tyler Chase Harper was kicked him out of class at Poway High School in 2004 for not removing the homemade T-shirt that said on the front "Be ashamed, our school embraced what God has condemned," and on the back "Homosexuality is shameful".

The teen wore the shirt on the National Day of Silence in 2004.

Harper, with the help of the Alliance Defense Fund sued the school and sought an injunction barring Poway from refusing to allow students to wear clothing with a political or social message.

To read the full article, visit:
http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/01/012507poway.htm

back to top

January 24, 2007

In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:

GSA Network Highlight
Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 - How You Can Take The Lead!!!
Go directly to GSA Network highlight

GSA Network Announcements
1. Tomorrow!! Legally Blonde Benefit on January 25! (Bay Area)
2. Pre-Register for the Expression NOT Suppression Conference! (Central Valley)
3. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (San Jose)
4. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (East LA/San Gabriel Valley)
5. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!
6. Learn Great Skills as a GSA Network Intern! (San Francisco)
7. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)
Go directly to GSA Network announcements

Other Announcements
Southern California
8. Free Movie Screening at Crossroads High School! (Santa Monica)
9. LGBTQ Youth Prom (Los Angeles)
10. Get Involved with the Family Acceptance Project!
Go directly to Southern California listings

Northern California
11. LYRIC: This Week in After School Program (San Francisco)
12. One Day Summit for Girls and Young Women of African Descent! (Sacramento)
13. Richmond Village Beacon Computer and Studying Resources (Richmond)
Go directly to Northern California listings

National
14. 50 Under 30 Public Education Campaign
Go directly to National listings

Scholarships
15. Models of Excellence Scholarship
16. COLAGE and Horizons Foundation Scholarships
Go directly to Scholarships listings

News
17. NEWS: School Safety a Priority
18. NEWS: Majority of Freshmen View Gay Marriage As OK
Go directly to News listings

+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++

Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 - How You Can Take The Lead!!!

Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 is only 60 days away! GSA members and other youth activists all over California are busily organizing to participate in the state's largest statewide event for LGBTQ and ally youth. How are you going to be part of the effort on March 26 to help pass important legislation and create safer, more supportive schools for students everywhere in California?

One excellent way of getting involved is by becoming an Advocacy Day Leader! While all of Queer Youth Advocacy Day is focused on youth like you, it's the Advocacy Day Leaders who step up, take charge, and make sure youth voices get heard loud and clear at the Capitol.

Advocacy Day Leaders receive special intensive training to prepare them to train the hundreds of youth who will be in Sacramento for the event. Furthermore, each Leader will be in charge of leading a group of youth during their lobbying visits with lawmakers, helping out and facilitating conversations. All Leaders get to spend the entire weekend of March 24-26 in Sacramento training, networking, and practicing for the big day on Monday. Event sponsors will provide for all meals, housing, and transportation for all Leaders, when necessary.

Leaders are needed from each of CA's 40 state senate district which means you will be helping to represent folks in your community. To become a Leader, you must apply at http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad. The deadline is February 12.

Many youth from all corners have already applied. Here's what some of them have said about why they have stepped forward in hopes of taking the lead at Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 (full names have not been provided because the application process is still open):

"I attended last years event. I was shocked to see how many people can get together, and fight for a cause. I was glad to see so many students come together, no matter what their sexual orientation was. After coming back from the event, I decided to be more active in my community. I am determined to be a part of the fight, not only for myself, but for mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends everywhere."
---M, Upland (San Bernardino County)

"I was a leader last year and i really liked the work that we did. I am really excited to be part of it this year again. I had fun and learned a lot from the rest of my peers and liked being able to talk to big law makers to get our word out."
---T, Madera (Madera County)

"I want to educate people, and have them see things from all points of view before deciding what it is they are for or against."
---T, Arcadia (Los Angeles County)

"I feel that opinion without action is a very useless thing. If I believe enough in something, I want to throw my whole self into it. I wish to try and do anything I possibly can to fight for my cause, and I wish to make an impact. I want to show people that straight allies are just as important in the fight against homophobia. Not everyone fits into a set category of male and female, internally and externally. With activism I wish to educate the world and work to eliminate the labeling
game. The only thing on earth that should be labeled is the food I eat, and the clothes I wear."
---B, Vacaville (Solano County)

"I realized that it is hard enough being a youth since decisions are often made for you; it is much harder being a queer youth because people might not understand you and try to change you. I enjoy teaching others about my experiences and helping them understand that they can stand up for their rights."
---A, Garden Grove (Orange County)

back to top

+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++

*********************************************
1. Tomorrow!! Legally Blonde Benefit on January 25! (Bay Area)

Dust off your theatre glasses because Legally Blonde is tomorrow!

Last year, we brought you a private screening of RENT - The Movie...

This year, get ready for the WORLD PREMIERE of Legally Blonde - The Musical as it hits the stage of the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco!

The GSA Network would be honored to have you attend a very special evening with memorable music and dazzling dance as we celebrate the importance of being true to yourself.

Click here to buy a ticket now: http://www.gsanetwork.org/legallyblonde

Join us on January 25, 2007 at 8pm at the Golden Gate Theatre for the world premiere of Legally Blonde - The Musical and help us raise money for Gay-Straight Alliance Network, a non-profit organization devoted to empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight ally youth to organize and advocate for safer schools.

Legally Blonde - The Musical, based on the hit film, tells the story of sorority girl Elle Woods who doesn't take "no" for an answer. As she tackles Harvard Law with perky aplomb, she proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

To learn more about Legally Blonde - The Musical visit: http://www.shnsf.com/shows/show.asp?key=18&subkey=513

Your attendance helps support stronger youth-led Gay-Straight Alliance clubs in nearly 600 schools across California. And with multiple ticket prices, there is a level of contribution to suit almost any budget. Just click on the Buy a Ticket link to make your contribution and secure a ticket today.

back to top

*********************************************
2. Pre-Register for the Expression NOT Suppression Conference! (Central Valley)

Your Expression NOT Suppression Conference is only one month away. Make sure you and your GSA register online to attend the ENS Conference!

GSA Network's Expression NOT Suppression Conference is coming soon to the Central Valley. ENS is a FREE conference for LGBTQQI youth activists and their allies who are dedicated to defeating homophobia and transphobia, and creating safe and supportive schools for everyone. The target audience is high school & middle school students. Teachers & GSA advisors are welcome.

WHO: LGBTQQI youth activists & their allies
WHERE: 1343 East Barstow Avenue, Fresno, 93710
WHEN: Saturday, February 10, 11:00am-9:30pm
WHY: To meet other youth leaders, learn new skills, and share strength!
COST: Everything, including food, is FREE!
WHAT ELSE: Get down & dance with everyone you've just met at a special, youth-only dance at the same location – we will be
celebrating the Freedom to Marry movements and there will be a Drag Show as well – if you’d like to participate, contact us NOW!

The ENS Conference is a chance for LGBTQQI and straight ally youth to network and enjoy free workshops on activism and topics related to queer life.

Pre-register for the GSA Network's ENS Conference at http://www.gsanetwork.org/ens

For more info, email mailto:ens@gsanetwork.org or call 559-268-2780.

Don't forget, GSA Network is also looking for Conference Committee members! If you are interested, please contact Sara at mailto:sara@gsanetwork.org

back to top

*********************************************
3. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (San Jose)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!
This FREE event will be held on February 10 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. It includes breakfast and lunch!

So what is a GSA Network Leadership training?
Youth from various GSAs come together for a FUN, interactive, peer-to-peer training that provides students with the skills to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools. Led by other GSA leaders from around Northern California, the training will show students how to start and run a kick-ass GSA.

Topics include
* How to run a GSA meeting
* Outreach, membership building, and diversity
* Understanding gender and sexual orientation
* Understanding laws that protect LGBTQ youth in schools
* How to take action against slurs, harassment, and discrimination in your school.

Young people become activists because they respect themselves and other people too much to let anyone be treated like a second-class citizen. They believe in the basic worth of all human beings, including themselves. That's why so many students, including straight allies, are coming together to fight sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination at their schools. The goals of a student activism group include winning concrete improvements in people's lives, making students aware of their own power, and altering the relations of power. GSAs in California are leading the fight on social change and justice.

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.

WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, February 10 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Billy DeFrank Center
938 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
COST: Free!

GSA Network values the participation of adult allies in our fight against oppression and injustice in schools, and thus welcomes GSA Advisors and other adult allies to the leadership training. That being said, we ask that they help us to maintain the youth focus of this training.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact
* Marco Castro-Bojorquez, GSA Network Northern California Program Coordinator, at 415-552-4229 or mailto:marco@gsanetwork.org
* Cassie Blume, Youth Programs and Volunteer Coordinator, Billy DeFrank Center, at 408-293-3040 X 111 or mailto:youthprog@defrank.org

back to top

*********************************************
4. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (East LA/San Gabriel Valley)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on February 17, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It includes breakfast and lunch!

So what is a GSA Network Leadership training?
Youth from various GSAs come together for a FUN, interactive, peer-to-peer training that provides students with the skills to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools. Led by other GSA leaders from California, the training will show students how to start and run a kick-ass GSA.

Topics include
* How to run a GSA meeting
* Outreach, membership building, and diversity
* Understanding gender and sexual orientation
* Understanding laws that protect LGBTQ youth in schools
* How to take action against slurs, harassment, and discrimination in your school.

Young people become activists because they respect themselves and other people too much to let anyone be treated like a second-class citizen. They believe in the basic worth of all human beings, including themselves. That's why so many students, including straight allies, are coming together to fight sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination at their schools. The goals of a student activism group include winning concrete improvements in people's lives, making students aware of their own power, and altering the relations of power. GSAs in California are leading the fight on social and justice.

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.

WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, February 17, 2007, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Bienestar, La Casa LGBT Center
5301 E. Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90022
323-727-7897
COST: Free!

GSA Network values the participation of adult allies in our fight against oppression and injustice in schools, and thus welcomes GSA Advisors and other adult allies to the leadership training. That being said, we ask that they help us to maintain the youth focus of this training.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact
Carlos Cabrera, GSA Network Southern California Program Coordinator, at 213-534-7162 or mailto:carlos@gsanetwork.org

back to top

*********************************************
5. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!

Before you plan any events for your GSA, remember to register or re-register your group with GSA Network. Do it NOW to make sure you receive our student resource sheets, FREE posters, other resources, and notifications of future GSA Network or LGBT-related events. Please note that mailings will go out only to California GSAs in middle and high schools.

Register online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php

For more info, email Tanya Mayo at mailto:tanya@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229

back to top

*********************************************
6. Learn Great Skills as a GSA Network Intern! (San Francisco)

Intern call outs!

What's in it for you?
As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience working for California's most dynamic LGBTQ youth-led organization. You will gain invaluable insight about a mid-sized non-profit and GSA Network's particular organizational and organizing models. You will also learn a broad range of skills while providing program and/or administrative support.

back to top

*********************************************
7. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)

GSA Network is accepting applications for new Youth Council members.
Go to the website and apply: http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html

Southern California
For more info, email mailto:carlos@gsanetwork.org or call 213-534-7162.

Central Valley
For more info, email mailto:robin@gsanetwork.org or call 559-268-2780.

Northern California
For more info, email mailto:marco@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

back to top

++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events, resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of GSA Network.

Southern California
*********************************************
8. Free Movie Screening at Crossroads High School! (Santa Monica)

As part of the queer film series at Crossroads, sponsored by FLAG (our gay/straight alliance), we will be having our next movie screening of the year on
Wednesday, Jan. 31st , from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. We invite you to join us for a great event!

We'll be screening the wonderful, Academy-Award winning movie, The Times of Harvey Milk. (See description below). This movie is a MUST-SEE for anyone who considers themselves to be an activist on gay rights issues. We'll also be screening a great short gay boy film. the short film we're showing before our main feature is the very fun Ryan's Life.

Ryan's Life
Have you ever thought life would be a lot easier if you could take a test and find out whether you're gay or straight? High school student Ryan Harris certainly thinks so, as life at home, at school, and with friends, is getting more and more complicated, in this hilarious and touching comedy. This movie won the Audience Award for OutstandingShort Film at the LA Gay & Lesbian film festival.

All students and faculty from Gay/Straight alliances and their friends are welcome.   It's a great way to meet new friends, or see old ones. We had students from many different GSA's at our last film and good times were had by all!

The movie is FREE and free food and drinks will be provided! But please reply and let us know if you might come, so we have an idea of how much food to have ready. Directions are below. Please email us at mailto:flag2@xrds.org

NEWS FLASH!!! Instead of the usual pizza, this event will be CATERED by Urban Palate!!

Many thanks to LifeWorks Mentoring for co-sponsoring this event.

The Times of Harvey Milk
DIR: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0258531/ Rob Epstein, USA, 1984
Narrated by Harvey Fierstein

He was powerful, charismatic, compassionate and gay. After eleven months in office he was assassinated.
Academy Award winner The Times of Harvey Milk is the dramatic and moving story of the first openly gay person elected to political office in California - from his triumphant grass-roots campaign to his brutal assassination one year later by fellow San Francisco city supervisor Dan White. These events, and the "Twinkie defense" trial that followed, united an entire city - first in mourning, and then in violent rage.
A story of communities and values in conflict, told with humor and compassion, this gripping film builds to its climax with the intensity and inevitability of classic tragedy. And ultimately when the fires die down, it is a life-affirming testament to courage and hope.   A must-see for queer activists and allies.

Directions:
Crossroads is at 1714 21st St. in Santa Monica, at the corner of 21st St. and Olympic Blvd.
The screening room we're meeting in is on the 2nd floor of the Arts Building.
-When you turn onto 21st from Olympic, take an immediate right onto a driveway-looking street and find a place to park.
-You'll see our "quad" which looks like a parking lot or an alley, and which we call (of course) the alley. Walk to the end of the alley to the tall building on the left, enter and climb the stairs to the 2nd floor. You will see people.

back to top

*********************************************
9. LGBTQ Youth Prom (Los Angeles)

This annual event is held in May of each year at the Friendship Auditorium in Los Angeles (near Griffith Park). This year's prom will be held on Friday, May 18, 2007.

Prepaid tickets are $30 and tickets bought at the door at $40, which includes free parking, dinner, beverages, DJ, and live entertainment. For more information about our programs please contact us at: mailto:project10@hotmail.com or 626.577.4553.

back to top

*********************************************
10. Get Involved with the Family Acceptance Project!

FAP ia a research project that is developing family education materials in several languages for the family members of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth; these materials will be based on our project findings from the past three years along with the feedback we are now in the process of collecting from family members.

FAP is a participatory research and education project of the César E. Chávez Institute at San Francisco State University developed in 2002 to help increase family support for LGBT young people. FAP includes the first major study of LGBT adolescents and their parents to be conducted throughout California. The project is beginning to develop a series of educational, assessment and training materials to help strengthen families, and increase support for LGBT youth and improve the quality of care they receive.

For those who call-in and qualify we will arrange a time and place that is convenient for participants to hold the presentation. The project is open to all and can go beyond the community at Project 10 or LAUSD.

Also, all those who participate in a 2 hour project presentation session will be paid a $50 cash stipend for their time and any feedback they care to offer the project. We are also paying $25 a piece to all those who refer someone into the project, who qualifies and completes a session.

For more information:
-All those interested can call our project toll free at (888) 354-4222
-Visit our website http://familyproject.sfsu.edu
-Email us at mailto:fap@sfsu.edu

back to top

Northern California
*********************************************
11. LYRIC: This Week in After School Program (San Francisco)

Wednesday, January 24th

Youth Speaks
From the day to day drama of our school and family lives, to the larger issues of social and economic injustice, we all struggle. In this poetry and Spoken Word workshop, we will use our words as weapons and tools for change. Come prepared to begin fighting back!

Thursday, January 25th

Who's Got Power?
An interactive workshop addressing the interconnection of oppressions in the Castro (Class, Race, Gender/Gender Expression, Sexuality) and how it affects your day-to-day life.

Friday, January 26th

Movie Night!
Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin

Brother Outsider relies on archival film footage and interviews to offer an incisive portrait of political activist Bayard Rustin. Although his name lacks the familiarity of other major Civil Rights leaders, the film shows that he nonetheless played a central role in the movement's seminal events during the 1950s and '60s. He traveled to Montgomery in 1956 during the bus boycotts where he advised Martin Luther King on non-violence, and served as the central organizer for the March on Washington in 1963. Rustin's political liabilities, however, often kept him out of the spotlight. He was a conscientious objector during World War II and, for a short time, belonged to the Communist Party. More problematic, however, was Rustin's homosexuality. His political enemies used his sexual orientation to neutralize him, while his political allies often shunned him because of it. Rustin also advocated for nuclear non-proliferation, and traveled to the Algerian Sahara to protest the first French nuclear test in 1960. Brother Outsider includes ample footage of Rustin himself, adding an autobiographical aspect to this feisty portrait.

For more information, contact Jaedon at mailto:Jaedon@lyric.org

back to top

*********************************************
12. One Day Summit for Girls and Young Women of African Descent! (Sacramento)

In Celebration of Black History Month we are pleased to present another one day summit for Girls and Young Women of African Descent entitled: 2007 Growing Wiser, Stronger and Informed II with featured Keynote Speaker, Founder and Editorial Director of BlackGirl Magazine and Fashion Designer Kenya Jordana James. At the age of 13 years old she created Blackgirl in response to the scarcity of publications targeting her generation. She wanted a publication that would not only feature fashion and entertainment but also history, education and culture. Since its' inception Blackgirl Magazine has featured interviews with everyone from Hip Hop Stars, to Lauryn Hill, to A'Lelia P. Bundles, the great granddaughter of Madame C.J. Walker. She has also appeared on Oprah and other television shows and magazines.

This summit is for girls and young women of African Descent between the ages of 13 to 26. This summit is designed to inform our youth about the state of African American youth in education, Health Care, Mental Health, Justice System, Parenthood, Sisterhood, Relationships, Self Development and much more… But most of all this summit is about youth changing the direction of the world by developing and implementing positive solutions and campaigns. There will also be a special performance by Bay Area Dance Company-Yemaya Dancers as well as honoring some local community women who continues to make a difference in youth lives. There will be workshops for adult women over 26 who work and are concerned about our youth.

This summit will be held on: Saturday, February 10, 2007
Robert Family Development Center
770 Darina * Sacramento, California
8:30 am to 4:00 pm, $25.00 per person

Scholarship Are Available

We need your support as we are offering scholarships to everyone who wants to attend. We anticipate about a 200 girls and young women to attend. We are providing transportation as well as breakfast, lunch and materials.

Please contact RoLanda Wilkins at 736-3637 if you have any questions or comments.

back to top

*********************************************
13. Richmond Village Beacon Computer and Studying Resources (Richmond)

The Richmond Village Beacon, Real World Program: A Life Skills Program for 18-25 Year Olds is having a Computer 411: Professional Development Class where you will learn how to make a website, learn how to use PowerPoint and Excel, and maintain your hard drive. It's only four weeks long and once you complete the program, you will earn a $25 gift certificate to Best Buy.

Participate in our Study Lounge in the Richmond District's Zephers Café where you can access a tutor for your basic college courses. Each time you show up you can get a free cup of coffee or tea!

If you are interested, call to sign up to register at (415) 750-8554 or visit our website http://www.rvbeacon.org/

Attached to this email are flyers for the Computer 411 and for the Study Lounge so please forward these flyers to your clients or to any young people you know.

back to top

National
*********************************************
14. 50 Under 30 Public Education Campaign

Gender-Based Violence: In Our Classrooms and Communities

Since 1995, more than 50 youth and young adults, ages 30 and unders have died in an under-reported tide of violence in attacks that targeted them because they didn't fit stereotypes for masculinity or femininity -- because of their gender identity or gender expression. 92% were Black or Latina, and most of them were gay or transgender. Most were biologically male and killed by young males their own age, often in attacks of profound violence. One-third of the victims are teens. They are young people who are in our classrooms - or were forced out of school because of merciless bullying and harassment.

The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition documents this epidemic that continues to claim another young life every 2-3 months in a new report, 50 Under 30: Masculinity and the War on America's Youth. Youth and educators have a unique role to play in stopping gender-based bullying and its escalation into fatal assaults through early intervention, education and prevention. To learn more about the 50 Under 30 public education campaign - and what you can do in our classrooms and communities to help stem this tide of violence - visit http://www.50under30.org.

back to top

Scholarships
*********************************************
15. Models of Excellence Scholarship

This competition is open to any senior high school student who is graduating from a California senior high school and who has demonstrated a commitment to LGBT civil rights.

The student needs to provide evidence that he/she is going on to some form of higher education. Awards of $1,000 and $500 are given at a scholarship dinner in June 2007.

Applications are on the http://www.modelsofpride.org Web site.

back to top

*********************************************
16. COLAGE and Horizons Foundation Scholarships

Scholarships for Undergraduate Students with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender parent/s.

COLAGE is pleased to announce a new partnership with Horizons Foundation to offer four $1,000 scholarships to support the undergraduate studies of students with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender parents. The application deadline is April 20th, 2007.

COLAGE and Horizons Foundation will award four scholarships to children of LGBT parents through two funds honoring gay fathers Lee Dubin and Joseph Towner. Each scholarship will provide $1,000 to post-secondary students with one or more LGBT parent(s)/guardian(s) who have demonstrated ability and commitment to effecting change in the LGBT community and the community at large.

Lee Dubin Memorial Fund
Some of the most powerful members of the LGBT community are the children of LGBT parents who have grown up being nurtured and supported by this community and are now part of a whole generation of people who have the power to create dramatic change in the world. Through college scholarships, we aim to honor this power and celebrate the unique experiences and achievements of our families. Students who are actively working to combat homophobia and increase positive awareness of LGBT families are strongly encouraged to apply.

Joseph Towner Fund
Relationships among LGBT parents and their children that successfully overcome societal pressures are strong and vibrant role models for the LGBT community. Access to emotional and financial support can be a crucial factor in meeting such challenges. The purpose of the fund is to award scholarships to post-secondary students who have at least one LGBT parent residing in one of the nine Bay Area counties. Scholarships are awarded for tuition and/or cost of books. Students who feel they have overcome challenges in their life are strongly encouraged to apply.

Guidelines
The same guidelines and application process apply to both funds. Although only students with one LGBT parents residing in the nine-county Bay Area can qualify for the Joseph Towner awards.

· Four grants of $1,000 each will be awarded.
· Awards will be granted by the Scholarship Committee, which is made up of volunteers who are LGBT parents and adult children of LGBT parents.
· The sponsoring organizations would like to encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. COLAGE and Horizons Foundation do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, physical ability, class, sexual orientation, age, gender, or type of LGBT family.
· People who are active community participants are encouraged to apply.
· Board or staff members, and their family members, are not eligible.
· Applicants must be willing to be named publicly in association with COLAGE, Horizons Foundation, and the Scholarship Program.
· Applicants with demonstrated economic need are encouraged to apply.

Requirements
Applicants must:
-Have one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender parent(s)/guardian(s).
-Be enrolled in an accredited postsecondary institution. No graduate level or higher applicants please.
-Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

The application is available online at http://www.colage.org/scholarship.html extremely soon!

Questions?
Contact COLAGE at 415-861-KIDS (5437) or mailto:colage@colage.org.

COLAGE engages, connects, and empowers people to make the world a better place for children of LGBT parents and families. Through community building, youth empowerment, public education, and political advocacy at local, regional, and national levels, COLAGE plays an active role in creating a safe, just world for all children and families.

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Horizons Foundation serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community by making grants, strengthening LGBT organizations and leadership, and increasing philanthropic giving.

back to top

News
********************************************
17. NEWS: School Safety a Priority

School Safety a Priority
Board Clarifies Harassment
By Jeff Hudson
Davis Enterprise
January 18, 2007

The Davis school board faces a marathon four-hour agenda for its regular meeting Thursday night, touching on issues relating to harassment, construction of a new building for King High School, and some extra teaching positions to support the academic program at Emerson Junior High, where enrollment has declined.

Thursday's meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the Community Chambers at Davis City Hall, 23 Russell Blvd. The meeting will be carried live on Davis cable Channel 17.

The board will consider four revised policies dealing with unlawful harassment of employees and students. According to the agenda packet, "the intent of these changes for secondary schools (junior high and high school) would be to move (certain) offenses that violate civil rights to a more strongly emphasized category, with associated options of consequences. A similar emphasis and change would occur in the elementary school section" of district policy.

In some instances, the proposed policies have additional language - for instance, in a definition of one kind of unlawful harassment, the word "resisted" was add to the phrase "retaliation for having resisted, reported or threatened to report harassment."

In other instances, words were substituted. In another definition of unlawful harassment, a prohibition on unwanted "comments or epithets" was changed to "unwelcome jokes, stories, teasing or taunting."

"The board just received the policy very late last night, so we're still reviewing the documents," school board trustee Gina Daleiden told The Enterprise this morning. "I think it's clear that we're concerned for the safety of our students and we want to make sure our policies support our schools in providing a healthy campus climate."

The proposed policies come on the heels of several recent incidents at Harper Junior High.

In November, a $100,000 claim was filed against the school district by attorney Bruce Nickerson on behalf of the family of a Harper eighth-grader who was subjected to anti-gay harassment at school. That student is still being kept home by his father, who says his son does not feel safe at school.

In December, attorney Nickerson said he was about to file a second claim - also relating to anti-gay harassment - on behalf of another family with a student at Harper.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.davisenterprise.com/articles/2007/01/17/news/349new1.txt

back to top

*********************************************
18. NEWS: Majority of Freshmen View Gay Marriage As OK

Majority of Freshmen View Gay Marriage As OK
Study of college students at 393 schools finds 61% approve of same-sex matrimony. Percentage described as politically moderate hits new low.
By Francisco Vara-Orta
LA Times
January 19, 2007

USC freshman Jarod Wunneburger views 2006 as a breakthrough year for the gay community, with the popularity of Oscar-nominated films such as "Brokeback Mountain" and "Transamerica" and the public debate over states banning same-sex marriage.

So to Wunneburger, a UCLA report released today about the attitudes of college freshmen nationwide came as no surprise. Acceptance of same-sex marriage grew from 2005 to 2006.

The study found that 61% of incoming freshmen last year agreed that same-sex couples should have the right to marriage, up 3.3 percentage points from 2005.
Based on a paper questionnaire given to 271,441 first-time, full-time college students at 393 schools nationwide in 2006, the annual survey was conducted as part of the Cooperative Institutional Research Program under UCLA's Higher Education Research Institute. The researchers statistically adjusted the data to reflect the demographics of the 1.3 million incoming freshmen entering four-year schools throughout the U.S. in 2006.

The findings on gay issues reflected the experiences of Wunneburger, 18, a sociology major who works at USC's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center.

"Most students here don't have a problem with people being open about their sexuality," said Wunneburger, who recalled the acceptance he felt after coming out to a Christian campus group he recently joined. "I think most people my age know being gay is something out there and are more open to accepting it."

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-freshmen19jan19,1,5782397.story?coll=la-news-politics-california

back to top

January 17, 2007

In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:

GSA Network Highlight
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day an Opportunity for Education and Coalition-Building
Go directly to GSA Network highlight

GSA Network Announcements
1. This Weekend - GSA Network Leadership Training! (Concord)
2. Legally Blonde Benefit on January 25! (Bay Area)
3. Pre-Register for the Expression NOT Suppression Conference! (Central Valley)
4. Now Available! Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 Leader Applications!
5. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!
6. GSA Network is Seeking a Winter Intern! (San Francisco)
7. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)
Go directly to GSA Network announcements

Other Announcements
Southern California
8. Teaching Respect for All Training (San Diego)
9. Get Involved with the Family Acceptance Project!
Go directly to Southern California listings

Northern California
10. Free Showing of The Devil Wears Prada (San Jose)
11. LGBTQ Speakers Bureau Training Accepting Applications (San Francisco)
12. Youth Empowerment Conference (San Francisco)
13. Call for Submissions for Myth Busting Zine!! (Bay Area)
14. Apply for the Youth Team! (San Francisco)
15. "The Laramie Project" at Castro Valley High School! (Castro Valley)
16. Children United by Experience Showcase (Oakland)
Go directly to Northern California listings

National
17. Free Information from the Human Rights Campaign's Coming Out Project
Go directly to National listings

Scholarships
18. Point Foundation Scholarships Now Available!
Go directly to Scholarships listings

Jobs
19. Program Coordinator-HIV Prevention with Youth (Mountain View)
20. Love and Justice Program Intern (San Francisco)
Go directly to Jobs listings

+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day an Opportunity for Education and Coalition-Building

The federal bill that officially recognized Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday was signed into law by President Reagan on November 2, 1983 after intense Congressional pressure. Initially opposed to the bill, Reagan finally relented after a veto-proof majority in Congress passed the King Day Bill. The bill’s signing into law was lauded as a great success for peace and social justice activists, who for years had lobbied Congress (and the public) to officially recognize one of the greatest forces of the Civil Rights Movement. Indeed, according to a 2006 article in The Nation, more than 6 million signatures were collected in favor of the national holiday, deemed to be "the largest petition in favor of an issue in US history.”

The movement to have Dr. King’s birthday, legacy, and collaborative achievements recognized is an example of the impact that passionate, organized activism can have. As young activists who are struggling on your respective campuses to achieve a safe environment for all students, what can you do to honor and uphold the legacy that Dr. King represents?

One possibility would be to work extra hard to understand the different intersections of oppressions and how they function both on and outside of your campuses. You can do this through inviting different student groups on your campus to hold anti-racism/anti-oppression workshops in your GSA. These workshops can be in the form of student panels where different experiences are discussed and then followed by dialogue, for example, and then talk about how racism plagues the LGBTQ community.

Another thing you can do to build an anti-oppression GSA is to build coalitions with other student groups. If your GSA builds coalitions with other student groups that are focused on building diversity on your campus, not only will your broaden your GSA’s understanding of oppression, but you may also pick up some very important straight people of color allies. If you encourage both queer and straight people of color to join your GSA and educate them (and yourselves) accordingly, your campus will definitely reap the benefits.

Finally, also think about holding events on your campus aimed at promoting awareness around issues of race, sexuality, gender, color, etc. (You might even want to do these as a coalition!) A poetry slam, for example, never fails to get a crowd’s attention; neither does a musical performance, a movie screening, or a volunteer drive. Your GSA could also honor the different LGBTQ people of color who had a seminal impact on the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s by posting up flyers with their achievements. (Start with Bayard Rustin, for example, the often-overlooked principal organizer of the 1963 March on Washington.) The possibilities for collaboration, education, and peace-building are endless.

Remember that your GSA’s opportunity to understand and take action against all forms of oppression should take place year-round. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what’s right.

Remember Dr. King’s immortal words in Letter from a Birmingham Jail: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

back to top

+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++

*********************************************
1. This Weekend - GSA Network Leadership Training! (Concord)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on January 20 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. It includes breakfast and lunch!

So what is a GSA Network Leadership training?
Youth from various GSAs come together for a FUN, interactive, peer-to-peer training that provides students with the skills to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools. Led by other GSA leaders from around Northern California, the training will show students how to start and run a kick-ass GSA.

Topics include
* How to run a GSA meeting
* Outreach, membership building, and diversity
* Understanding gender and sexual orientation
* Understanding laws that protect LGBTQ youth in schools
* How to take action against slurs, harassment, and discrimination in your school.

Young people become activists because they respect themselves and other people too much to let anyone be treated like a second-class citizen. They believe in the basic worth of all human beings, including themselves. That's why so many students, including straight allies, are coming together to fight sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination at their schools. The goals of a student activism group include winning concrete improvements in people's lives, making students aware of their own power, and altering the relations of power. GSAs in California are leading the fight on social change and justice.

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.

WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, January 20, 2007, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
WHERE: Rainbow Community Center
3024 Willow Pass Rd. Suite. 200
Concord, CA 94519
COST: Free!

GSA Network values the participation of adult allies in our fight against oppression and injustice in schools, and thus welcomes GSA Advisors and other adult allies to the leadership training. That being said, we ask that they help us to maintain the youth focus of this training.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact
* Marco Castro-Bojorquez, GSA Network Northern California Program Coordinator, at 415-552-4229 or mailto:marco@gsanetwork.org
* Michelle D. Herrera, Youth Director, Rainbow Community Center, at 925-692-0090 or mailto:youthdirector@rainbowcc.org

back to top

*********************************************
2. Legally Blonde Benefit on January 25! (Bay Area)

Last year, we brought you a private screening of RENT - The Movie...

This year, get ready for the WORLD PREMIERE of Legally Blonde - The Musical as it hits the stage of the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco!

The GSA Network would be honored to have you attend a very special evening with memorable music and dazzling dance as we celebrate the importance of being true to yourself.

Click here to buy a ticket now: http://www.gsanetwork.org/legallyblonde

Join us on January 25, 2007 at 8pm at the Golden Gate Theatre for the world premiere of Legally Blonde - The Musical and help us raise money for Gay-Straight Alliance Network, a non-profit organization devoted to empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight ally youth to organize and advocate for safer schools.

Legally Blonde - The Musical, based on the hit film, tells the story of sorority girl Elle Woods who doesn't take "no" for an answer. As she tackles Harvard Law with perky aplomb, she proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

To learn more about Legally Blonde - The Musical visit: http://www.shnsf.com/shows/show.asp?key=18&subkey=513

Your attendance helps support stronger youth-led Gay-Straight Alliance clubs in nearly 600 schools across California. And with multiple ticket prices, there is a level of contribution to suit almost any budget. Just click on the Buy a Ticket link to make your contribution and secure a ticket today.

back to top

*********************************************
3. Pre-Register for the Expression NOT Suppression Conference! (Central Valley)

Your Expression NOT Suppression Conference is only one month away. Make sure you and your GSA register online to attend the ENS Conference!

GSA Network's Expression NOT Suppression Conference is coming soon to the Central Valley. ENS is a FREE conference for LGBTQQI youth activists and their allies who are dedicated to defeating homophobia and transphobia and creating safe and supportive schools for everyone. The target audience is high school & middle school students. Teachers & GSA advisors are welcome.

WHO: LGBTQQI youth activists & their allies
WHERE: 1343 East Barstow Avenue, Fresno, 93710
WHEN: Saturday, February 10, 11:00am-9:30pm
WHY: To meet other youth leaders, learn new skills, and share strength!
COST: Everything, including food, is FREE!
WHAT ELSE: Get down & dance with everyone you've just met at a special, youth-only dance at the same location – we will be
celebrating the Freedom to Marry movements and there will be a Drag Show as well – if you’d like to participate, contact us NOW!

The ENS Conference is a chance for LGBTQQI and straight ally youth to network and enjoy free workshops on activism and topics related to queer life.

Pre-register for the GSA Network's ENS Conference at http://www.gsanetwork.org/ens

For more info, email mailto:ens@gsanetwork.org or call 559-268-2780.

Don't forget, GSA Network is also looking for Conference Committee members! If you are interested, please contact Sara at mailto:sara@gsanetwork.org

back to top

*********************************************
4. Now Available! Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 Leader Applications!

APPLY TO BECOME A LEADER AT QUEER YOUTH ADVOCACY DAY 2007!!!

GSA Network is looking for youth activists from all over California to step up and lead the way on March 26 in Sacramento. If you are a young activist interested in policy advocacy, community organizing, lobbying, and/or safer schools, please apply to become an Advocacy Day Leader.

An Advocacy Day Leader is a young person (ages 24 & under) who will train other youth participants at Queer Youth Advocacy Day and lead individual lobbying visits. By being a Leader, you will facilitate conversations between young people and lawmakers. You will help to make sure youth voices get heard!

All Leaders will receive an intensive, all-day training on Sunday, March 25. Leaders must spend March 24-26 in Sacramento. GSA Network will make no-cost arrangements for Leaders who need assistance with travel and housing in Sacramento.

To apply, visit http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad and fill out the application form. Deadline for application is February 12. Applicants will be notified via email of the final selection by February 21.

Queer Youth Advocacy Day is a youth-led day of lobbying, advocacy training, and educational workshops at the Capitol in Sacramento on March 26, 2007. It's a super opportunity for hundreds of CA youth activists just like you to unite and educate lawmakers on the needs of LGBTQ youth and what is needed to end harassment and discrimination in school. This event is co-sponsored by GSA Network and Equality California.

For more information, please contact Lai-San Seto, GSA Network's Advocacy Coordinator, at mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org or 415-552-4229.

For more info, email Tanya Mayo at mailto:tanya@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229

back to top

*********************************************
6. GSA Network is Seeking a Winter Intern! (San Francisco)

Intern call outs!

What's in it for you?
As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience working for California's most dynamic LGBTQ youth-led organization. You will gain invaluable insight about a mid-sized non-profit and GSA Network's particular organizational and organizing models. You will also learn a broad range of skills while providing program and/or administrative support.

Southern California
For more info, email mailto:carlos@gsanetwork.org