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 Effective Strategies Youths Give Advice for Future Leaders in American Schools GLSEN Inaugurates Innovative Safe Schools Action Network |
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Compiled By GayToday
When asked, "If you were graduating today, what words of advice would you have for future student leaders?" Gay-Straight Alliance leaders responded: "Make members of the GSA feel that they are an integral part of the group.... if people have individual responsibilities they are more likely to show up and be excited every week" - Elizabeth, Hartford High School (Vermont) "Make your goals clear in the beginning, and stick to those goals. Every once in a while reassess what your events are and make sure they further your group goals." - Becky (Massachusetts) "Keep your club active and visible in the community. It is important that the community sees that you are not a 'sex club' and that you are sincere in your desire to strengthen the community as a whole." - Brianna, Amador High School (California) "Set group goals together. If group member's hopes for the group aren't being met, they won't remain active." - Heather (Virginia) "I would say to always remember to take things seriously, but HAVE FUN!!! Sometimes I think things get too serious and you need to keep them fun and light at the same time so you keep peoples interest event after event." - Courtney (Virginia) "Do not try to do too many things at once. Plan what you want to do or hope to achieve and then give it a lot of time to develop. (Party, fundraiser, etc.)" - Jon, El Camino High School (California) " Have fun at your meetings. Icebreakers or group activities are great ways to get everyone involved and interested. Try to get everyone involved. A group does not work if one or two people dominate. If the group is more fluid and less rigid, everyone is happy. Stick to your schedule. Whether your group is very laid back and hangs out or participates in national campaigns and provides community service, you have some sort of schedule. It could be huge or only involve making intercom announcements before meetings. Either way, I think sticking to the schedule helps you as a leader to stay on task and helps the group to meet its goals" - Anonymous Student " In my experience as a GSA Leader, the number one thing about have a successful GSA is just having one. The presence of a group that supports and facilitates a safe and comforting environment for youths of all sexual orientations in a high school setting is just incredible!" -Jason (Massachusetts) "Stay inclusive and educated. Try to include everyone, but don't be half-assed about it. If you're going to include transgender and/or intersex folk under your banner then know what it means to be doing so and keep conscious of it. Also, remember that including bisexuals means more than just adding them to the list as well, you need to remain conscious of the different issues that each group has." - Adam Free, 18 (Iowa) "Never drop an idea because it isn't good; one small idea can blossom and evolve into a great project. Keep those ideas in the back of your head." -Pandora, Dickinson College (Pennsylvania) " Everyone has a different reason for being involved. Try to get to know what their reasons are." - Joe Hecht, Cornell College (Iowa) "If you are a leader of a GSA or similar group, one thing you should remember, is to keep the privacy of all involved with the group as a sign of respect (if people want to find out what we talk about they should come to a meeting), another is to allow all people in the group an equal opportunity to express opinions concerns etc. (don't have just one person take over the entire meeting)." - Anthony R. Colin (California) "ALWAYS plan your meetings ahead of time; advertise constantly; focus on projects" -Melissa, Analy High School (California) "Keep all information talked about in meetings private; provide a warm, caring environment; and be there for everyone" - Jen GLSEN's New Safe Schools Action Network
In launching the Safe Schools Action Network, GLSEN has become the first grassroots organization in the country with the online capacity to target individual school district superintendents. This first-of-a-kind feature makes it possible to reach superintendents in communities where GLSEN chapters or other safe schools groups have yet to form. Other highlights include:
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Washington, D.C.--The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has
published commentaries by student leaders in Gay-Straight Alliances that have formed
in the nation's high schools. GLSEN has also inaugurated a unique "Safe Schools
Action Network."
