Date: Tue, 19 Aug 1997 16:41:02 -0700 From: richter@eecs.berkeley.edu (Jean Richter) Subject: 8/19/97 P.E.R.S.O.N. Project news 1. LGBT youth web rings 2. APA discredits "reparative therapy" 3. 1997-98 GLSEN internships ======================================================== From: "David Mariner" Organization: Advocates for Youth Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 13:24:59 +1100, EST Subject: new web rings. Two New Web Rings... I've started two new web rings for glbt youth. Campus Links: is a web ring for college and university glbt organizations. Currently there are 8 participating campus groups. Queer Youth Web Ring: is for homepages of glbt youth. Currently there are 7 queer youth homepages in the ring. Info on either ring can be accessed through our main page: http://members.aol.com/ouryouth/ Thanks! -David ----------------------------------------------------------- David Mariner - Legislative Associate - Advocates for Youth 1025 Vermont Ave - Suite 200 - Washington DC 20005 202-783-4165 ext 38 (w) 202-347-2263 (f) 202-986-6049 (h) home: http://members.aol.com/marinerdc/index.html marinerdc@aol.com CHECK OUT THE GLBT YOUTH RESOURCE DIRECTORY http://members.aol.com/ouryouth/ ============================================================== Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 11:13:41 -0700 From: "Michael Grantham" Subject: APA Further Discredits 'Reparative Therapy' ________________________________________________________ NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign 1101 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 email: hrc@hrc.org WWW: http://www.hrc.org ________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, Aug. 14, 1997 AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION RESOLUTION ON `REPARATIVE THERAPY' DELIVERS A BLOW TO ADHERENTS, HRC ASSERTS Psychologists Overwhelmingly Pass Resolution at National Convention in Chicago WASHINGTON -- The American Psychological Association today passed a resolution that represents a serious setback to proponents of so-called "reparative" or "conversion" therapy, according to the Human Rights Campaign. "These therapies amount to nothing more than psychological terrorism and are usually performed by practitioners who harbor intense bias against gay people," said David M. Smith, HRC's senior strategist. "These practitioners usually are affiliated with extremist religious groups that promote the illusion that sexual orientation can be changed to further their political aims." The resolution, which passed overwhelmingly at the APA convention in Chicago, asserts that there is no sound scientific evidence on the efficacy of these therapies. So-called reparative therapy seeks to convert gay people to heterosexuality, which many mental health professionals agree cannot be done. Some have compared these techniques to efforts to make some left-handed people right-handed; they may learn to use their right hands but they still are innately left-handed. Supporters of reparative therapy demanded that the APA make a statement on these therapies because they have been under intensive debate within the profession and in the larger society. "This resolution reaffirms the fact that since there is nothing wrong with homosexuality, there is no reason that gay, lesbian or bisexual people should try to change their orientations," said Kim Mills, another HRC spokesperson. "We stand with the APA in calling for an end to discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation." The resolution strongly reaffirms that homosexuality is not a mental illness and that psychologists must not "participate in or condone discriminatory practices with sexual minority clients." In addition, the APA resolution calls on psychologists to "respect the rights of individuals, including sexual minority clients, to privacy, confidentiality, self-determination and autonomy." And it directs psychologists to obtain appropriate informed consent to therapy when working with sexual minority clients, including minors. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. -30- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This message was broadcast to hundreds of LGBT campus groups from the National Coming Out Project at the Human Rights Campaign to inform students about important LGBT issues. If your group would like to receive these posts or be taken off the list, email NCOP@hrc.org with your request. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ============================================================================ From: GLSTNAlert@aol.com Date: Tue, 19 Aug 1997 13:39:48 -0400 (EDT) Subject: GLSEN Internships 1997-98 Please find information about our new 1997-98 internship opportunities below. We still have a couple of opportunities available for this fall (both full and part-time) and "late applications" are still being accepted. GLSEN Internships 1997-98 To: All GLSEN Members/ Supporters From: Kevin Jennings Re: Availability of 1997-98 internships. GLSEN Internships Help End Homophobia in Schools With a GLSEN Internship "This internship was absolutely incredible! I was given the opportunity to work on concrete projects that are integral to GLSEN's sucess -- it amazes me that an intern can briefly become one of GLSEN's most important people! One of the best things about this experience was the thought that the staff had given to utilizing my particular skills and abilities to design an experience that benefitted both me and GLSEN." --Asha Leong 1997 Summer Field Services Intern "GLSEN interns are an integral part of our GLSEN team. Their contributions and insights are invaluable, and have a real impact on our work." --Kevin Jennings GLSEN Executive Director About the Internship Some Common Questions. . . What positions are available? GLSEN offers internships in a variety of departments. These include: Filed Services: Advocacy and Public Policy: In-School Programming; Development; Communications; and Special Projects. Internships may be a single semester, or for the entire year. They may be full-time or part-time, although full-time interns are preferred. Field Services Associate Description This intern will work with the Field Director to manage GLSEN's network of over sixty local chapters. The Field Service Associate will help do community organizing by facilitating communication between Chapters and the National office, assisting the Field Director in developing publications, and coordinating the distribution of National-Chapter communiques. Skills/Requirements Applicants must be organized and have the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Strong written and verbal skills are a must, and experience with Macintosh environments, email, and the world wide web are important. Experience with progressive community-based volunteer organizations and/or gay/lesbian issues in education will be very helpful. Note: Beginning in Janaury 1998, Field Service internships will be offered through our San Francisco office as well as in New York. Development Associate Description This intern will work with the Director of Development to identify and pursue funding for GLSEN's work. The Development Associate will assist the Director on a variety of fundraising endeavors, including events, foundation and corporate grants, direct mail, and individual gifts. This position offers those interested in a career in the not-for-profit world the opportunity to develop marketable skills and also provides valuable experience for those who wish to understand how to find the resources for their own projects and ideas. Skills/Requirements "People skills" are a must for this position, as is the ability to handle sensitive and delicate situations. Applicants must be organized and have the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. As with all itnernships, strong written and verbal skills are a must. Communications Associate Description This intern will work on both internal and external communications to educate both our memberships and the public about GLSEN's work. Tasks will include development of in-house publications such as the GLSEN newsletter, maintenance of our web site (http://www.glsen.org/) and on-line communications, development of professional materials for our publications catalogue, and work with print and electronic media to promote GLSEN's visibility and to use the media as a tool for advocacy on LGB issues. Skills/Requirements As might seem obvious, communication skills are a high priority here: strong written and verbal skills are a must. Applicants must be organized and have the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Familiarity with the worldwide web, Macintosh computer envrionments, desktop publishing programs such as Quark, and other computer-related skills are strong advantages. Advocacy and Public Policy Associate Description: This intern will work on projects designed to change the climate in our communities so that LGB issues might be more easily addressed in schools. Tasks will include outreach to mainstream education and LGBT community organizations, research and development concerning legislative and policy initiatives, and developing communication strategies to "spread the word" on these issues. Skills/Requirements: The ability to do both library and Internet-based research is a must for this position, as are strong written and verbal skills and familiarity with a Macintosh environment. Sensitivity to legislative and political dynamics would also be a plus, as will be familiarity with mainstream education and LGB community organizations. In-School Programming Associate Description: This intern will work to develop and promote materials for use directly in schools. Tasks will include publication development, provision of resources to individuals and schools, and technical assistance to Gay-Straight Student Alliances through our Student Pride Project. Skills/Requirements: Familiarity with K-12 education issues is a must, as are strong written and verbal skills and familiarity with a Macintosh environment. Special Projects Description: Special Project interns tend to fall into two categories: those for whom a regular presence in the GLSEN offices in new York and San Francisco is impossible, who work on projects that can be carried out from remote locations (usually of a research nature); and those who have a project for which they re are seeking academic credit. 1996-97 special project interns, for example, worked on a redesign of our web site and a research projects on school board races. Skills/Requirements: Given that these projects often are carried out without much direct supervision from staff, Special Project interns must posses strong project management skills, an entrepreneurial outlook, and the ability to work independently. As with all internships, strong written and verbal skills are a must. When will I work? Full-time interns work during regular GLSEN office hours (9-6, Monday-Friday), and some weekend work may be required as projects dictate. Part-time interns work out their schedules with their supervisors. Interns must be able to start on or before the latest start date and end no earlier than the earliest end date for the internship (see schedules and deadlines). Where will I work? You will work in the GLSEN National office on West 27th Street in New York City or, beginning in Janaury 1998, at our field office on Mission Street in San Francisco. Room and board can not be provided by GLSEN. What will I make? The internship will pay $200 weekly for full-time interns, and commensurate for time worked for part-time interns. Higher salaries are may be possible for students eligible for the Federal Work-Study program, and students eligible for Federal Work Study are encouraged to apply. GLSEN will also work with academic institutions in order to design programs for which interns may receive academic credit. How do I get this internship? If interested, submit a letter of interest that explains why you want a particular internship and what skills you would bring to it (please be specific about computer skills), your resume, and two letters of reference. Please also indicate if there are other positions of interest should this internship not be available to you. Note application deadlines below: applicants are free to contact us after these deadlines, but need to keep in mind that desired positions will be filled by the dates noted here should qualified individuals apply. Schedules and Deadlines Application Due Notification Start Date End Date Fall 1997 Aug. 1 Aug. 15 Sept. 15 December 10 Winter 1998 Nov. 1 Nov. 15 Jan. 2 January 30 Spring 1998 Nov. 15 Dec. 1 Feb. 2 May 15 Summer 1998 April 17 May 1 June 1 August 25 Mail or Fax Applications To: GLSEN Internship Program 121 West 27th Street, Set. 804 New York, NY 10001 fax: 212-727-0254 email: GLSTN@GLSTN.org In-person and/or phone interviews will be conducted with finalists. All applicants will be notified of their application status on or before the notification date (see schedules and deadlines). Room and Board are not included in the internship. GLSEN can not find apartments for interns. About GLSEN The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is the only national organization of gay and straight teachers and community members working to end homophobia in K-12 schools. Founded in the Boston area in 1990, GLSEN today has over sixty local chapters. GLSEN is a community-based organization that works to create change through advocacy, in-school programming, and community organizing. Mission Statement The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected, regardless of sexual orientation. We believe that such an atmosphere engenders a positive sense of self, which is the basis of educational achievement and personal growth. Since homophobia and heterosexism undermine a healthy school climate, we work to educate teachers, students, and the public at large about the damaging effects these forces have on youth and adults alike. We recognize that forces such as racism and sexism have similarly adverse impacts on communities, and we support schools in seeking to redress all such inequities. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes in creating a more vibrant and diverse community. We welcome as members any and all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or occupation, who are committed to seeing this philosophy realized in K-12 schools. The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. Members of groups historically under-represented in the GLB movement are especially encouraged to apply. GLSTN 121 West 27th Street, Suite 804 New York, NY 10001 212-727-0135 http://www.glstn.org ________________________________________________________ Do not hit reply to send an email to GLSTN. GLSTN's email address is glstn@glstn.org Staff Addresses: Deidre Cuffee-Gray: dcuffee-gray@glstn.org Janice Goldfarb: jgoldfarb@glstn.org Kevin Jennings: kjennings@glstn.org John Spear: jspear@glstn.org Student Pride: studentpride@glstn.org GLSTN Interns: GLSTNintrn@aol.com ======================================================== GLSTNAlert is a GLSTN news bulletin service of the The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Teachers Network (GLSTN). ======================================================== To Unsubscribe from GLSTNAlert simply send an email to GLSTNAlert@aol.com with the words "unsubscribe" in the subject line (no quotes and note the lack of space in GLSTNAlert). ======================================================== To Subscribe to GLSTNAlert simply send an email to GLSTNAlert@aol.com with the words "subscribe" in the subject line (no quotes and note the lack of space in GLSTNAlert). Also: please write your name in the message portion of your email. ======================================================== ==================================================================== Jean Richter -- richter@eecs.berkeley.edu The P.E.R.S.O.N. Project (Public Education Regarding Sexual Orientation Nationally) CHECK OUT OUR INFO-LOADED WEB PAGE AT: http://www.youth.org/loco/PERSONProject/