Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 16:04:54 -0800 From: Jean Richter Subject: 3/11/98 P.E.R.S.O.N. Project news 1. NEA/GLC web site 2. CA: Support LA's Gay and Lesbian Education Commission 3. GLSEN internships ========================================================================== Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 20:28:04 -0400 From: Jim Testerman Please let people know that the National Education Association's Gay and Lesbian Caucus is now on the web. The site is posted at http://www.cyberia.com/pages/jtesterman. Thanks, Jim Testerman co-chair ========================================================================== X-Sender: verry@bengal.oxy.edu Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 20:12:28 -0800 From: Bart Verry Subject: Gay and Lesbian Education Commission On behalf of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth who need the services of the Gay and Lesbian Education Commission (GLEC) of the Los Angeles Unified School District, I am writing to inform you of some recent actions of the LAUSD Board of Education that have been of concern to GLEC. Last October, the Board voted to create a Human Relations Commission responsible for creating programs for and providing outreach to students in LAUSD around issues of diversity. While GLEC is very supportive of the creation of this Commission, we have recently learned that the Board has decided to eliminate the Education Commissions, specifically because the race-related Commissions (Black, Mexican American, Asian Pacific and American Indian Commissions) violate Proposition 209 and may subject the District to lawsuits. We have also been told that the current functions and programs offered by GLEC MAY be addressed by the Human Relations Commission in some form that is unknown and undeveloped at this point in time. My purpose in writing is to ask for your support on this very important issue. GLEC was established in 1991 to advise the Board of Education regarding the special needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students, faculty and staff. The population served by GLEC is unique. In addition to serving students of every ethnicity, disability and gender, the Commission serves a population with exceptional special needs and with severe under-representation within the District. Even with select school staff who are committed to these issues, it is virtually impossible to address homelessness, substance abuse and the disproportionate number of suicides among our gay and lesbian youth, which some have estimated as being as much as 30% higher than those of non-gay youth. Since its inception, GLEC has been extremely successful in the creation of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, the Models of Pride Youth Conference, the Gay and Lesbian Prom, and a number of college scholarship programs, as well as becoming a visible force on campuses to create safe schools and to reduce violence. In addition to these events, the mere existence of an office where a student can call to report harassment in her/his school, or where a teacher can call to receive information for a lesson plan has significantly enhanced, and in some cases saved the lives of our gay youth. Some gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth have no one else to turn to but GLEC. As I am sure you know, the Nabozny case in Wisconsin has also been a strong lesson that the failure of a Board of Education to address issues of harassment of gay and lesbian youth can be very costly for the District. The activities and outreach provided by GLEC have helped to create an environment where harassment of gay and lesbian youth is and will not be tolerated. The future of GLEC is incredibly important to providing environments where gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth can exist without having to worry about harassment and violence against them because of their sexual orientation, while also providing a place for them to go when they experience such harassment and violence. Please take a moment and type a letter of support for GLEC. We are compiling such letters and will be presenting them to the Board of Education on March 23rd. Please send letters to: Bart Verry, Chair Gay and Lesbian Education Commission P. O. Box 291478 Los Angeles, CA 90029 In addition, please do not hesitate to contact any or all of the members of the Board of Education. Thank you in advance for your support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (213) 259-2531, or you may call the GLEC office at (213) 625-6392. Bart Verry Director of Student Services, Occidental College 1600 Campus Road Los Angeles, CA 90041 (213) 259-2531 office (213) 341-4984 fax http://www.oxy.edu/departments/orgl/ ============================================================================ Subject: GLSEN Summer Internships - Please Post Date: Wed, 11 Mar 98 06:44:32 -0500 x-sender: dcuffeegray@trudy.digitopia.com From: Deidre Cuffee-Gray Deadline for Summer Internships in New York and San Francisco is April 17th Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network 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 GLSEN1s 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 GLSEN1s 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 Internship Application Due Notification Start Date End Date Winter 1998 November 1 November 15 January 2 January 30 Spring 1998 November 15 December 1 February 2 May 15 Summer 1998 April 17 May 1 June 1 August 25 Fall 1998 July 24 August 15 September 7 December 11 Mail or Fax Applications To: GLSEN Internship Program 121 West 27th Street, Set. 804 New York, NY 10001 fax: 212-727-0254 Attention: Deidre Cuffee-Gray email: dcuffee-gray@GLSEN.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 and straight-allies are especially encouraged to apply. ................................................................. . Deidre Cuffee-Gray Deputy National Field Director . . The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network - GLSEN . . email: dcuffee-gray@glsen.org phone: 212 727-0135 ext 110 . ................................................................. . Go to the GLSEN Blackboard Online! . . http://www.glsen.org/ . ................................................................. ========================================================================= 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/