Date: Fri, 17 Feb 1995 14:21:40 -0500 (EST) From: David Casti Subject: FOLLOWUP: OYA update Submitted by: Cheryl Sesser Brief reminder: The program director was fired by the University YWCA and the drop in center and national 1-800 Helpline was closed. OUT YOUTH AUSTIN is a peer support group for LesBiGay youth in Austin Texas. They also have the only toll free youth support line covering the nation which is opened 7 days a week. All phone numbers are in area code 512. Update: (forward) Greetings All! I talked with Lisa last night and thought I'd pass along some information in case anyone was unaware. It seems the University YWCA still refuses to release any funds, equipment, etc belonging to OYA. This is despite the fact that there is money from the City of Austin designated for HIV education of gay/lesbian youth and money from Travis County to serve victims of crime (e.g., hate crimes). Because the Y is no longer serving gay/lesbian youth they are asking the city for permission to change the terms of the grant to include all youth thereby eliminating the need for them to deal with OYA in particular or gay/lesbian youth in general. We, as tax payers need to inform our elected representatives that this is not acceptable and that we oppose the actions of the Y. We also need to demand that the Y be required to relinquish all OYA funds provided by the city and county. After all, the UYWCA, by allowing the program to disintegrate, has chosen not to fulfill their legal (and moral) obligations to gay/lesbian youth. Lisa suggests we call and/or write the following individuals: Mayor Bruce Todd 499-2250; FAX: 499-2337 Max Nofziger 499-2260 Gus Garcia 499-2264 Brigid Shea 499-2258 Jackie Goodman 499-2255 Austin City Council Address: P.O. Box 1088, Austin, 78767 (NOTE: Don't bother with Rodney Reynolds or Eric Mitchell since they are generally unsympathetic to our cause and could even hurt it by publicizing it to conservative groups. If there is too much publicity, the other council members will have a difficult time supporting us) County Judge Bill Aleshire 473-9555, 314 11th St., Room 520 There are flyers which explain the situation available at OYA. They are designed to help in fundraising and in setting the record straight (sorry, poor choice of words). ALSO--We need as many youth as possible to show up at OYA this Sunday @ 5:30pm for a group photo. It seems we need some proof that we are actually serving youth. If you are a youth PLEASE show up and bring/tell as many other youth as possible. If you're an adult volunteer spread the word. Thanks, Joel From: eh06@leela.swt.edu (Joel Heikes)