TO ALL EDUCATORS:     Please take a moment to read the information below about serving the needs of a group of students in yours schools that suffer from misunderstanding and exclusion.  In order to meet the needs of our LGBTQIA Youth is is first necessary for our staff to understand how they are feeling in our schools and learn strategies to help them feel welcomed in our schools.     We hope you can send a team to our September, 26th conference.   

Regards,

School Leaders for Change

Teaching LGBTQIA* Youth: Creating Safe Spaces for Learning

                          (*lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and a-sexual)

September 26,  2016

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Adelphi University 

Student Center

Garden City, NY

FULL BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Participants:   Building and District Leaders are encouraged to bring a team of teachers, particularly those responsible for providing health and wellness education to children grades k-12:  Health Educators, Special Educators, Psychologists, School Counselors and Social Workers , along with district administrators are essential members of this team

It is imperative that all school professionals understand the needs of our LGBT population and gain the knowledge base  and appropriate comfort level support their needs.

Thirty percent or more of LGBT youth have missed one or more day of school for fear of victimization or bullying. The situation is worse for students in rural Long Island, with absence rates as high as 36%. The sad but true facts go on and on: eight out of ten students face harassment (higher for students of color and those who are transgender or living in rural areas). Students who face victimization are also less likely to aspire to attend college.

This  conference involves a series of hand-on presentations and workshops focused on creating safe and supportive environments and improving self-advocacy and leadership skills so participants can better understand themselves, advocate for equality, and enhance their schools and communities.  Come spend time building community and sharing resources for creating safer, more affirming schools for LGBTQ youth.

Workshop Participants Will:

• Learn about the experience of LGBTQIA youth
• Gain greater insight into the impact of homophobic environments on youth
• Develop strategies for creating safer spaces in schools

PRESENTERS:

Colby Berger, Ed.M., MSW, Director Silver Lining Mentoring, Inc.

Aaron Braun, Community Educator, LGBT Network

Galo Cunto, LCSW, Supervising Social Worker, Long Island Crisis Center, Pride for Youth

LGTBQIA Students, Long Island Schools and Universities

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teaching-lgbtqia-youth-creating-safe-s...

Questions call Karen Siris, Ed.D at 516-851-0471  or Philip Cicero, Ed.D at 516-233-4464