Share Your Personal Stories and Help LGBT and Straight Youth Alike
Come to the Safe Schools Speaker Training Workshop on Saturday, November 19
Jonathan Julian Speaks with Students at the High School for Law and Public Service
In just a few short years, the number of students reached by the Safe Schools Program of PFLAG NYC has grown from barely 500 students to almost 5,000 students in the past school year. We know from testimonials from teachers, principals, and students that we're making a difference every time we go into a classroom and share our stories. We are helping to change the climate in that school from one where LGBT kids are afraid and harassed to one where they feel safe and can thrive.
Volunteer speakers are at the heart of what the Safe Schools Program does. A Safe Schools Presentation is unlike "usual" classroom activities. It does not follow a lesson plan. It does not instruct students to "learn" what is being imparted. Instead, a Safe Schools presentation is built around ordinary people from the community — parents, other relatives, and LGBT people themselves — who share their own stories of having an LGBT loved one, or of being LGBT themselves. These personal stories make the Safe Schools Program uniquely powerful in reaching students. As one educator told us, "The event was absolutely fabulous! Students commented that you never hear parents' reactions and family stories. It was a new perspective for them. It was a really great program and led to great conversations!"
In order to continue our fast pace of growth and reach even more students, we always need more volunteers to be speakers in the program and go into schools to share their story. Whether you are a parent of an lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) person, someone with an LGBT loved one in your life, or an LGBT person yourself, your story can help others learn what it means to be LGBT and help change the climate in schools for young people growing up LGBT. You may not think your story is remarkable, but even the most ordinary stories told honestly and proudly can spark revelations and change behavior.
On Saturday, November 19, PFLAG NYC is holding a Speaker Training Workshop for both experienced and new speakers for the Safe Schools Program. The training will help you shape your personal story to fit a Safe Schools presentation. We will help you identify personal stories that will have impact with students and help you develop your ability to leave behind a lasting message. The training will be an enjoyable and productive few hours with other passionate PFLAG NYC volunteers and at the end of the day, you'll feel ready and confident to speak at a Safe Schools Program event.
If you have always wanted to explore volunteering with the Safe Schools Program, here's your opportunity to get involved. If you've already been speaking with us, we invite you to come for a refresher, to learn our latest insights on how to be effective with students, and to meet other speakers.
Johanna Antar leads Q&A with an animated group of students
Please join us on November 19. If you are interested in becoming a Safe Schools speaker and coming to the training, click to send an email to safeschools@pflagnyc.org to sign up.
WHAT: Safe Schools Program Speaker Training
WHEN: Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be served.
WHERE: PFLAG NYC Offices at Friends House, 130 E. 25th Street, Manhattan
If you plan to come to the Training Workshop, you must sign up in advance by emailing the Safe Schools Program
Come and see what speaking for the Safe Schools Program is all about. It will be a great experience, and by becoming a speaker, you can make a huge difference in the lives of LGBT young people in schools throughout New York City.
