e dub GSA

Strides for Pride April 21, 2012

2012-01-31T10:07:00.002-05:00

Strides for Pride Participant Package

GSA Network Meeting Friday January 27th

2012-01-19T12:03:00.000-05:00

Jasmyns Gsa Network Flyer 1-27-12

PFLAG Meeting January 19th

2012-01-12T08:27:00.001-05:00

Please join PFLAG of Jacksonville Thursday, January 19th, 7pm, Christ Church of Peace for our monthly meeting.

Speaker, Cindy Watson, Executive Director of JASMYN "Equal and Human Rights for the LGBT people living in Jacksonville" Social hour to follow.

We are continuing our project of food items for the JASMYN food pantry if you wish to bring something.

Look forward to an evening of a topic that is of great interest to us all.

January 2012 Flyer

Dessert Evening with PFLAG - December 15th

2011-12-08T08:38:00.000-05:00

Join with your family and fiends as we celebrate the Holiday Season with a PFLAG of Jacksonville Dessert evening. Bring your favorite dessert to share. We will provide the beverages. For those of you who would like to participate in the Holiday Helpers giving event, we will be accepting children's toys to Helpers for their big Holiday Party.

Look forward to seeing you December 15th -7p.m. Christ Church of Peace 1240 S. Mc Duff Avenue.

2011-11-30T12:08:00.000-05:00

2011 Student Voices Flyer

Northeast Florida World AIDS Week Calendar of Events

2011-11-18T10:30:00.002-05:00

Northeast Florida

World AIDS Week

Calendar of Events 2011

Monday, November 28

Women & Children Celebration

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Location

Shands-LRC Building

655 W 8^th St, Jax, FL 32209

Contact: Bonita Drayton: 904-244-3044

Tuesday, November 29

Community Connection/Education Day

Health Fairs at Local Colleges

Contact: Dr. Max Wilson: 904-253-2985

Wednesday, November 30

Community Connection/Education Day

Poetry Competition

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location

Edward Waters College

1658 Kings Rd, Jax, FL 32209

Contact: Dr. Max Wilson: 904-253-2985

Thursday, December 1

National AIDS Quilt Opening Display

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Ceremony

Location

Jacksonville City Hall

(Duval and Laura Streets)

Contact: Doug Degenhardt: dardt@bellsouth.net

For Donations Call 904-356-1612 x 17

www.northeastfloridaworldaidsweek.com

Thursday, December 1

Memorial Service

6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Location

Bethel Baptist Institutional Church

215 Bethel Baptist St., Jax, FL 32202

Contact: Nicole Richardson: 904-722-3000 x219

Friday, December 2

10^th Annual Community Awards

Luncheon 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Location

Omni Hotel Jacksonville

245 Water Street

Speaker: Surprise Guest

Tickets: $30 Individual & $300 Table

Contact: Heather Vaughn 904-739-7016

Saturday, December 3

Community Connection/Education Day

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location

Bethel Baptist Institutional Church

215 Bethel Baptist St., Jax, FL 32202

Contact: Dr. Max Wilson at 904-253-2985

Teddy Bear Touchdown

Location and Time

TBD

Contact: Heather Vaughan: 904-739-7016

BRING IN THOSE CANNED GOODS/NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS!

2011-11-16T12:52:00.000-05:00

YOU DON'T HAVE TO JUST BRING CANNED GOODS...YOU CAN ALSO BRING:

RICE
BEANS
PEANUT BUTTER
RAMEN NOODLES
anything else that does not require refrigeration

Non-perishable Food Drive

2011-11-15T06:56:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to bring non-perishable food items to guidance. There will be a box for collection near the main entrance to the guidance office. All collected items will be donated to JASMYN. Officers and other interested club members will be delivering the items on Drop-In days. Give your club president (Rihan Griffin) a shout if you would like to help deliver our donations!

2011-11-09T07:45:00.000-05:00

BREAKING NEWS

Broward County Passes Equal Benefits Ordinance
Companies must treat domestic partners and married couples equally

Just moments ago the Broward County Commission voted unanimously to approve Florida's first countywide Equal Benefits Ordinance (EBO), a measure that requires the county's vendors to provide domestic partners with benefits equal to those offered to spouses of married employees. In other words, if you want to do business with Broward County, you must treat domestic partners and married employees equally. This amazing victory is the culmination of more than a year's work on the part of Equality Florida and local organizers. Way to go team!
By enacting this ordinance, Broward County adopts one of the nation's most significant policies furthering workplace equality. Today, Broward County continues its long history of leadership in the area of human rights by delivering on the promise of equal pay for equal work.
Broward is the first county Florida to adopt an EBO. In 2005 Miami Beach became the first city in the state to pass an EBO, and the Miami Beach policy has been praised by the city commission and the staff, while reporting no negative fiscal impact.
The ordinance places Broward County's domestic partnership policies among the strongest in the country. In recent years EBOs have been adopted as a state law in California, and in the cities of San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Olympia, Minneapolis, and Portland. The ordinance was introduced by Mayor Sue Gunzburger and was co-sponsored by all members of the commission.
The EBO applies to companies who are in contracts of $100,000 or more with the county and who have 5 or more employees. If a company does not currently provide benefits to the spouses of their employees, then they are not required to provide benefits to the domestic partners of their employees.
If companies are not able to provide benefits to domestic partners, they may provide the cash equivalent to the employee and still meet the requirements of the EBO.
Special thanks to our Broward Coalition partners who made up our winning team: the Pride Center, Sunserve, the Dolphin Democrats, the GLBT Democratic Caucus, and the many community leaders who stood with us.
Sincerely,

Stratton Pollitzer
Deupty Director
Equality Florida

Next PFLAG Meeting Nov 17th

2011-11-07T07:46:00.000-05:00

November 17th PFLAG of Jacksonville meeting

7pm @ Christ Church of Peace

1240 S McDuff Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32205

Religion and Homosexuality - a panel of religious leaders will express their faith views and discussion to follow.

We continue to bring canned goods or packaged food for the JASMYN Food Bank to the meetings and for this coming month we will collect the gifts you bring for Holiday Helpers annual gift giving party for children infected and affected by AIDS

Sacred Conversations: Creating a Faithful Dialogue about Who We Are

2011-10-25T07:21:00.000-04:00

Sacred Conversations: Creating a Faithful Dialogue about Who We Are

Thursday, October 27, 2011

6 - 8 pm

Peace Presbyterian Church

2300 Southside Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32216

Sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign through their Religion and Faith Program, the forum will give participants the chance to have a rich dialogue that moves us forward in our abilitiy to have conversations in our Faith Communities that allow LGBT people to be visible, honored, welcomed and supported. The event is free and all are welcomed.

Please register at www.hrc.org/bustourflorida

GSA DUES!!!

2011-10-24T14:54:00.000-04:00

Your dues is due on October 31st. If we do not have the majority of the club turn in dues we will not have t-shirts this year!

PFLAG MEETING!!!!

2011-10-17T17:02:00.001-04:00

Monthly Meeting & Social Hour

When: Thu, October 20, 7pm – 9pm
Where: Christ Church of Peace 1240 South McDuff Avenue (map)
Description: Panel will share their experiences of Being LGBT People of Color living in Jacksonville — Social hour to follow-Please join us for the evening.

DON'T MISS MONDAY'S MEETING! PFLAG WILL BE THERE!!!!!!!

2011-10-14T17:47:00.000-04:00

NO MORE DADT!

2011-09-27T11:53:00.003-04:00

Servicemembers United Marks the End of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Era

America's Gay Military Organization Celebrates Making History,

Releases Final DADT Discharge Numbers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

9/20/2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Servicemembers United, the nation's largest organization of gay and lesbian troops and veterans, celebrated the historic end of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law today with the release of the following statement from its founder and Executive Director, Alexander Nicholson, who was himself honorably discharged early from the U.S. Army because of Don't Ask, Don't Tell:

"On March 15, 1778 the first American servicemember was drummed out of the military for being gay. Since then, tens of thousands more have had their careers ruined and their lives turned upside down by a succession of anti-gay polices and regulations, culminating in the codification of an anti-gay statute in 1993 with the passage of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law. In all, 14,346 men and women were discharged pursuant Don't Ask Don't Tell. But thanks to the persistent har d work of unwavering advocates, especially those who have been directly impacted by this issue, and some courageous politicians over the past six years, Don't Ask, Don't Tell is now history. As a result, those who continue to serve can sleep easier tonight knowing that they can no longer be arbitrarily fired because of their sexual orientation. Justice has prevailed and Don't Ask, Don't Tell is dead. God bless America."

The Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, which was uncompromisingly pushed forward by Servicemembers United and its allies, was finally passed by Congress and signed into law by the President in December of 2010. In July of 2011, the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff submitted a certification to Congress that the military was ready to implement the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell in accordance with the requirements of the Repeal Act. After that certification was submitted, a 60-day waiting period c o mmenced before the Repeal Act finally could go into effect and the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law could be stricken from the United States Code. That 60-day period ended today.

A grand total of at least 14,346 servicemembers were discharged pursuant to Don't Ask, Don't Tell in the law's nearly 18 years on the books. That final figure, attributable to Servicemembers United, combines the number of discharges reported by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, which obtained the data from the Defense Manpower Data Center, combined with the number of discharges reported by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Guard Bureau for fiscal years 1994 through 2010. One additional discharge was reported by the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2011, which is also included in the above figure.

Servicemembers United, which has been engaged in extensive education, advocacy, and organizing work on behalf of the gay military, veteran, and defense community sinc e 2005, will continue to grow its membership base and serve as the voice of this newly legitimized community in Washington and around the country in the post-Don't Ask, Don't Tell era. For more information about Servicemembers United and the gay military community, please visit our new home on the web at http://www.servicemembers.org/.

###

Servicemembers United, a non-profit and non-partisan organization, is the nation's largest organization of gay and lesbian troops and veterans and their allies. Based in Washington, DC, Servicemembers United actively engages in education and advocacy on issues affecting the gay military, veteran, and defense community.

DON'T MISS OUT ON JASMYN'S FIRST EVENT!

2011-09-12T15:46:00.000-04:00

Friday, September 16th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the JASMYN House we will be hosting the first of many GSA Network Meetings! The JASMYN GSA Network is for ANY High School student - you do not have to have an active GSA to participate! Attached is a complete schedule of all the GSA events JASMYN will be hosting this school year so you and your GSA can plan ahead.

ATTN: PARENTS, FAMILIES & FRIENDS of LESBIANS AND GAYS!!!

2011-09-12T15:43:00.000-04:00

NEXT MEETING Thursday, September 15th at 7:00 p.m.
Christ Church of Peace
1240 South McDuff Avenue
Panel from the University of North Florida LGBT Resource Center. Hear about who they are and what they offer to students and the community and what a wonderful resource we have in Jacksonville.
Discussion and social hour to follow. Food supplies are still our project for the JASMYN Food Pantry.

DON'T MISS OUR FIRST GSA MEETING OF THE 2011-2012 YEAR!

2011-08-30T07:57:00.000-04:00

WHAT: Ed White's 1st GSA meeting of the 2011-2012 school year

WHERE: 4A (Ms. Bennett's room in the mod 4 hallway)

WHEN: Monday, September 12th, 2:30-3:30pm

WHY: to get involved in the most open minded club at school!

SEE YOU ALL THERE!!

Exciting News from Miami-Dade County: 4th Largest School District in the Nation Adds Gender Identity to Anti-Bullying Policy

2011-07-22T08:52:00.000-04:00

A NOTE FROM EQUALITY FLORIDA:

Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the fourth largest school district in the nation with 345,000 students, has added gender identity to its harassment and bullying ordinance. Equality Florida and the members of our Florida Safe Schools Coalition have worked for more than a decade to expand these protections in Miami and across our state.

With this latest victory, 1.55 million students, nearly 60% of Florida's school population, are now protected from bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity - ranking Florida 4th in the nation for the number of students with LGBT protections.

"This is a tipping point for the state. Our work will continue until every school district, large and small, provides these vital protections," said Stratton Pollitzer, Deputy Director for Equality Florida.

In 2008, Equality Florida led an eight-year coalition effort to pass a statewide anti-bullying policy that resulted in the passage of the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act. Since then, Equality Florida has been working with local school districts across the state, including Miami-Dade, to create policies that specifically protect students from anti-LGBT bullying.

From day one this campaign has been a broad coalition effort involving students, parents, teachers, and grassroots organizations.

"The PTA has long recognized the importance of protecting all children including our LGBT students. We're proud to have partnered for years with Equality Florida, and we're proud of the role we played in pushing these new protections forward," said Karen Rivo, past Health and Safety Chair of Miami-Dade County Council of PTAs / PTSAs.

"For many years the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Equality Florida have partnered to protect all students from bullying," stated Andrew Rosenkranz, ADL Florida Regional Director. "As a national leader in countering bias and bullying, we are extremely pleased and commend the Miami-Dade School Board for adding gender identity to its anti-harassment policy."

In addition to working closely with the 30+ organizations that make up our Miami-Dade Safe Schools Coalition, Equality Florida has also been on the ground in Miami-Dade schools, training students to lead Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs) and training their adult GSA advisors. Currently, nearly 40 Miami-Dade GSAs belong to our Florida GSA Network, one of the fastest growing state networks in the nation.

As we celebrate this victory, we send thanks to our tremendous Miami-Dade Safe Schools Coalition:

The Anti-Defamation League, NAACP, Safe Schools South Florida, NOW, AAUW, AFL-CIO, Alliance for GLBTQ Youth, FEA, PTA, The Student Government Association of Miami Dade, Pridelines, ACLU, Planned Parenthood, Yes Institute, NCJW, NCCJ, United Teachers of Dade, Save Dade, the Non-Violence Project, SEIU, Unity Coalition, Lambda Legal, NCLR, the Greater Miami Urban League, and the Miami Dade Community Task Force to Prevent Bullying.

2011-07-20T08:49:00.000-04:00

New York Allows Same-Sex Marriage, Becoming Largest State to Pass Law

2011-06-07T12:22:00.000-04:00

ANNUAL PFLAG PRIDE
POT LUCK
BRING YOUR FAVORITE DISH
WE WILL PROVIDE THE DRINKS.

Thursday, June 16th at 6:00 p.m.
Christ Church of Peace
1240 South McDuff Avenue

SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT FROM SINGING GROUP
"ONE ACCORD"

www.pflagjax.org
(904) 737-3329

2011-06-06T08:43:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS 2011 GRADUATES!

JASMYN is celebrating YOU at a Special Drop-In Center Night on

Friday, June 17th from 4:00—8:00 PM

GRADUATION CAKE
RAINBOW GRADUATION TASSELL FOR ALL 2011 GRADUATES
RECOGNITION OF GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE MEMBERS OF YOUR GSA TO JASMYN!
MEET OTHER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GSA’s

This event is open to ALL JASMYN Youth Age 13-23. Members of your School’s Gay Straight Alliance or similar club are encouraged to attend! This is a great opportunity to introduce next years GSA Student leaders to JASMYN and the JASMYN GSA Network!
For more information on JASMYNS Graduation Celebration contact Emily @ (904) 389-3857 or visit our website http://www.jasmyn.org/

LAST SOCIAL OF THE YEAR

2011-05-24T08:08:00.005-04:00

After stuffin' your face with some delicious pizzaz, walk to a magical land of icecream!

WHEN: Saturday, June 4th @ 1:00pm

WHERE: Moon River Pizza then Dreamette!

WHO: Ed White GSA + friends + family + guests!

CLICK ON the above picture for Moon River info

See the DREAMETTE's location below!

FILL OUT THE GLSEN SURVEY ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL EXPERIENCE!

2011-05-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Students,

Help GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) inform education policymakers and the public about what’s really going on in our nation’s schools by completing the 2011 National School Climate Survey, GLSEN’s seventh national survey about the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth in school.

If you attended high school or middle school sometime during the last school year (2010-2011) and are at least 13 years old, tell us about your experiences in school. (If you did not complete the entire school year you can still participate in the survey.) The survey is anonymous.

For more info and to complete the survey online, visit: www.glsen.org/2011survey

2011-2012 OFFICERS ANNOUNCED @ tomorrow's meeting!

2011-05-17T13:47:00.000-04:00

Don't miss tomorrow's meeting! We'll be announcing next year's officers!

DON'T FORGET!!

2011-05-06T09:01:00.001-04:00

JASMYN's 11th Annual Alternative Prom on Friday, May 6th from 7-11PM at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum!

Everyone is welcome to attend this event ages 13-23 so bring your friends - Photo ID Required to get in....

The Annual Alternative Prom is JASMYN's largest youth event of the year - so we hope to see you all there. If you have any questions please call me at JASMYN or email me at erokosch@jasmyn.org for more info. There will be FOOD - DANCING - RAFFLE - PROM COURT and its FREE!

RSVP at our Event Page today & invite your friends: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=204998806185581

JASMYN's 11th Annual Alternative Prom: The Fame Monsters Ball

Friday, May 6th 7-11 PM *** Show starts at 8:00 PM

Karpeles Manuscript Museum

101 West 1st Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

Thank you!

Emily Rokosch

Director of Student Support Services and Community Relations

JASMYN, Inc.

P.O. Box 380103

Jacksonville, FL 32205

904-389-3857 ext 212

erokosch@jasmyn.org

www.jasmyn.org

Take the 2011 National School Climate Survey!

2011-05-02T13:22:00.001-04:00

Take Action!

The National Day of Silence may be over, but there are still things you do to help make schools better for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Take a moment to make a difference!

Participate in the 2011 National School Climate Survey

Let the world know what's really going on in our nation's schools by completing the 2011 National School Climate Survey, GLSEN's seventh national survey about the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) youth in school.
If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer and attended high school or middle school in the U.S. sometime during the last school year (2010-2011), and are at least 13 years old, tell us about your experiences in school. (If you did not complete the entire school year you are still eligible.) The survey is completely anonymous.

For more info and to complete the survey online, visit www.glsen.org/2011survey

Help Make History by Sharing Your Stories of LGBT Bullying and Harassment

2011-04-29T10:24:00.000-04:00

History will be made on May 13, 2011 when the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights convenes a hearing on the bullying and harassment of LGBT youth.

This will be the first time that the Civil Rights Commission has ever addressed an LGBT-related issue! Tammy Aaberg, a Minnesota mother who lost her son last July, and Russlynn Ali, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, are scheduled to testify.

If you or someone you love has experienced bullying and harassment, consider sharing your stories in writing with the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. These letters will be an invaluable way for you to help the Commission understand the nature, pervasiveness, geographic spread, and negative health outcomes of such violence. Stories shared in this way will help to set the stage for testimony and filings by a number of social science, mental health, and legal experts who are contributing to these efforts from their professional perspectives.

Help make history by sharing your stories today!

To submit your story to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, please follow these instructions:

We encourage you to write in your own voice and to tell your story in the way it was experienced before Monday, May 2nd. We encourage you to attach a picture of yourself and your family to the front of the letter. For contributors who wish to remain anonymous, please be sure to use at least one initial to identify yourself and any people relevant to your stories because the letters will be submitted to the public record. It would be extremely helpful for you to include your address, or at minimum, the region of the state in which you live ("eastern Texas," or "northern New York State," for example).

Please note that the letters need not be formal nor do they need to use any particular format. The Civil Rights Commission does ask that you include the following items in your stories:

• Describe the personalities of the kids and families involved

• Describe the nature of the bullying or harassment

• Who was involved (for example, other students, school staff, and/or administrators)

• What outcomes are being experienced for the student and for the rest of the family

• What types of intervention might be helpful to stop, fix and prevent future bullying

Letters should be sent no later than Monday, May 2nd, 2011 to prepare for introduction into the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ record in advance of their May 13 hearing in D.C. The letter itself should be addressed and sent by ground mail or email to:

Kim Tolhurst, Esq., Acting General Counsel

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

c/o Alec Deull

3102 Krueger Road

North Tonawanda, NY 14120

deullusccr@gmail.com

Thank you for making history and moving equality forward.

Grandparents - share your stories!

2011-04-29T10:18:00.000-04:00

Hi all - Liz Owen here, interim Direction of Communications at PFLAG National.

I am searching for PFLAG grandparents from around the country who are willing to share their stories. Did you have a personal journey to acceptance of your LGBT grandchild? Where did you start in that journey, and where are you with it now? How did PFLAG help you along the way? And how do you use your personal experience to help others move to a place of acceptance and love?

We are working on a story for a major national publication, and would really love to hear from you!

Please respond to me directly at lowen@pflag.org

A Note from Emily @ JASMYN:

2011-04-20T13:52:00.000-04:00

Hello AMAZING STUDENTS!
I wanted to let everyone know JASMYN is sending our support out to those of you who participated in the Day of Silence...and our support out to those who did everything they could do organize the DOS at their school - but still faced obstacles. Thank you for all your work and energy you have put into planning this event! You are making a difference in your school for everyone - thank you for being our partners in creating change!

After the day of silence ends - LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD - pass JASMYN's LGBTA student climate survey onto your friends and peers. We want to hear those voices.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JASMYNSchoolSurvey

I'm really proud of all of you!
Emily

DON'T FORGET!

2011-04-14T15:46:00.000-04:00

WEAR RED.

BE SILENT.

RAISE AWARENESS.

An Ally Website for Athletes and Athletic Departments

2011-04-12T08:28:00.000-04:00

ATHLETE ALLY™ was created by HUDSON TAYLOR as a resource to encourage athletes, coaches, parents, fans and other members of the sports community to respect all individuals involved in sports, regardless of perceived or actual sexual-orientation or gender identity or expression.

3rd Annual Educator of the Year - NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY!

2011-03-22T07:32:00.000-04:00

Being an educator in today's classroom is not always an easy task. Being an educator that strives to create a safe space for LGBT students can be even more trying. Many of these amazing educators that make such a huge difference in the lives of their students go unnoticed and uncelebrated. That is why each year GLSEN honors one exceptional educator with the Educator of the Year award.
The Educator of the Year award recognizes an exceptional education professional who has enriched their community by ensuring that all students, particularly LGBT students, are safe from bullying and harassment. The award honors an educator who works not only to ensure safety, but impacts measurable change that is visible within that person's school district and community. The winner will receive a trip to New York City where they will be honored at the Respect Awards- New York on May 23, 2011. Nominate an amazing educator today!

Ask Your Senators To Cosponsor The Safe Schools Improvement Act

2011-03-15T08:29:00.000-04:00

Contact Your Senators Today

Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has just introduced the Safe Schools Improvement Act (S.506), a federal anti-bullying bill, in the U.S. Senate. This bill is similar to one that he introduced last year, as well as to one introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Linda Sánchez. In order to demonstrate strong support for Senator Casey’s bill, he needs as many Senators as possible to agree to cosponsor it.

Senate Cosponsors for S.506

About the Bill
The Safe Schools Improvement Act, which is endorsed by the over 80 members of the GLSEN-led National Safe Schools Partnership, would require schools to implement comprehensive anti-bullying policies that address bullying and harassment and ensure the safety and well-being of all their students. In the last Congress, the Senate and House versions finished the Congress with, respectively, 17 and 131 bipartisan cosponsors. A bipartisan House bill is also expected to be introduced in the coming weeks by Rep. Linda Sanchez.

CLICK HERE!

Club Pic - next Wednesday!

2011-03-09T15:09:00.002-05:00

Be sure to make it to next week's meeting - - we'll be taking our 2011 GSA Club Yearbook Picture

2011-02-23T12:00:00.001-05:00

Don’t Miss JASMYN’s

Gay Straight Alliance Network Meeting!

Friday, March 18th 5:00PM-7:00 PM

Gay Straight Alliance Resources
Share information about your GSA
Collaborate on GSA Events
Discuss GSA Network Volunteer opportunities
Connect with other LGBTQ students & their friends

FOOD – FUN – GAY

STRAIGHT ALLIANCE SUPPORT

ALL LGBTQ & STRAIGHT

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WELCOME!

:) another feel-good video

2011-02-16T14:16:00.000-05:00

2011-02-16T13:48:00.000-05:00

CHECK OUT ONE MORE AMAZING INDIVIDUAL

T-SHIRTS HAVE BEEN ORDERED!

2011-02-16T07:52:00.002-05:00

t-shirts were ordered yesterday!

we should get a call in about 2 weeks to pick them up!! :)

ORDER YOUR GSA T-SHIRT TOMORROW!

2011-02-08T16:53:00.001-05:00

DON'T FORGET! TOMORROW'S MEETING IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO ORDER YOUR GSA T-SHIRT! THEY WILL BE $10 EACH, BRIGHT PINK AND FABULOUSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

2011-01-13T11:15:00.000-05:00

Gay Straight Alliance
JASMYN OPEN HOUSE
Friday, January 28th 5-8 PM
923 Peninsular Place Jacksonville, FL 32204
All LGBTQ High School Students, Teachers & their friends welcome!

Learn more about JASMYN
Meet with Local GSA’s!
Share Day Of Silence Ideas

For more information contact Emily at 904-389-3857 ext 212 http://www.jasmyn.org/

Mom Inspired by Son to Write Anti-Bullying Book

2011-01-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/03/princess-boy/?ncid=webmail

A message from PFLAG's National President regarding Don't Ask Don't Tell

2010-12-22T19:04:00.001-05:00

Hi all,

I just watched on C-SPAN as President Obama signed the repeal of DADT. Tears came to my eyes as I realized that this was real. I watched as Dan Tepfer's profile walked past the camera. Tears came to my eyes as I realized the contribution that Dan and PFLAG members throughout the country made to this historic moment. We made the calls, lobbied our representatives in Congress, and spoke to our Senators. It all made a difference and it all made history.

This moment is not simply about LGBT service personal being able to serve openly and proudly in the armed forces of the United States. It marks an incredible shift in culture in American life. I would never have believed, when my daughter came out twenty years ago, that we would be talking about marriage equality and acceptance in the military of LGBT individuals.

Today Toby and I celebrate our 47th wedding anniversary. Much has happened in those years. For twenty of those years we have been involved in PFLAG. This is the best gift we could receive.

Thank all of you who worked so hard.

David

______________________
Rabbi David M. Horowitz
PFLAG national president
1267 Lisa Ann Dr.
Akron, OH 44313
330-869-0531

DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL REPEAL - Call your senator TODAY!

2010-12-17T11:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we took two more big steps toward repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” once and for all.

The US House of Representatives voted for a second time to reaffirm their commitment to and support for repealing the US military’s 17-year old discriminatory policy. And our very own Democratic US Senator Bill Nelson requested to be added as a co-sponsor to the Senate version of the repeal bill.

As a former captain in the United States Army, Senator Nelson understands what it means to serve and protect our nation with pride and integrity. The unofficial motto of the US Army is “This We’ll Defend”, and he did just that when he added his name to Senate Bill 4023.

President Obama, Democratic congressional leaders and fair-minded Republicans remain committed to repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” this month before the end of the 111th Congress. Our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender servicemen and women are this close to being able to serve openly, but we have to make sure that Republican obstructionists don’t stand in the way.

Despite a majority of Americans supporting an end to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, Florida’s junior US Senator George LeMieux has vowed to vote against any effort for repeal. That’s why he needs to hear from you today! Call Senator LeMieux at (202) 224-3041 and let him know we should not be turning away Americans who want to serve in a time of war.

“Hello. My name is ____________, and I’m calling to urge Senator LeMieux to vote for S-4023, the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. After 17-years, it’s time we allow all our servicemen and women to serve with integrity and honesty.”

After you make your call, please email action@floridaglbtdemocrats.org to let us know how your call went.

We must continue standing strong for our brothers and sisters in the armed services that are protecting our freedoms and keeping us safe.

Our fight is not over. Please take action today!

Michael Emanuel Rajner
Legislative Director
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
http://www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org/

New resource to us: TheEqualityProject.net

2010-12-16T12:40:00.000-05:00

CHECK IT OUT!

PFLAG Mourns the Death of First-Ever PFLAG National President Adele Starr

2010-12-13T08:35:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Leaders from Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) National expressed their sadness at the passing of Adele Starr, a California mother of a gay son who was PFLAG's first-ever National President and one of the pivotal figures in the establishment of the national organization.

"Adele Starr was one of the pioneers of PFLAG. It is because of her commitment to organizing the many people who were working for the common goal of equality for all into the organization that we now know as PFLAG that we have gained the strength, prominence, and ability to become the voice of parents and allies united for equality," said Jody M. Huckaby, PFLAG National's Executive Director.

Adele Starr's involvement with PFLAG started in 1974 when she and her husband, Larry, had dinner with PFLAG founder Jeanne Manford and her husband, Jules. After a year of working to encourage attendance, Starr hosted 35 people in her Los Angeles home. This historic meeting served as the basis for the West Coast organizing for PFLAG. In 1981, 31 representatives from PFLAG-like groups again came together in the Starr's home for a two-day meeting which resulted in the official founding of PFLAG – then the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – as well as the election of its first board of directors. Adele Starr was elected the first-ever PFLAG president.

Starr's den in her Los Angeles home served as the first PFLAG National office, where she managed correspondence, provided leadership for the group which grew to represent more than 250 chapters across the U.S., and organized national conventions to bring members together to build skills and improve PFLAG's services. It wasn't until almost a decade later that the organization would outgrow Starr's den and eventually hire national staff and open an official National Office in Washington, D.C.

At a conference to commemorate PFLAG's 10th Anniversary, Starr powerfully summarized why she had taken on the role she did within the organization, saying, "We did it out of love and anger and a sense of injustice, and because we had to tell the world the truth about our children."

Today, PFLAG has more than 200,000 members across the United States, with a vibrant chapter network that provides support, education, and advocacy to those striving for acceptance and justice for all. Starr's commitment to the organization is widely known, for many through the presentation of the Starr Award, a prize given to a PFLAG leader who has displayed exemplary leadership in their community.

"May Adele's family be comforted at this time of loss by the history she created and with the knowledge that the struggle for LGBT on a national scale began with her," said Rabbi David M. Horowitz, current National President for PFLAG.

Read additional tributes to Adele Starr from past PFLAG presidents here:
http://community.pflag.org/Page.aspx?pid=1338&frcrld=1

The "Closer" Cast Puts Out a PSA about Safe Spaces!

2010-12-07T16:18:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE to see the YouTube video

T-SHIRT FUNDRAISER - bring your marketing plan!

2010-12-02T11:45:00.001-05:00

On December 15th @ 2:30 we will discuss and plan our T-Shirt fundraiser Marketing/Advertisement Campaign! BRING YOUR IDEAS!

BRING YOUR DUES!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EW GSA - I'M SO THANKFUL FOR YOU!

2010-11-25T13:57:00.000-05:00

PIXAR's staff message of "It Gets Better"

2010-11-24T11:29:00.002-05:00

2010-11-19T15:15:00.000-05:00

2nd annual

GSA Leadership Summit on

Saturday, November 20th!

Come join us for a day of fun, networking and skills-building with GSA Leaders from all over the Jacksonville area! Our 2nd annual GSA Leadership Summit will allow students an opportunity to learn how to harness their powerful "Story of Self" and use it to create change in their schools and community. Students will be able to network with other GSA Leaders and learn core-organizing skills like fundraising and event planning.

This event is for everyone! If your not part of GSA but thinking of starting one you are more than welcome, if you came last year they will definitely have some new stuff for you to do. They're looking forward to seeing lot's of new faces!

This event is totally free!

When:
November 20th, from 10am to 2:30pm

Where:
Jacksonville University
Sam Marks Building
2800 University Blvd North
Jacksonville, FL

Parking: http://www.ju.edu/WebCampusMap.pdf

More Parking Info:
Look for the Entrance to Jacksonville University on DOLPHIN DRIVE
Take DOLPHIN DRIVE through campus - and down the hill
You can park in the COMMUNTER LOT (purple lot on campus map) that is located at the bottom of the hill!
You will pass the Sam Marks Building on your way to the parking lot. Park and walk back up the hill :)
Questions contact Emily at 389-3857

Please RSVP as soon as possible by visiting: http://tinyurl.com/2010JaxSummit

Don't forget about tonight's SUSHI SOCIAL!!!

2010-11-19T09:13:00.004-05:00

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 19th, 6:00-8:00pm

WHERE: Tokyo Sushi on Normany Blvd
***BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE FOR COUPNS!!

WHO: Any/all Ed White GSA members, friends and family!

WHY: To connect with caring people & meet some new ones!

**Mrs. Curran will not be able to attend but you guys will have a blast!

Thank you PFLAG & Charles Morgan!

2010-11-19T08:20:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much to the folks at last night's PFLAG meeting for welcoming Charles and I with open arms! The conversation was wonderfully engaging and much appreciated - we look forward to working more with you in the future!!

THANK YOU TO CHEYENNE DUPEE, HALLIE GROSE & CHARLES MORGAN!

2010-11-18T08:24:00.001-05:00

Thank you to Cheyenne, Hallie & Charles for taking their time to speak with up & coming counselors about creating a safe school environment and our rockin' GSA!!! The Office of Equity & Inclusion as well as the District Guidance staff was so very impressed by you - and I am very proud.

THANK YOU!

THANK YOU JASMYN - - THANK YOU EMILY!!!

2010-10-27T20:21:00.002-04:00

THANK YOU, EMILY, FOR VISITING US TODAY!!!! WE (AND JASMYN) ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE YOU [BACK] - LOOKING FORWARD TO TOTALLY AWESOME SWEET TIMES AHEAD - WE APPRECIATE YOU!

President Obama Issues Message of Support to LGBT Youth

2010-10-23T13:47:00.002-04:00

President Barack Obama has just issued a video message speaking directly to young people, offering reassurance and hope to those suffering because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, or simply because of being different. The President’s empathy and concern, so clearly and directly expressed, is an historic contribution to the outpouring of support for LGBT youth we have seen over the past few weeks.

We thank President Obama for this critical message. LGBT youth everywhere must hear his words loud and clear: “There are people out there who love you and care about you just the way you are.” We also appreciate the steps that the Administration has taken to address the needs of LGBT young people and reduce bullying and harassment through work done in various federal agencies, including the CDC and the Departments of Education, Justice, and Health and Human Services.

Now our attention will turn to those additional concrete ways in which the President himself has the power to make things better, for today and for the future. Sustained federal leadership on these issues is absolutely essential to reassert the fundamental culture of respect that must prevail in our schools. We need the President’s clear endorsement of the vital principles embodied in the Safe Schools Improvement Act and the Student Non-Discrimination Act. GLSEN will continue to work closely with the Administration to achieve this goal and to forge further progress at the agency level.

As the current crisis tragically illustrates, far too many school districts have not taken the actions needed to protect all students. And the tenor of public debate in this country stands in the way of effective local action and finding common ground. At times like these, on the difficult issues that really matter, Presidential leadership is paramount.

The President himself says in his message that, on an individual level, young people will find that their “differences are a source of pride and a source of strength,” and that, as a society, “the freedom to not fit in… to be true to ourselves, that’s the freedom that enriches all of us, that’s what America is all about.” These are exactly the ideals that are currently under siege. Whether it is from the schoolyard bully singling out a vulnerable classmate, or from a major-party candidate spewing anti-LGBT vitriol, the young people whom the President seeks to reach face a barrage of negative messages that can drive them to alienation and despair. They need his words, delivered now in this message, and they also need his actions.

Eliza Byard

GLSEN Executive Director

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

THANK YOU UNF! THANK YOU NATALIE!

2010-10-23T13:43:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much to Natalie from the University of North Florida LGBT Resource Center/Department for bringing us valuable information and literature about their services, their efforts and encouragement to get/stay involved in the fight for equal rights! We so enjoyed having you!

ALLY WEEK IS HERE!

2010-10-17T19:42:00.001-04:00

Send your school a safe space kit!

2010-10-15T08:55:00.002-04:00

Go HERE to send your school a safe space kit - help promote a safe learning environment for ALL students!

Check out this message from Equality Florida

2010-10-14T08:41:00.000-04:00

River City Pride is Sunday, October 17th at the Riverside Arts Market in Jacksonville. We hope you and your GSA can join us! With Election Day less than a month away, we have lots of work ahead to ensure that we educate and mobilize LGBT Floridians to get out and vote!
We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers who care about equality and who are willing to share their enthusiasm with others. Volunteer shifts typically last three hours, and involve engaging passers-by, signing up new members, and spreading the word about Equality Florida’s work and LGBT rights in Florida.

Every volunteer will get a cool Equality Florida T-shirt!

Please follow the link below to sign up to volunteer:

https://equalityflorida.wufoo.com/forms/join-equality-florida-at-river-city-pride/

For Directions please follow the link below

http://www.riversideartsmarket.com/directions.html

Hope you all can make it!

-Michael Farmer and the GSA Network Staff

DON'T MISS TOMORROW'S MEETING!!

2010-10-12T18:44:00.002-04:00

Ally Week is fast approaching and we have much to discuss/plan for!!! JASMYN and the UNF LGBT Resource folks are coming to visit...we will be raising awareness and increasing our allies...AND we have a movie date, t-shirt date and a social date to plan!!!

and this one...

2010-10-12T18:26:00.001-04:00

LOVE IS LOUDER!!!

Check out this awesome resource - if you know someone, help someone.

2010-10-12T17:54:00.000-04:00

http://www.thetrevorproject.org/

THIS WEEK'S MEETING CANCELLED ):

2010-10-04T12:36:00.002-04:00

Unfortunately, Mrs. Curran will be out of town this Wednesday and Ms. Hoffman will not be able to take her place. So sadly, without a sponsor or faculty member, we cannot have a meeting. We WILL MEET OCTOBER 13th @ 2:30pm in Physics, however so be there!! And bring your dues ($10) to the meeting if you want your GSA t-shirt!
I will miss seeing your faces this week! <3

River City Pride kicks off October 2nd!!!!

2010-09-27T07:43:00.002-04:00

Stop by the JASMYN house while you're in Riverside!!!

SEE THE CALENDAR ON THE WEBSITE

We Won! Florida's Adoption Ban Ruled Unconstitional

2010-09-23T14:46:00.001-04:00

We Won! Florida's Adoption Ban Ruled Unconstitional

SEPTEMBER 22nd meeting - PHYSICS room

2010-09-21T15:02:00.000-04:00

We'll be meeting in the PHYSICS room tomorrow, Wednesday September 22nd at 1:15pm.

WELCOME BACK COMMANDERS - a note from your President!

2010-09-08T07:21:00.003-04:00

As the new school year begins, GSA wants to welcome you! For all of you out there interested in GSA I would like to give you a brief summary on what exactly GSA is and maybe clear up some of the questions that you have. GSA stands for Gay Straight Alliance, it is a club recognized nationwide that you can find in most high-schools. As you can tell by the name it is for everyone, the gay and the straight. The GSA is pretty much a club fighting for equality in schools. Here in Ed White's GSA we feel that everyone is equal and that everyone deserves the same treatment no matter their sexual orientation or gender expression. One big thing that we ask in our meetings is that you accept and love everyone...gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, trans-gender or even questioning. In the nicest way possible I would like to say if you can't be perfectly fine with the other student's decision on their sexual orientation and find yourself judging them and treating them differently, then this club might not be for you. We proudly stand for loving everyone and supporting their choices in life. Our first meeting is approaching and the other officers and I are beyond excited for this year. We have lots planned for this school year and I hope we will get to see your wonderful faces there as much as possible.
Equality is the answer.

With Love,
Amanda Nowlin

News from the west coast...

2010-08-04T20:44:00.002-04:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-10875094

(:

GLSEN Leads Decade-Long Fight in New York

2010-06-23T15:45:00.002-04:00

NEW YORK, June 23, 2010 - The New York Senate late last night passed the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), an enumerated anti-bullying bill that includes protections from bullying and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. The vote was 58 to 3.

The bill already passed in the Assembly and now goes to Gov. David A. Paterson, who is expected to sign the bill.

If signed, New York will become the 10th state to enact an enumerated anti-bullying law that includes a list of characteristics most often targeted by bullies, which research shows is more effective than a general anti-bullying law.

GLSEN's 2009 Annual Report

2010-06-10T09:30:00.001-04:00

A note from GLSEN director:

I wanted to send a quick note to share our most recent Annual Report, which is posted on GLSEN's website.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank you, our supporters and donors, for your continued investment in all of our work. I hope that you are proud of what you helped us accomplish in 2009. We could not have done it without you.
Together, we continue to move closer to the day when we will realize our vision of a world where every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

Thank you,

Eliza Byard, PhD
Executive Director

JASMYN alternative Prom!

2010-05-12T14:35:00.002-04:00

JASMYN needs your help putting on Prom!

2010-05-12T08:00:00.001-04:00

JASMYN's 10th Annual Youth Alternative LGBTQ Prom is coming up fast. Prom will be May 28th at the Karpeles Manascipt Museum from 6-10pm. Many of their youth are in need and asking for help with some evening attire for Prom. Do you have an old prom dress, shoes, bags, bras, sports coats, dress pants, ect.? JASMYN is in need of all sizes of clothing, including plus size attire and accessories. Please let Megan know if you have anything you might be willing to part with for a good cause :) Also, feel free to pass along this announcement or message to your circle of friends/family.

CONTACT MEGAN: mwakeley@jasmyn.org

2010 Jacksonvile GSA Leadership Summit

2010-05-07T10:58:00.004-04:00

Learn How to Have a Successful GSA at your school and meet other GSA students!

• Fundraising

• Event Planning

• Leadership planning

• Successful Meetings

Saturday, May. 22, 2010

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Lunch Included!

The location for the Summit has changed!!
It will now be at:
St. Luke's Community Church1140 S. McDuff Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32205
Its in the Riverside area of Jacksonville, just off Roosevelt Highway and right next door to Lee High School. We will be serving morning refreshments and lunch, and the day will be filled with great opportunities for students and sponsors to connect and share. If adult sponsors are unable to attend, its still OK for students to come on their own. The entire day is planned to support student leadership in GSAs, so anyone who is a member of a GSA will fit right in!

To register go to: Tinyurl.com/jaxgsa

Any questions please contact

Michael Farmer 407-462-9692 or Michael@eqfl.org

Or JASMYN 904-389-3857, ext. 205, cwatson@jasmyn.org

Day of Silence preparations finalized at this week's meeting!!

2010-04-14T08:46:00.003-04:00

Don't miss our meeting this Thursday, April 15th, to finalize our plans for Friday's Day of Silence!! See you all there... (o:

2010-04-14T08:43:00.003-04:00

PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is awarding $2,000 in scholarships to OUT lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students who reside in the Jacksonville area. The scholarship application can be found at:

WWW.PFLAGJAX.ORG
The application deadline for applications is June 1, 2010

Thank you again JASMYN! :)

2010-03-31T14:22:00.000-04:00

What a great tour we had and thank you for letting us crash your house! (:

Thank you JASMYN!!!

2010-03-19T11:58:00.000-04:00

Another shout out to JASMYN's Brandon Hellemann for paying us a visit and sharing such valuable information with us!
Notes to remember:

JASMYN's clinic offers FREE HIV/STD testing on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month from 4-8pm
JASMYN has a Gay Youth Info Line: 389-0089
JASMYN's Drop-In Center is open from 4-8:30pm on Fridays

Recent LGBTQ Issues: local and international...VISIT THESE SITES - STAY INFORMED - EMPOWER OTHERS W/ THIS INFO TOO!

2010-03-18T11:09:00.004-04:00

"Funny how girls can still go to a prom together if they can't get dates, but not if they like each other."

The ACLU supports Constance!!

Uganda fear over gay death-penalty laws

Gay Rights Uganda

Obama condemns anti-gay bill in Uganda

Day of Silence 2010

2010-03-15T09:02:00.004-04:00

We will continue with our DOS planning, registering for DOS, reminding members of our March 26th GSA Social at Al's Pizza in Riverside (corner of Margaret St & Oak), and talk more about our T-shirts!!!
***We will also have a super special guest this Thursday...so BE THERE!

REGISTER FOR the Day of Silence NOW!

Meeting March 11th @ 2:30 (as always)

2010-03-09T10:21:00.000-05:00

On the agenda this week:

Hallie's story
T shirt update
next GSA social
Day of Silence

DON'T MISS OUT - we miss your faces! :)

Don't Forget!!!

2010-02-22T10:46:00.000-05:00

This week we will discuss:

1) our T-shirts!
2) our next social
Don't miss our meeting!!!

Meeting this week - be there!

2010-01-13T14:50:00.000-05:00

Don't miss this week's meeting - we're creating posters, flyers and other forms of advertisements for the grams we will be selling. Bring any materials (markers, posters, etc.) you want to work with and your artistic/creative talents!!! See you in 6A @ 2:30pm...

TAKE A STAND FOR UNITY! SUPPORT ENDA

2009-12-11T11:52:00.001-05:00

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is currently before Congress and needs your support now!
If passed, ENDA would protect employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity*. Federal law already protects individuals on the bases of race, gender, religion, age, and disability, and we have to stand together to make sure sexual orientation and gender identity are added to the list!
To learn more about ENDA LOOK HERE.

To achieve this goal, we need YOUR help!

What can you do?
Take the time to contact your representative now. Tell them that you support a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act that includes both sexual orientation and gender identity. Tell your representative to support H.R. 3017, and to oppose any efforts to weaken the bill.

Two easy ways to do this:

1) Call your Representative!

This is easy to do and only takes a moment. For example of what to say, get the WORD doc download HERE. Ask your representative if they support H.R. 3017. Tell them you support only a fully inclusive ENDA that protects all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Tell them you oppose any efforts to exclude gender identity protections.

2) Email your Representative!

This is also pretty easy. Use the sample letter see the WORD doc download HERE. There are several places where you will personalize the letter and you can also add your own experiences or words to the letter.

Who is MY Representative?
Find your representative HERE. You will need to enter your zip code + 4-digit extension. (Find your zip code or 4-digit extension HERE .)
Find your representative's contact information HERE or call (202) 224-3121.
Spread the Word!
Tell everyone you know to contact his or her representative!

Stand up! Make your voice heard!

Say no to exclusion! Spread the word!

Thank you, GSA sponsors, officers & members!

2009-12-11T11:06:00.000-05:00

A HUGE thank you to all who made yesterday's meeting so awesome! JASMYN was fantastic, you were fantastic - what a fantastic meeting! :) Have a great holiday break - we'll see you all in January...

DEADLINE TODAY: Help GLSEN win $1million!!!

2009-12-11T10:53:00.002-05:00

We need your help: Vote for GLSEN to win $1 million, TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
Vote for GLSEN on Facebook here.

You have the power to raise money for GLSEN with the click of a mouse! We are in consideration for the Chase Community Giving campaign, a joint venture with Facebook that will result in $5 million worth of donations to charities voted on by Facebook users. The Top 100 vote-getting charities earn $25,000 and enter into the finals for $1 million.

While we’d love to win the million, first things first. $25,000 will go a long way toward our work to make schools safer for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. $25,000 can help us support more Gay-Straight Alliances, help us raise awareness about the Day of Silence, help us promote anti-bullying policies that truly protect all students.

All you have to do to help us crack the top 100 is vote here on Facebook. Better yet, you can tell all of your friends through the share buttons on the bottom. You could even paste the button on your personal website or blog. Anything you can do to help spread the word will result in that many more votes for GLSEN and students working to end anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools.

Vote, Vote, Vote!!!
Deadline: Friday, December 11th

Thanks for supporting GLSEN and safe schools for all!

DON'T FORGET!! JASMYN will be here this Thursday - 12/10 @ 2:30 in 6A

2009-12-08T13:52:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to bring your goody item (chips, brownies, cookies, veggies, plates, napkins, juice, etc.) that you signed up for/agreed to bring for the meeting - - AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS!! This will be a perfect opportunity to learn more about community resources and network with your peers!

DON'T FORGET: Bring your concept proposal for the GSA "grams"

2009-11-20T11:06:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to bring your ideas about "grams" that we want to sell/deliver in January to the DECEMBER 3rd meeting! We might also have a couple guests...shhhhh... :)

It's time again...

2009-11-05T16:48:00.001-05:00

GSA SOCIAL!!!!
WHEN: Friday, November 13th
WHERE: Sake House in Historical 5 Points in Riverside - click HERE for a map & directions
WHO: ANYONE & EVERYONE!!! Bring friends, family, fellow GSA peeps and any LGBTQ folk who may enjoy the company :)

JASMYN IS HERE NEXT THURSDAY - 11/12!!!

2009-11-05T16:39:00.000-05:00

Don't miss this! We will have refreshments (thanks to all) and great conversation - BE THERE!

When: 2:30 on Thursday, November 12th

Where: Room 6A

MERGE is CALLING for help!

2009-10-29T13:44:00.004-04:00

We Need Your Help!

Please take a few moments to call venue Plush Nightclub in Jacksonville at (904) 743-1845 and ask them to take a stand against hate and canceling the events on tonight, Oct 29th for singer Buju Banton whose lyrics call for the torture and murder of gay people. His song "Boom Bye Bye" advocates pouring acid on LGBT people, "burning them up bad like an old tire wheel", and shooting them in the head with an AK-47. He also sings "Anytime Buju Banton come, f--gots get up and run ... they have to die". Please call Plush Nightclub in Jacksonville at (904) 743-1845 and request they cancel Banton's concerts for tonight!
MAKE A STAND TODAY AND STOP MURDER MUSIC!
Sincerely,
Merge Jacksonville, Inc.

Merge Jacksonville's next town hall meeting:

2009-10-23T12:03:00.001-04:00

The Next Town Hall Meeting will be on November 10, 2009 at 7:00 at St. Luke's Community Church.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

2009-10-22T14:43:00.004-04:00

Help out the Divas & Gents with their "Trunk or Treat" event - Wednesday, October 28th from 6-7:30. See Mr. Billups in room 2B to make candy donations or to let him know you are interested in volunteering!

THIS IS ALLY WEEK!!!!

2009-10-20T10:49:00.006-04:00

October 19th-23rd is Ally Week. LEARN MORE: http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/home/index.html or http://allyweek.org/ ****AND STOP BY MRS. CURRAN'S OFFICE FOR STICKERS/POSTERS/HANDOUTS!!!!

BRING YOUR IDEAS to the next meeting!!

2009-10-16T09:33:00.000-04:00

Don't forget: next meeting, bring an idea for a fund raiser (an idea you didn't hear at the last meeting)!!! : )

GSA MEETINGS - THURSDAYS @ 2:30

2009-10-09T08:37:00.002-04:00

Unless you hear otherwise, EW GSA will meet on

Thursdays at 2:30 in room 6A

THEY'RE COMING...

2009-10-08T17:08:00.001-04:00

...TO ED WHITE! Last year, we took a tour. This year, they're bringing us one! And brochures, of course. Who doesn't like brochures!?!? I mean, seriously. So don't miss next week's meeting and be CERTAIN NOT TO MISS November's meetings...peace!

Merge Jacksonville's October town hall meeting

2009-10-08T07:44:00.001-04:00

Merge Jacksonville Town Hall Meeting!

Tuesday October13,2009 @ 7:00 pm,
St. Luke's Community Church1140 McDuff
There was a Town Hall meeting held in September of this year to inform the community of the status of the 2010 First Coast Pride Festival and to discuss the future of Merge Jacksonville. At that meeting information such as the organization's budget and estimated cost to host the 2010 First Coast Pride Festival was requested and has been distributed to attendees of the Town Hall meeting. If you would like to obtain a copy of those items please contact Yashica Walker at 1-888-411-OITC ext. 713 or via email y.walker@mergejacksonville.com.

JOIN NOW! Walk: October 24th @ the Seawalk Pavillion

2009-10-05T10:57:00.002-04:00

We discussed this event at our first meeting - if you are interested in participating, you will need to join the Ed White team!

Check in is from 8-9:00am on Saturday the 24th and the walk will end at 11:00am.

http://afsp.donordrive.com/team/edwhite

Click "Join this team" at the bottom!

1st meeting of the 2009-2010 school year!!!

2009-09-28T11:41:00.002-04:00

Thursday, October 1st @ 2:30 in room 6A will be our first meeting of this school year - feel free to work on homework/socialize in room 6A at 1:45pm - come on out!