Category Archives: Overcoming Obstacles

Writing a Mission Statement

What is the Purpose of a Mission Statement? A mission statement is your club’s way of letting people know why you exist. What are your primary goals? What do you want to accomplish? Every club is different and goals will vary – some students want to engage in advocacy in the school and the community;Continue reading “Writing a Mission Statement”

Creating a Proposal Letter

So you are ready to begin the process of creating your school’s GSA. Start by submitting your proposal to the school administration. Talk with your administration before you apply, and, if possible, ally with them so that everyone is working toward the same goal – a safer, more inclusive school for all. Make sure youContinue reading “Creating a Proposal Letter”

Step Three: Enlist the Assistance of the Pre-Existing Power Structure

Sources of Community Support Local LGBTQ+ parent organizations (Mayberry, 2012) Allies in the school district School board members Local pediatricians Local mental health providers Local NASW chapter President State-wide NASW President Local university Education Department professors/chair LGBTQ+ graduates of the school Administration from schools with a GSA Create an Advisory Board Especially if one isContinue reading “Step Three: Enlist the Assistance of the Pre-Existing Power Structure”

Step Two: Show the Proven Benefits of GSAs to Students and the School

Proven Benefits of GSAs to Individual Students LGBTQ students involved in GSAs reported that the GSA helped them with 3 types of empowerment. The first is empowerment through knowledge – they knew their rights, and how to advocate for them. The second is personal empowerment – GSAs help students improve their self esteem and developContinue reading “Step Two: Show the Proven Benefits of GSAs to Students and the School”

Step One: Demonstrate the Need for a GSA

With Statistics The first step to demonstrating need is presenting statistics showing just how dire the situation is for many LGBTQ+ youth in our society today. You will find a list of statistics that you can cite to your school administration and school board, and the sources of the statistics, below. Click here for aContinue reading “Step One: Demonstrate the Need for a GSA”

Proposal Letters and Mission Statements

GSA Proposal Letters The page on Proposal Letters gives you ideas how to write your GSA proposal, and directs you to resources on the site that will help you demonstrate why a GSA would be good for your students and your school as a whole. Mission Statements The page on Mission Statements has some sampleContinue reading “Proposal Letters and Mission Statements”

Ways to Encourage Success in Forming Your GSA

So you’re ready to begin approaching your school administration and/or school board to formally initiate the formation of your GSA. There are steps you can take to make the process more successful and collaborative. References Finn, J. (2021, October 23). New LGBTQ+ school-bullying study electrifies advocates. Medium. https://medium.com/prismnpen/new-lgbtq-school-bullying-study-electrifies-advocates-ae52629bad83