10 Steps Towards Starting a GSA in a Public School

GLSEN

These easy to understand 10 steps are commonly used in public, secondary schools where other non-curricular clubs already exist or are allowed. Because situations and schools vary, there is no simple process that is applicable to every school.

1) Follow Guidelines
Establish a GSA the same way you would any other group or club. Look in your Student Handbook for your school’s rules regarding clubs. Some schools require students to go through a process for establishing a club, this could include writing a constitution or showing student interest.

2) Find a Faculty/Teacher Advisor
Find teachers or staff members who you think would be supportive or who have already shown themselves to be an ally around sexual orientation and gender identity issues. See your school rules for more information about who can be a club advisor.

3) Find Other Students
Work with a diverse range of students who are interested in such a group. You may check with other existing clubs for students who might have an interest.

4) Inform Administration
Inform administrators of what you are doing right away. It can be very helpful to have them on your side. They can work as liaisons to teachers, parents, community members and the school board. If an administrator opposes the GSA, provide them information about the Federal Equal Access Act (EAA).

5) Pick a Meeting Place
You may wish to find a meeting place within the school that offers some level of privacy, yet is still accessible.

6) Advertise
There are many ways to advertise – think about how you’ve seen other clubs advertise. This could be any combination of using your school bulletin, announcements, flyers, or word-of-mouth. If your flyers are defaced or torn down, do not be discouraged. Plan to have people check on them throughout the day and replace if necessary. Eventually, whoever is tearing them down will give up, or be reprimanded by the school. Besides, advertising your group and having words up such as “gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender” or “end homophobia” can be part of educating the school, and can actually make other students feel safer – even if they never attend a single meeting.

7) Plan Your Meeting
Of course you want to have a good meeting, so plan ahead of time. There are tons of things you can do, from discussions to inviting speakers, workshops to games. Visit Student Pride online for ideas.

8) Hold Your Meeting!
You may want to start with a discussion about why people feel the group is needed or important. You can also brainstorm what things your club could do this year.

9) Establish Ground Rules
Many groups have ground rules in order to ensure that group discussions are safe, confidential and respectful. Many groups have a ground rule that no assumptions or labels are used about a group member’s sexual orientation.

10) Plan for the Future
Develop an action plan. Brainstorm activities. Set goals for what you want to work towards. If you haven’t already done so, contact GLSEN's Student Organizing Department so that you may share ideas, resources and information. Also look into local GSA Networks in your town or city.