The GLSEN Lunchbox , Revised Edition: A Comprehensive Training Program for Ending Anti-LGBT Bias in Schools

The GLSEN Lunchbox is a comprehensive training program aimed at providing educators and community members with the background knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to make schools safer and more affirming places for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students.

The GLSEN Lunchbox is designed to be a ‘do-it-yourself’ kit and contains all the instructions and materials necessary for even inexperienced facilitators to conduct complete trainings that address LGBT issues. Because the needs of educators vary greatly from one community to another, The GLSEN Lunchbox encompasses a broad range of strategies and provides a flexible structure. The training module is presented in menu format, and includes 45 exercises categorized under seven broad areas or “Frames.” Each Frame represents a different goal or facet of a complete training experience. In designing sessions that are best suited to their particular audiences, facilitators have the option of selecting exercises that relate most closely to their workshop goals and timeframe. A description of each Frame, annotated index of training exercises, and selection of sample agendas follow.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES HOW DOES THE UPDATED GLSEN LUNCHBOX DIFFER FROM THE ORIGINAL GLSEN LUNCHBOX?

Several goals provide the basis for developing this revision of the GLSEN Lunchbox:

1. More activities for specific audiences: Many of the new activities and revised original activities are now geared toward audiences with a specific focus. There are activities that will be particularly helpful for anyone who works in elementary school communities, others that will be helpful for members of middle school communities, and still other activities most appropriate for high schools. Similarly, there are different sets of activities for school administrators, classroom teachers, and various school support staff.
   
   
2. LGBT issues framed in a broader context of diversity and human rights: Throughout The GLSEN Lunchbox, new and revised activities reflect our recognition of the importance of framing anti-LGBT harassment and pro-active support for LGBT students in a broader context of bullying, harassment, and diversity issues.
   
   
3. More activities that specifically relate to issues around gender expression and identity: In The GLSEN Lunchbox , we have modified language and – more importantly – substance and content to be more inclusive of transgender-related issues. Indeed, changes in this training program reflect our awareness that in many schools, harassment and discrimination based on gender identity and/or gender expression is often much more pervasive than that based on sexual orientation, particularly in elementary and middle schools.
   
   
4. Training “menus” that allow for more flexibility in a time when there is limited funding and time for in-service training of school staff: These are challenging times for schools in terms of financing and expectations, particularly related to academic standards. Highly creative teachers and principals are increasingly beleaguered and constrained in their ability to focus on anything other than “basic standards.” While we firmly believe that actual and perceived LGBT students cannot be expected to succeed if they don’t feel safe and supported, The GLSEN Lunchbox offers agenda suggestions and activities that recognize the frequent absence of funding and time for in-service training of school staff.
   
   
5. “Less talk and more action”: The GLSEN Lunchbox provides for more participant-directed activities, as well as activities that offer concrete and tangible strategies that can be applied directly in the school.

   The kit contains over 40 training exercise cards, a binder with 140 pages of handouts/resources, a video with nine exerpts from GLSEN, Human Relations Media and Women's Educational Media, 25 GLSEN Safe Space stickers, and a GLSEN highlighter and photo holder.

   Price: $129.95 + tax where applicable.
   *Order form sales tax will be charged to all orders shipped within NY state.

   *Please note that GLSEN chapter members should
   Log onto the Chapter Intranet (password required) for a discounted rate.

   ORDER HERE!