Respect Report - February 2010

The 15th annual Day of Silence is coming soon, and we at GLSEN are preparing for one of the biggest student-led actions ever! On Friday, April 16 students across the country will take a vow of silence to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment. Hundreds of thousands of students across the country and around the world will take part in educating their schools and communities about this important issue.

For more information about Day of Silence go to www.dayofsilence.org, and don't forget to register your DOS activities by clicking the link below.

Register for the Day of Silence

Does your community make its children and youth a priority? Is it committed to creating better places to grow up and live? If you, you and your colleagues should enter America's Promise Alliance's 100 Best Communities for Young People competition, presented by the ING.

GLSEN is a member organization of America's Promise Alliance, and Executive Director Eliza Byard will be serving on the selection panel for the competition. Applications will be available online starting March 1.

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February 12, 2010 marks the second anniversary of the death of Lawrence King, who was killed by a classmate at the age of 15 because of his perceived sexual orientation and gender expression. People across the country will host local vigils to commemorate Lawrence and raise awareness about anti-LGBT violence in schools. To find a vigil near you or host one of your own, visit www.rememberinglawrence.org at the link below.

GLSEN's Public Policy Associate, Alison Gill, provides the first update in a new monthly series about safe schools policies at the state and local level from around the country. It's only February, but it's already a busy year for safe schools legislation.

Recent events in both Northern and Southern California highlight the diversity of people and institutions--including politicans, corporate executives and local advocates--committed to advancing GLSEN's work in schools and in the greater community.

People are often surprised at their capacity to provide for family, friends, or a favored charity after assessing their assets. Once the security of your loved ones and yourself is assured, you may naturally consider the life experiences that brought you to GLSEN, to pursuit of safe schools for all, and to the prospect of LGBT youth more able to learn because they are free of fear. The Weiland Society, A Legacy for the Future recognizes friends making a "legacy" gift.