GLSEN Selected to Compete in the American Giving Awards, Presented by Chase

NEW YORK - The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) today announced it has been selected to participate in the American Giving Awards program, presented by Chase, with the opportunity to win up to $1,000,000 to support its work to ensure schools are safe and respectful for all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Supporters can help ensure GLSEN's success simply by voting through the American Giving Awards program on Facebook.

"GLSEN is excited to have the opportunity to secure additional funding for our life-changing work," said GLSEN Executive Director Dr. Eliza Byard. "Every student deserves to go to a safe and respectful school, and we hope to be able to expand our Safe Schools Initiative to more communities across the country. We are humbled to be in such inspiring company and look forward to sharing our vision of a brighter future for our nation's youth."

GLSEN is one of the 25 previous Chase Community Giving grant recipients selected for the program, and will participate in the Youth Developers category with four other charities.

The other charity categories are: Educators & Mentors; Champions of Health & Wellness; Heroes & Leaders; and Community Builders

GLSEN supporters are being asked to vote beginning on November 27, 2012 at 12:00 AM, ET until December 4, 2012 at 11:59:59 PM, ET. The charities receiving the most votes in each of the 5 categories will receive grants.

Of these five charities, the charity with the most votes in their respective category will receive $1,000,000; the runner up will receive $500,000; the 3rd place charity will receive $250,000; and the 4th and 5th place charities will each receive $125,000 grants.

How You Can Help

You can help GLSEN receive up to $1 million by simply visiting the Chase Community Giving Facebook page at: http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/. Click on the American Giving Awards tab, and cast your vote.

Please pledge to vote for GLSEN at: www.glsen.org/chase. GLSEN has also created a special campaign page on its website offering supporters with tools and tips to get out the vote in support of GLSEN's life-changing work.

ABOUT GLSEN
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.