Establishing and sustaining gay–straight student alliances

The Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Committee of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), the University of Alberta’s Agape Project Office and Safety Under the Rainbow are co-hosting a networking and resource meeting to help teacher advisors and student leaders learn more about establishing and sustaining gay–straight student alliances (GSAs) in schools. GSAs support students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, two-spirited, queer and other allies. Participants will take home resources, share stories and strategies to help make this goal a reality. The meeting is set for Saturday, February 10, 2007, 9:30 A.M.–3:30 P.M., Southern Alberta Regional Office of the ATA, 3016-5 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB. There is no registration fee, however, pre-registration is required. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Participants are responsible for their own travel and other related expenses. GSA teacher advisors and one or two student leaders from each school are invited to attend. In addition, administrators, teachers and students who are interested in establishing or supporting a GSA in their school are also welcome to participate. For more information, contact Barb Maheu, ATA Staff Officer, Professional Development, 11010-142 Street NW, Edmonton T5N 2R1. Telephone: (780) 447-9417; fax: (780) 455-6481; e-mail: barb.maheu@ata.ab.ca, or contact Kristopher Wells, Department of Educational Policy Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2G5. Telephone: (780) 492-0772; fax: (780) 492-2024; e-mail: kwells@ualberta.ca