By Amy Wooten
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network ( GLSEN ) of Chicago has chosen a new path by splitting off from the national organization to become an independent organization called Creating Safe Schools in Illinois.
The local chapter officially moved on from GLSEN National to operate as a new entity Jan. 10. According to an e-mail written by now-former GLSEN Chicago executive director Richard Rykhus, the choice was part of a year-long dialogue. 'At the end of these conversations, we have decided to form Creating Safe Schools in Illinois to focus on our LOCAL needs,' Rykhus wrote.
A reorganization of GLSEN National began more than two years ago. Those at GLSEN Chicago thought the reorganization of the mother organization would impact its ability to create change locally.
According to part-time volunteer executive director Ellen Ljung, the creation of the new group was not an attempt to 'bash' GLSEN National, but was simply an effort to focus more locally. 'I was the last person to vote to leave National,' she said, 'but I'm sure it was the right decision.'
Hilary Marsh, former GLSEN Chicago communications/public relations committee chair, said that GLSEN National's new focus on consolidating local efforts worried GLSEN Chicago. 'So, where does that leave us then?' Marsh asked. 'Will local efforts suffer? I think that was a big enough question.'
GLSEN Chicago was one of the few local chapters with a paid staff, allowing it to become an autonomous group with deep roots in the community. 'We wanted to keep our decision-making local,' Marsh said.
According to Ljung, GLSEN National was 'very supportive' of the Chicago group. 'We worried about how National would respond,' she said. 'Legally, they didn't have to cooperate.' Ljung added that GLSEN National will partner with Creating Safe Schools in Illinois on some future projects.
GLSEN National Deputy Executive Director Eliza Byard said that the dialogue with the former members of GLSEN Chicago has been very productive, and the national organization has a 'great working relationship' with the new group. 'We really wish them well,' Byard said, adding that GLSEN National looks forward to working with Creating Safe Schools.
'While we are sorry in a way because they have been a flagship, …on the other hand, it's a very logical evolution,' Byard said.
This schism is not a first for a local GLSEN chapter. GLSEN of Greater Sacramento parted ways with the national organization on Aug. 10, 2005, to create Respect Sacramento. The group was created in order to respond better to local concerns. In a September Respect Sacramento newsletter, the editor writes, ' [ t ] he fact is that we [ those of us on the local board ] have been operating as a fairly autonomous group for so long anyway that when GLSEN National began to make some restructuring moves last year, we began to ask ourselves if we could make a go of it on our own. And after months of discussion, we agreed that it would be better for all concerned that we separate. And so we did. No acrimony, no anger. We wish GLSEN well and they sent back their response that, while saddened at our departure, they wish us all the best, too.'
Byard said that for some of the very independent chapters, departure from GLSEN National is a natural progression. The mother organization is pursuing work on both the national and local levels to understand this 'interesting process.'
'We are in the process of really learning the mix of local leadership and local needs,' Byard said.
Rykhus decided to move on from his role as executive director, but will continue on in an advisory role. Full-time program manager Aren Drehobl left during the fall.
Marsh said that Creating Safe Schools in Illinois has not announced an executive director yet. 'Our primary goal is to keep the program going,' she said. Ljung is currently the acting executive director, and the group is in the process of hiring two people. 'I'm very excited, but the transition has been rough,' Ljung said.
Creating Safe Schools in Illinois will continue the same work as GLSEN Chicago, and hopes to expand some of its efforts. The new organization will collaborate with local partners, as well as GLSEN National, in order to maintain its mission. According to a recent press release on GLSEN Chicago's Web site, the new organization promises that every cent raised locally will stay local, and Creating Safe Schools in Illinois will maintain a 'positive' relationship with GLSEN National.
Toni Armstrong Jr., former youth leadership development director and one of the best-known powerhouses behind GLSEN Chicago, feels that although GLSEN Chicago made tremendous changes in terms of LGBT visibility and equality in the schools since it first began, it is time for a new organization.
'The important thing will be to take the 'safe schools' idea to the next level while nurturing the GSAs [ gay-straight alliances ] that already exist, and providing support for the many LGBT school employees that are still scared and vulnerable,' Armstrong Jr. said. 'It will be interesting to see 10 years from now what Creating Safe Schools in Illinois is able to accomplish. I hope the community gets behind this new group financially.'
Tony Alvarado-Rivera, a former GLSEN scholarship recipient, says he is excited about the change, particularly because Creating Safe Schools in Illinois can focus more on local efforts. 'I think its great, and their work needs to continue,' Alvarado-Rivera said.
Evette Cordona, head of Amigas Latinas, which has given GLSEN Chicago scholarships in the past, described the news as 'great.'
'Is it risky? Yes. But sometimes you've got to take that leap of faith,' Cordona said. Cordona feels that with freedom and autonomy, Creating Safe Schools in Illinois will have more ability to deal with Chicago Public Schools. 'In a way, this is maybe what the local chapters are supposed to do.'
