PFLAG Live!
Tune in to CAN-TV on Friday, Jan. 28 and Friday, Feb. 25 for PFLAG Live! Hosted by Marc Wigler, PFLAG gets a voice on Channel 21 from 6:30-7 p.m. Each episode Marc is joined by a super guest helping to inform the audience on the GLBT community and give a better understanding about PFLAG.
Jan. 28 Miss Foozie, one of Chicago's most famous female impersonators, joins the show for what promises to be a fun time. And then on Feb. 25 special guest Dr. Donald Fraynd, Chicago Public School's first openly gay principal ( of Jones College Prep ) joins Marc on the air. Tune in and support the show.
Sullivan Open Mic
The GSA Club at Sullivan High School in Rogers Park is sponsoring an open mic poetry evening for LGBTQ youth and their friends. The event will take place Friday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m. at No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood.
There is a suggested donation of $3 at the door. Come hear LGBTQ youth and their friends read their poetry, read your own poetry or just come and meet new friends.
The GSA club is also looking for LGBTQ allied poets to share this evening with high school students. If you are interested in supporting the night as an adult poet or would like to know more information about the night please contact Lin Boyle, the club's sponsor, at LinBoylesing@aol.com .
Internship/Scholarship Program Applications
Applications for National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Messenger-Anderson Journalism Internship/Scholarship Program are now being accepted. Up to $10,000 to be awarded to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Journalism/ Communications students. The deadline to apply is Feb. 24, 2005.
Self-identified LGBT high school seniors and undergraduate college students who plan to pursue a degree in journalism or communications at an accredited four-year college or university are encouraged to apply.
The Messenger-Anderson Scholarship Award is $5,000 for the first year, followed by $2,500 each year for the next two years, bringing the award total to $10,000. Applicants must re-apply each year. Winners are required to participate in an eight-week Messenger-Anderson Scholarship Intern Program at one of the Task Force offices during the summer.
The Communications Team is responsible for educating the public about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues by articulating the Task Force's mission to build a grassroots political power through the media, by disseminating materials produced by the Task Force Policy Institute, and by responding to public information requests. By working to shape public discourse, the Communications Team contributes directly to the Task Force mission of advancing social justice. The Messenger-Anderson Scholarships allows students to hone their skills in several areas of communications practice. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: tracking news coverage of the Task Force, researching media opportunities, assisting with rapid response to breaking stories, writing and editing press releases, and updating Web site.
Successful candidates should have strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, and demonstrate a desire and commitment to work in a multi-cultural environment where commitment to diversity based on race, ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation and physical ability is an important institutional value. For application guidelines and to download an application, visit www.thetaskforce.org .
GLSEN News
GLSEN Chicago Professional Development Program, 'An Introduction to the Safe Zone Program,' is being presented Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Jones High School, 606 S. State St., Chicago.
Safe Zone is a national program dedicated to training students, faculty, and staff to become safe people for GLBTQ students. Safe Zone members display buttons, magnets, and pins with the Safe Zone logo on them to let students know they are someone safe to approach about GLBTQ issues.
This year join Jacob Mueller and Cyndy Boyd from the University of Illinois at Chicago to learn about the Safe Zone program and how you can get your school involved.
Safe Zone members are individuals who support and affirm gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning students. These people can be students, faculty, or staff members who are willing to attend a training session and display Safe Zone items in their offices or on their backpacks/jackets.
GLSEN Volunteer Positions
GLSEN provides many volunteer opportunities for those wanting to get involved. Below are a listing of volunteer positions available and the contact person in charge of those positions.
— BRUNCH COMMITTEE: The committee to organize their Back-to-School Brunch is now forming. To participate, contact richardr@glsenchicago.
— YOUTH COMMITTEE: They are looking for people to participate in their Youth Committee—help plan their Youth Summits and events, and get more youth involved with GLSEN Chicago. To join this committee, contact Aren Drehobl at drehobl@glsenchicago.org .
— POLICY COMMITTEE: Their Policy Committee is accepting new members to help GLSEN Chicago ensure that legal rights are kept intact. To join this committee, contact Dan Sprehe at dans@glsenchicago.org .
— PR/COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: They need people to help with GLSEN Chicago's public relations efforts, Web site and newsletters. If you have writing or design skills, or want to develop them, contact Hilary Marsh at hilarym@glsenchicago.org .
Genereal volunteers can contact Barbara Schon Lundberg, their volunteer coordinator, at barbarasl@glsenchicago.org .
