#allyweek

Are you an LGBTQ ally? Commit to creating LGBTQ-inclusive schools, and GLSEN will send you the resources you need: https://glsen.us/2Lby3Rg

So my art teacher handed out prints of a sheet for students who wanted to color them. As you can tell, I went all out with this. I tried including as many flags as possible so if you don't see your flag color, please dont be offended. Anyway, I hope you guys like it :)

How are you being an Ally during #AllyWeek? Although #AllyWeek is a student-powered movement to show support for the LGBTQ+ members of our schools, this is still a good time to stop and reflect on how you are an Ally to your LGBTQ+ community. How do you show support, empathy, and love? What actions do you take to make your space (classroom, workplace, home, social media) safe for the LGBTQ+ community? Let’s talk about what we are doing, what we can do, and what we should do as allies. #willwriteforwraps #seashoredesignstudio #etcoterie #emmelinetextiles

For the first time, CVHS will be hosting its very own Ally Week from Nov. 2 to Nov. 6. Very few students are aware of what an ally is, let alone what the purpose of having an Ally Week is - which is the exact purpose of hosting this event. Ally Week was created by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) in 2005 with the purpose of informing the youth of today about issues faced by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + (LGBTQ+) community. A main focal point of the event is the word “ally” - what it means, what it implies, and how one can change lives by being an ally. To be an ally is to be (typically) any non-LGBTQ+ person who supports and advocates for equality for these and other marginalized groups. Before, labeling oneself as an ally was somewhat of a taboo. For some reason, people believed that affiliating with this community would automatically make a person queer, yet another reason why Ally Week is so significant. Now, with the existence of the term “ally” in regards to the LGBTQ+ community, more people are allowed to take pride in a title that means something more than just believing in equality. The idea of hosting an Ally Week at CVHS first began with the officers of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Club, with strong support and advocacy from AP Government teacher Alicia Harris. GSA then reached out to ASB and the two on-campus organizations joined forces to host an event unique to CVHS. The groups then reached out to Cynthia Livingston, principal of Rosemont Middle School (RMS), so that a similar Ally Week may take place at the middle school. The middle school Ally Week is still currently in the works with CVHS’s ASB and GSA coordinating with staff from RMS. “I believe that it is important to have an Ally Week because it promotes respect for others regardless of their sexual identity, although the topic is very relevant and extremely important for people to understand. The basic ideals and values that this week develops around and work towards are kindness and respect towards those surrounding you, whether you agree with them or not. For our student body to devote an entire week to such ideas, although long overdue, it is a step in the right direction,” Ally Week committee member Isabel Wright said. The schedule of CVHS’s very first Ally Week is as follows: on Monday, ASB will be hosting a photoshoot on the rally platform with a rainbow backdrop, as well as selling rainbow bracelets. CVTV will also introduce Ally Week with a segment during second period. On Tuesday, choir will be performing on the rally platform, CVTV will release a second segment, and ASB and GSA officers will sell more wristbands, all at snack. On Wednesday, ASB and GSA will be hosting a “Chain of Kindness” activity at snack on the rally platform. On Thursday, pledges will be made to be an ally, and there will be a cheer rally at snack. Friday, the final day, will be a rainbow-themed spirit day, and students will have a chance to sign a banner that says, “I am an ally.”

Last year's GSAFE kids' run. A was the lanterne rouge. This year we're trying to raise $2000 to protect LGBTQ kids in Wisconsin schools--can you help? https://gsafewi.myetap.org/fundraiser/wre2015/individual.do?participationRef=343.0.207081677 #tbt #latergram #selfie #kida #gsafe #lgbtq #safeschools #allyweek #allyweek2015

Sometimes being an #ally just means listening, being visible, and educating yourself. Helpful tips on being an #ally from everyoneisgay and autostraddle here: http://www.autostraddle.com/nine-ways-to-be-a-grown-up-lgbtq-ally-to-lgbtq-youth-309244/.