Start a Gay-Straight Alliance in 10 Steps
from GLSEN
A gay-straight alliance (GSA) is a school-based group organized to end
anti-gay bias and homophobia in schools and create positive change,
making schools a welcoming and safe place for all students, regardless of
sexual orientation or gender identity.
The steps listed below are intended for use in public high schools where
other extracurricular clubs already exist or are allowed. Because
situations and schools vary, there are no simple steps that apply to
every school. Go to www.studentprideusa.org for more help in starting a
GSA in your school.
1. Follow Guidelines
Establish a GSA the same way you would any other group or club. Look in
your student handbook for your school's rules regarding clubs. Some
schools require students to go through a process for establishing a club
-- this could include drafting a constitution or showing student interest.
2. Find a Faculty Advisor
Find teachers or staff members who you think would be allies or who have
already shown their support for sexual orientation and gender identity
issues. See your school rules for more information about who can be a
club advisor.
3. Find Other Students
Work with a diverse range of students who are interested in such a group.
You may check with other existing clubs for students who might have an
interest.
4. Inform the Administration
Inform administrators of what you are doing right away. It can be very
helpful to have them on your side. They can work as liaisons to teachers,
parents, community members, and the school board. If an administrator
opposes the GSA, give him or her information about the Federal Equal
Access Act (EAA). You can find more information and copies of the EAA on
the Student
Pride Web site.
5. Pick a Meeting Place
Look for a meeting place within the school that offers some level of
privacy, yet is still accessible.
6. Advertise
There are many ways to advertise -- your school bulletin, announcements,
flyers, or word of mouth. Don't be discouraged if your flyers are defaced or torn down.
Plan to have people check on them throughout the day and
replace them if necessary. Eventually, whoever is tearing them down will
give up, or be reprimanded by the school. Besides, advertising your group
and having words up such as "gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender" or
"end homophobia" can be part of educating the school, and can actually
make other students feel safer -- even if they never attend a single
meeting.
7. Plan Your Meeting
Of course you want to have a good meeting, so plan ahead of time. There
are tons of things you can do, from discussions to inviting speakers,
from workshops to games. Visit Student Pride online for ideas.
8. Hold Your Meeting!
You may want to start with a discussion about why people feel the group
is needed or important. You can also brainstorm about what your club could do
this year.
9. Establish Ground Rules
Many GSAs have ground rules in order to ensure that group discussions are
safe, confidential, and respectful. A lot of groups have a ground rule
that no assumptions or labels are used about a group member's sexual
orientation.
10. Plan for the Future
Develop an action plan. Brainstorm activities. Set goals for what you
want to work toward. Also, look into local GSA Networks in your town or
city.
GLSEN is the largest
national organization bringing together students, teachers, parents, and
concerned citizens from all walks of life, working to end anti-gay bias
in schools across the nation.
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