|
|
December 13, 1999 CV-PFLAG Meeting Notes
Facilitator: Ron
Ron called the meeting to order at 7:30
Ron asked that if anyone were having a problem or dealing some issues to please talk to him during break and we could address there problems or find someone that would best help them.
Ron introduced three special guests that were attending the meeting.
Susan Ellis with Network AIDS. Susan thanked the CV-PFLAG chapter for their wonderful efforts in the community and for donating Christmas gifts for a local 5-month old girl suffering with AIDS.
Michael and Whitney from the Human Rights Watch in New York City. Michael and Whitney are traveling around the United States gathering information concerning GLBT persons that have been affected by discrimination, harassment or hate crimes. When they have gathered all of this information they will publish a book. Visit the Human Rights Watch web site at: www. hrw.org
Ron introduce Sy, CV-PFLAGs # 1 advocate in the Muscogee county schools. Sy has had and will continue to have great success in the Muscogee county school district in Columbus, Georgia. Below you will read the Muscogee county school superintendent letter to Sy and also Sys response to him.
From: Superintendent
To: Sy CV-PFLAG
Listed below are some of the activities Muscogee County School District has done to help make schools safer for all students and to teach respect for all students.
- Revised the Crisis Management plan for Muscogee County School District. Each school revised their local school plan.
- Provided training to all principals on implementing the Crisis Management plan. Each principal provided training to all school staff personnel. Included was training on conflict resolution, and tolerance and respect for all individuals.
- Hosted the fourth annual Tool Box Conference in August for Muscogee County School District counselors, principals and teachers. Sessions dealt with a number of topics including preventing suicide, supporting all students, providing small group support counseling, dealing effectively with prejudice, etc.
- We annually train students in all our elementary, middle and high schools to be peer helpers. They are trained to be sensitive to other students, to listen without making judgements, to give support and encouragement and to help connect students to appropriate adult support if needed.
- The superintendent has met with the faculty at every school. One of the things he stresses to the teachers is to be alert to what is going on. If you see or hear things that appear inappropriate or out of place, report it to the principal immediately. Deal with students who tease, bully and put other students down. We have to teach our students to respect everyone. Adults in the schools have to model this.
- Character education is taught in all our schools.
From: Sy
To: Superintendent
Dear Superintendent,
Thank you for your prompt response and excellent memo.
I have 2 questions:
- Are we not planning a statement of principles for each High School based on a flyer "PFLAG For Professionals Who Work with Gay Youth" and Part one, the 13 Recommendations and Strategies as listed on pages 9 to 19 in the "1999 Maine Safe Schools Resource Guide?
- I have an ok from Vern Lewis, Educational Director of the Education Department of Georgia Equality Project Foundation, that with 30 days notice he will be available for a seminar. We discussed the possibility of setting up this seminar with approximately 20 people at Spencer High School and going on from there. When can we arrange for this seminar?
Please advise.
Have a nice day,
Sy
BREAK
Ron introduced Frank from the Chattahoochee Valley Gay Pride Association. Frank advised that the 2000 Gay Pride celebration was going to happen June 3, 2000 at Pasaquan close to Buena Vista Georgia. Frank also mentioned that we have a confirmed Folk singer Drew Boles 18 from Florida that is going to school in Atlanta.
Group discussion on things that need to be done before next meeting.
Put an announcement in the Ledger Enquirer mentioning time, date and location of our PFLAG meetings since we have a meeting place now that we can advertise the address. Jason will handle this.
Print bookmarks to put in GLBT books in local bookstores. Jason will let the group know if he needs help with this.
Steve will donate 1000 business cards to be printed with PFLAG information on them.
Ron introduced Emily PFLAGs treasurer. Emily elected to pass around the donation plate. The December 15, 1999 meeting collected $40.00.
Group discussion on our elections coming up in January. Jason and Kay will be the Nominating Committee.
Ron commended all 1999 officers of PFLAG for a wonderful job and service to the community. Laura, Sy, Emily, Jason, Ray and in turn we also commended Ron for an excellent job on the December meeting.
Last words from our guests Susan Ellis, Michael. Susan mentioned The Network Aids Vigil will be in May and she invited PFLAG and other organizations to participate in this function by setting up a table with information.
MEETING ADJORNED
Chattahoochee Valley PFLAG
CV-PFLAG P.O Box 2031
Columbus, Georgia 31901
(334) 448-6797
