Dear Safe Schools Coalition Family and Friends,

(1) Community Resource Exchange (Jan 13; Seattle, WA)

(2) 30th anniversary of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center banquet and gala (January 14, Memphis, TN)

(3) GSA Leadership Summit/Conference (Jan. 16; Seattle WA)

(4) PBS 'In the Mix' series episode Depression? What YOU Can DO? (Jan. 21; everywhere)

(5) Born This Way Kafé fundraiser for Out There Poetry Camp (Jan. 27; Seattle, WA)

(6) Country Doctor FREE teen clinic (Jan. Mon& Tuesdays.; Seattle, WA)

(7) Teen Talking Circles facilitator trainings ( March 15-18; Bainbridge Island, WA)

(8) 2012 Annual American School Counselor Association Conference (June 23-26; Minneapolis, MN)

(1) Community Resource Exchange (Jan 13; Seattle, WA)

Last year, United Way's Community Resource Exchange connected 1,800 people experiencing homelessness with the services they needed€”all in one place, on one day. Our next Community Resource Exchange will take place at CenturyLink Field (formerly Qwest Field) Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. The event connects homeless individuals and families with the services they need all in one place, in one day€”with everything from housing, employment and legal assistance to free health services, haircuts, and voicemail accounts.

CenturyLink Field (formerly Qwest Field)

800 Occidental Avenue South

Seattle, Washington 98134

9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

*******************************

(2) 30th anniversary of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center banquet and gala (January 14, Memphis, TN)

A grassroots gala and banquet celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center with Noam Chomsky speaking on Revolutionary Pacifism: structural violence at home and abroad. In addition to our amazing keynote speaker you can expect an evening of local music, deliciously sustainable food, and a chance to reconnect with three decades of our our peace and justice community. Also featuring: Live music from the Bluff City Backsliders, Dance performances by Bridging Souls Productions and the Performance Art Network, Mary Ruth Robinson photo exhibit of 30 years of activism in Memphis, Global Goods pop-up store Book-signing by Prof. Chomsky with books for sale,

Free childcare, and Sustainable meal catered by Just for Lunch.

Saturday €˘ January 14, 2012

First Congregational Church (Sanctuary)

1000 S. Cooper St.

Memphis, TN 38104

*******************************

(3) GSA Leadership Summit/Conference (Jan. 16; Seattle WA)

Educate yourself on new and interesting ideas that can help you work with your school, community, or those you come in contact with.  GLSEN provides curriculum ideas, sensitivity trainings, and resources for all educators, students, advisors and interested adults.

When: Monday, January 16, 2012 (MLK Day)

Time: 9 AM-2 PM

Where: University Prep , 8000 25th Avenue NE Seattle, WA 98115

Cost: Free! (Lunch is $10)

Sessions include:

For Educators: Safe Space Kit Training

For Students:  Youth Suicide Prevention, What's in My Future?, LGBTQ Youth Activism, GLSEN Events/Days of Action (Including Day of Silence Training), Introduction to PFLAG, Queers in Hip Hop

Recognizing the Gender Binary, Self Defense Essentials, GSA Legal Rights

There will also be a Panel of LGBT Athletes including: Rat City Roller Girls (Roller Derby), Seattle Volleyball Club (Volleyball) tentative, Emerald City Softball Association (Softball) tentative

Seattle Sockeyes (Ultimate Frisbee), Tilted Thunder (Roller Derby), Martial Arts

*******************************

(4) PBS 'n the Mix'ť series episode Depression? What YOU Can DO? (Jan. 21; everywhere)

There's no question that serious depression, self-mutilation, suicide attempts and deaths are increasing among middle school age youth. The earlier it is identified and treated, the better the prognosis. However, the signs are often dismissed as typical adolescent moods. Friends or siblings are often the first to suspect a problem and are often the only ones the person will confide in, with the pressure to promise not to tell anyone. Sadly, most young teens are reluctant to break a promise, fearing to lose a friend or seem untrustworthy. The program is primarily directed at middle school students who are seriously depressed, self-mutilating or at risk of suicide; also their friends, peers and siblings. However, since younger children will €śwatch up€ť and older teens can relate to the topic, it reaches a wide age range, both male and female.

€˘ Helps teens recognize the signs of serious depression in themselves and others

€˘ De-stigmatizes and dispels misconceptions about depression; such as it's a sign of weakness, or people can help themselves

€˘ Encourages a depressed teen to talk to someone, preferably an adult

€˘ Educates about what not to say or do when a friend or sibling confides they are depressed; and makes it clear what to say and do

€˘ Changes the common belief that you must never break a trust or promise

€˘ Identifies trusted adults to talk to, such as a parent, school counselor, teacher, clergy

€˘ Provides an educational resource for counselors, teachers, mental health professionals and others

(5) Born This Way Kafé fundraiser for Out There Poetry Camp (Jan. 27; Seattle, WA)

Born This Way KafĂ© is hosting a fundraiser for Out There Poetry Camp, a summer camp for queer youth and allies this July at Langston Hughes Performing arts center on Jan 27. Born This Way KafĂ© is a FREE place for all sorts of queer youth and allies ages 13-19 to go Friday nights. It is located with the Cal Anderson Park Shelterhouse at 1635 Eleventh Avenue on Capitol Hill Just east of Pine and Broadway in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. Come by to meet new friends, eat tasty food, create spoken word, share your voice, hear rad music, and play fun games. For more info or to help make this happen email Randy.Wiger@Seattle.gov or  call/text 206.883.6110.

*******************************

(6) Country Doctor FREE teen clinic (Jan. Mon& Tuesdays.; Seattle, WA)

Free medical carefor homeless teens ages 12-23 at Country Doctor on Mondays and Tuesday from 6-9pm. Come by to receive physical exams and medical care for colds, pains, and itch or pick up birth control and condoms. Pregnancy, STD, and HIV testings and treatment are also available. Country Doctor is located at 500 19^th Ave E. For more info call 206-229-1600 and press 7.

*******************************

(7) Teen Talking Circles facilitator trainings ( March 15-18; Bainbridge Island, WA)

*******************************

(8) 2012 Annual American School Counselor Association Conference (June 23-26; Minneapolis, MN)

2012 Annual Conference- Be Brilliant: Celebrating ASCA's Diamond Anniversary will take place June 23€“26, 2012 in Minneapolis, MN. More than 100 breakout sessions give attendees at all experience levels a wealth of choices for their professional development. With this much to choose from, you're bound to find myriad gems. This year's keynote speakers include Dan Savage of Savage Love and the It's Gets Better Project, Stacy Bless,  Jamie Vollmer, and more! Register by March 1 for best rates. Click here for more info and registration