Subject: strictly fyi: LGBT authors in the classroom, student art/writing contest re: Holocaust DVD, sexual health comic book, genderbread web site
From: "Reis, Beth" <Beth.Reis@kingcounty.gov>
Date: 2/22/2012 4:41 PM
To: NEWS@safeschoolscoalition.org

Dear Safe Schools Coalition Members and Friends:

 

(1) Bring an author into your classroom by Skype – new Lambda Literary Foundation program introduces LGBT writers to schools

(2) Writing and Art Contest (for students grades 5-12, in WA, OR, ID, AK) about how a Holocaust testimony, event, or text that impels you to action

(3) 20-minute Holocaust DVD (free for educators) With My Own Eyes

(4) sexual health comic book

(5) GENDERBREAD PERSON €¦ Breaking through the binary: Gender explained using continuums

 

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(1) Bring an author into your classroom by Skype – new Lambda Literary Foundation program introduces LGBT writers to schools

 

Contact: Monica Carter FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tel.: (323) 467-8446

Email: mcarter@lambdaliterary.org

LAMBDA LITERARY FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM TO INTRODUCE LGBT LITERATURE TO SCHOOLS

LGBT Writers in Schools Brings Writers into Classrooms

 

Lambda Literary Foundation (in partnership with the Gay Straight Educators Alliance and the National Council for teachers of English) is proud to announce a new pilot program aimed at including LGBT issues and texts in English studies and English language arts classrooms. LGBT Writers in Schools will connect authors with classrooms via free Skype or in-class visit to discuss the author€™s work and LGBT issues.

 

Designed for teachers of upper level high school classes, universities and colleges, the LGBT Writers in Schools program is an opportunity for writers to discuss their work openly with students and to encourage diversity not only in the students€™ reading and writing lives, but also in society at large.

 

This initiative will broaden the foundation of experience for students of Literature, Creative Writing, English, and Secondary Education as well as accomplish these goals:

—¸ To bring LGBT writers into high schools, colleges and universities to share their knowledge and experience in order to promote diversity and encourage understanding of the LGBT community

—¸ To enrich the high school, college and university English curriculum by incorporating and teaching LGBT texts in the classroom which will acknowledge LGBT writers€™ contributions to literature

—¸ To foster an open environment to discuss LGBT issues and their impact on society and the individual through LGBT texts in a vibrant and moderated classroom atmosphere

—¸ Giving a voice to those who have long been silenced

 

This is a really exciting venture for Lambda Literary Foundation and for the Gay Straight Educators Alliance. LGBT literature should be represented as one voice among the many in any contemporary curriculum. The way to help counter prejudice and bullying is through educating others and it is vital to support any efforts that would help achieve this goal. Opening up channels of communication definitely begins with

understanding and what better way to understand the LGBT community than through literature.

 

"LLF's Writers in Schools program introduces the rich literary traditions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to high school and college students, some of whom may be gay themselves," said Tony Valenzuela, LLF's Executive Director. "Encouraging young people to read and talk about LGBT books with LGBT writers creates a supportive and safe environment for gay students, but also a richer

learning experience for all students."

 

About the Lambda Literary Foundation: The Foundation nurtures, celebrates, and preserves LGBT literature through programs that honor excellence, promote visibility and encourage development of emerging writers. LLF€™s programs include the Lambda Literary Awards, the Writers€™ Retreat for Emerging LGBT Voices, and our web magazine at www.lambdaliterary.org.

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If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Monica Carter, please call Monica Carter at 323/467-8446 or e-mail Monica at mcarter@lambdaliterary.org

 

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(2) Writing and Art Contest (for students grades 5-12, in WA, OR, ID, AK) about how a Holocaust testimony, event, or text that impels you to action

 

With My Own Eyes: As a student of the Holocaust you are now a witness

>From the Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center

 

DEADLINE – MARCH 16, 2012. Early submissions encouraged. Entries must be postmarked by March 16th. Open to students in grades 5-12 in WA, OR, ID, and AK.

Writing:  
Write about a Holocaust testimony, event, or text that impels you to action. How will you respond to injustice? Guidelines: 2000 words maximum. Cite your sources. Number your pages. Writing may be essay, prose, poetry, fictional story, etc. Attach or email submission form with your entry.

Art:
Create a visual statement about a Holocaust testimony, event, or text, that impels you to action. Write an artist€™s statement (100 words or less) that explains your choices in the piece and says what you will do when you see or hear injustice. Guidelines: Maximum size - 18x24 inches and must be flat. (No sculpture or 3- dimensional pieces.) Larger pieces may be photographed – submit the photograph as your entry. If using charcoal or chalk, use fixatives. Attach or email submission form with your entry.

Video/Digital:
Create a monologue, performance piece, interview, dramatic piece, or animation, about a Holocaust testimony, event, or text, that impels you to action. How will you respond to injustice? Guidelines: Must be original, independent work. Do not use copyright materials. 3 minute maximum. First upload your video to YouTube and then email the link with your submission form.

 

contest guidelines

A submission form must be attached to each entry.  • If you want your entry returned, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. • Each entry must represent the independent effort of the writer/artist. • Entries that do not follow the guidelines, or that do not include a completed submission form, will be disqualified. • Art entries that depict large swastikas will not be selected. • Entries will become the property of the Holocaust Center. The Center reserves the right to publish and/or display all work.

 

to enter (choose one):

 

suggested resources:

 

frequently asked questions:

What are the judges looking for?  Where can I print/download a submission form?  Where can I find resources on the Holocaust? What websites do you suggest?  What was the Holocaust?   Will I get my entry back?  Who sponsors the contest?  Who is Jacob Friedman?  And more...  Find answers.

 

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(3) 20-minute Holocaust DVD (free for educators) With My Own Eyes

 

>From the Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center for grades 7 and up

For more information or to order, go to http://www.wsherc.org/teaching/withmyowneyes.aspx

 

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(4) sexual health comic book

 

Great comic from the Healthy Aboriginal Network (Canada) – 1-39 copies, $5 each (larger orders for lower cost

 

A range of issues are covered in Kiss Me Deadly. From respect and communication in relationships, to pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, two-spirit people and sexual health as a career or youth led project. You can preview the story and illustrations at www.thehealthyaboriginal.net.

 

Copies may be ordered by sending an email to sean@thehealthyaboriginal.net with your order and billing address. Don't forget to check out their other books.

 

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(5) GENDERBREAD PERSON - Breaking through the binary: Gender explained using continuums

 

Explain it all simply, using art and color.

Go to: http://itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2011/11/breaking-through-the-binary-gender-explained-using-continuums/

 

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Co-Chairs:

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Michelle Munro, not representing a member org

Mo Lewis, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center

Matthew Wilson, Oasis/Pierce County AIDS Foundation

 

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Heather Carter, Youth Suicide Prevention Program
Frank Couch, Science & Management of Addictions Foundation
Penny Palmer, not representing a member org

 

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