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School of Education Track
This track is meant to provide current and future educators a chance to learn more about LGBTQ educational issues including bullying, faith-issues, and how to use what you gain from this Track in a classroom setting. Space is limited for this Track and will be based on a first come, first serve basis. To register for this Track, use the Individual Registration form above.
Session #1: Orientation on Orientation/Bullying
Dr. Eunice Meredith, Drake University
This session will cover the Safe School Law, policies in schools, and LGBTQ identity. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about Safe Space/Zone programs in schools.
Session #2: What do I do on Monday?
Dr. Jan Walker, Drake University
According to the survey sponsored by GLSEN, "From Teasing to Torment," more than 70% of the teachers strongly agreed that they have an obligation to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for LGBTQ students. What does that safe learning environment look like? What does an educator do when a student "comes out" to them? What can school staff do to become allies for LGBTQ students and to help them become self-advocates? With simulations, student speakers, and small group discussions, this interactive session will explore ways for school personnel to support students and create safe environments for everyone.
Session #3: Speaking to LGBTQ issues Through Faith
Dr. Shelley Fairbairn, Drake University
This session will provide participants on information regarding various faith perspectives and what it means for LGBTQ youth.
General Sessions
General workshop sessions provide an opportunity for youth, youth-serving professionals, and people who just care about LGBTQ youth to learn about a variety of issues impacting LGBTQ youth including bullying, harassment, suicide risk, domestic/dating violence, homelessness, sexual health, and how to put all this knowledge into action.
Workshop Session #1 (10:30AM-12:00PM)
Healthy Relationships: Preventing Dating Violence
Tess Cody, Prevention Coordinator, Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence
According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), 27.5% of gay and lesbian youth have reported being physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the past 12 months, while 10.2% of heterosexual youth reported same. Domestic and dating violence is a major problem impacting LGBTQ youth in schools and communities. We can make a difference. This session will provide participants information on the problem, state resources, ideas for prevention and ways to help students being impacted by domestic violence.
Get Power
Project Footsteps
Every individual is a solution to bullying; the question is, do they know that? This interactive workshop will challenge both students and adults to realize their power and responsibility to tackle LGBTQ bullying and more at their school/workplace. This workshop is about exploring solutions, creating allies, utilizing resources, and putting thoughts into action to end bullying!
The Persecution of Homosexuals under
National Socialism: Historical Perspectives on Contemporary Issues and Trends
Stephen
Gaies, Director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education at UNI and
Professor of English in the Department of Languages and Literatures
This session
will provide a historical look at the persecution of LGBTQ individuals during
the Holocaust.
Transgender Panel
Tyler Miller, Des Moines Pride Center
This interactive panel will provide an opportunity for participants to learn more about the transgender community and specifically issues impacting trans youth. Topics include terminology, pro-nouns, health needs, coming out as transgender, and the transitioning process.
Workshop Session #2 (1:15PM-2:45PM)
Safe Homes, Safe Communities, Safe Schools: Meeting the Needs of LGBTQ Homeless Youth
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the conservative estimate is that 20% of all homeless youth nationally are LGBTQ. Other studies indicate the number could be as high as 50% in someregions. Participants will learn more about why LGBTQ youth face high risk for homelessness, what happens when a youth is on the streets, and what can schools and organizations do to support youth. Participants will be given an opportunity to learn more about AvivaUSA’s global efforts to end youth homelessness.
Supporting Teenage Bystanders as Leaders and Allies Through Interactive Theatre and Dialogue: Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Strategies
This workshop will actively highlight the social and emotional challenges and related strategies that LGBT youth and peer allies can use when confronting bullying and other abusive behaviors among their peers. Participants will experience “live” theater as a way to raise awareness and challenge themselves and others with active, pro-social bystander interventions within their respective schools and communities.
Workshop Session #3 (3:00PM-4:30PM)
Linking Together Supports: LGBTQ Youth Suicide Prevention
According to the Journal Pediatrics, LGBTQ youth are 8.5 times more likely than their heterosexual peers to attempt suicide. Too often we are unsure of warning signs, what to do if a friend or youth shows these signs, and how to prevent suicide from happening. This interactive workshop will link together community and school-based resources to prevent suicide from taking place.
GSAs
Iowa Pride Network
This session will focus on activities, events, and other ideas your Gay-Straight Alliance or Diversity Club can do for your school and community. Activities to be shared will be on Day of Silence, No Name Calling Week, and National Coming Out Day.
A Frank Talk On Bullying
Christy Wolfe, Assistant Professor of Education, Coe College
Many
different organizations, agencies, faith communities, and individuals work on
the hot topic of bullying. But what is
really effective to prevent bullying from happening? This workshop will take an honest look at
bullying from a class that spent a semester working on the subject. Participants will see PSAs, research, and
other important information to create safe schools and communities.
Advocating for Equality: Changing Attitudes
in Rural Communities
Many
strategies are deployed to silence the LGBTQ community and straight allies
advocating for change. This session will
look at specific strategies the opposition uses to counter change including
banning books, conversion therapy, and extreme messaging. Participants will learn ways to support LGBTQ
youth in rural communities and how to best advocate for social justice.
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