The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) brings it with a Gay-Straight Ally Week October 13-17, 2008

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What is GLSEN’s Ally Week?

GLSEN and students across the county, often as members of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) or similar student clubs, will celebrate Ally Week on October 13-17 in schools and communities nationwide.

Ally Week involves a week of activities designed to encourage students to be Allies against anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) language, bullying and harassment in America’s schools.

Students plan events appropriate to their school community. These may simply include passing out stickers to allies who sign a pledge. Others may take part in larger community events and rallies. Many students will encourage their peers and school staff to sign an Ally Pledge which states:

I believe all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, deserve to feel safe and supported. That means I pledge to:
1. Not use anti-LGBT language and slurs;
2. Intervene, if I safely can, in situations where other students are being harassed;
3. Support efforts to end bullying and harassment.
Take the pledge online here.

GLSEN encourages students to participate in Ally Week in cooperation with their schools. We encourage students to get support from their principals and educators and participate fully in their school day. Principals, counselors, teachers and all school staff are encouraged to be Allies too!

Students and GSAs are strongly encouraged to register for GLSEN’s Ally Week in order to receive free resources and to help us determine the total number of schools and students taking part.

To register for Ally Week, visit: www.studentorganizing.org

Buttons and magnets for GLSEN’s Ally Week can be purchased online at www.glsenstore.org

To find resources, visit: www.allyweek.org