Oct 5, 2020
Education Policy October 2020 Newsletter
Friends,
We’ve become a flexible community. Adjusting to facilitate online learning. Navigating virtual platforms to best support the needs of our students and educators. Arriving prepared for safe, in-person instruction when the time comes. Each day has delivered a new challenge and it is without doubt that we are resilient and will continue to band together for the future of our education.
This season comes with specific challenges that come with a clear call to action to protect our democracy. With so many young, first-time voters it is our duty to equip them with the most up-to-date accurate information to make the best-informed choices.
This month we continue to honor Latinx Heritage Month, we welcome in Indigenous People’s Day, LGBTQ History Month, National Coming Out Day, ENC’s Weekend of Action and GLSEN’s Solidarity Week. There are crucial ways that you can get involved and take action. We’re here for you along the way.
Be well,
Rebby (they/them)
The Rural Youth Empowerment (RYE) Fellowship is a year-long mentorship and training program for LGBTQ young people in rural areas of North Carolina. The program supports RYE Fellows to successfully execute a social justice project serving rural communities while developing leadership skills.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 RYE Fellowship! Apply here by 11:59pm on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
October is LGBTQ History Month
As you meet with your GSAs virtually, we encourage you to include activities to share more about Queer History and intersectional solidarity between movements. LGBTQ History Month is honored every October to celebrate LGBTQ history, and the history of the LGBTQ rights and civil rights movements. It was founded in 1994 by Missouri high-school history teacher Rodney Wilson.
LGBTQ History Resources from GLSEN
National Coming Out Day
On October 11, we honor the personal journey of coming out and hold space for people to celebrate identity and expression. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of National Coming Out Day!
Coming Out Resources from HRC and GLSEN.
Sept 15-Oct 15
Latinx Heritage Month is the monthlong celebration honor the histories and celebrate the cultures and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Check out this booklist to read more!
TED partnered with The Mujerista to curate a playlist of their favorite TED Talks by Hispanic and Latinx speakers. For this list, they featured talks covering a diverse range of ideas from identity and personal growth to politics and immigration.
Events
- Saturday, Oct. 10 @ 10AM
Vote Well, Be Well is a meditation and gentle yoga experience with Rebby Kern (they/them) and Vivian Selles (she/her) to guide you through relaxation and stress relief as we navigate this election season. Join us and learn more about how you can get involved in your own community. REGISTER HERE
- Sunday, Oct. 11 @ 11AM
Order delivery from your fave local restaurant, sip your grande PSL, grab your heels and your mask, and let’s dance! We’re kicking things off for National Coming Out Day with drag performances from youth and special guests from across North Carolina. Hosted by Equality NC, Youth OUTright and InsideOUT 180. REGISTER HERE - Creating Safe and Brave Spaces Remotely: A Panel Discussion About Supporting LGBTQ+ Students
Wednesday, Oct. 7 @ 7:30PM
Educators can play a critical role in supporting our LGBTQ+ students and the current crisis makes that role even more important. Remote learning poses unique challenges and risks for our LGBTQ+ students but can also create new opportunities. This panel brings together diverse perspectives to share insights and ideas about how to best create the safe and brave spaces our LGBTQ+ students need and deserve. REGISTER HERE - All About Voting in NC: A Virtual Workshop Thursday, Oct. 8 @ 4PM
Want to find out how to help get out the vote this election, or just want to learn about election rules in North Carolina? This event is for you! NextGen NC and Equality NC will be hosting four election education events where you can get trained up on how NC election rules work, find out how to talk to voters, and find out what we're up to over the final month before the election! RSVP during any of the slots below for more details! REGISTER HERE
- GLSEN’s Solidarity Week October 5-9, 2020
Solidarity Week is about learning and practicing solidarity, how others can show up for you and how you can show up for others. This is an opportunity to collaborate and work with other clubs, organizations, and engage all students in different activities and awareness events during the week. If your GSA is looking for ideas on ways to take action, check out the themed days for the week.