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GLSEN, the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students, has partnered with Target to produce a mini-documentary highlighting the work of students, educators and volunteers who have improved school climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth across the country.

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Cox-Peterson, A.  (2011).  Educational partnerships: Connecting schools, families, and the community.  Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publishing.
(2003). Retrieved June 29, 2015, from http://www.glsen.org/

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Cox-Petersen (2011) stressed the importance of overcoming

potential barriers and insists that "schools must be familiar

with these barriers and address them if they are to connect

with students and their families, and provide a successful,

equitable education for all students" (p.185).

1.) To address the first potential barrier of culture, and more

specifically stereotypes as a result of being culturally ignorant,

I would firstly eliminate any colormute, which is described as

the action of teachers and parents ignoring race when talking

about diverse families and students (Pollock 2007, as cited in

Cox-Petersen, 2011). By ignoring a student's differences whether

they be race or other cultural aspects, those individuals are

refusing to acknowledge, accept, and embrace that student's

own unique identity which results in failure to understand and

appreciate diverse cultures. This type of ignorance leads to

negative classroom climates and negative relationships between

families and school. To overcome this colormute behavior I would

firstly hold a meeting either before or after school and invite

parents to attend so that we could discuss issues that may

be of importance in relation to my incorporating LGBTQ individuals

and issues into the curricula. I would encourage parents to remain

positive and honest and discuss their concerns so that I and

perhaps other parents can address their worries in a positive

and productive atmosphere. To further overcome the barriers

of culture and stereotypes I will also invite parents to volunteer in

the classroom and participate in lessons and curricula that address

LGBTQ issues. By engaging in lessons on a topic they are not

well-versed in with their students I hope to achieve a means

by which to overcome this powerful barrier and assist in creating

strong relationships.

2.) The second potential barrier I plan to overcome is management.

As previously stated, it may be difficult to find the time or initiative

for one or several individuals to dedicate to managing the partnership

with GLSEN. To address this barrier I will firstly take the initiative to

designate a specific date and time for all teachers, administrators, and

others involved in the partnership to meet each week. To decide on

a time I will communicate with all individuals face to face or through

email to determine the best day and time to meet. In these meetings

I will have a planned itinerary which I will share with my colleagues

so they will know what we will be discussing and how much time will

need to be allotted for our meeting. In these meetings we will agree

on jobs for each individual to complete and decide when they need to

be completed by. By taking over the difficult management position and

applying structure to an overwhelming situation I hope to overcome

this barrier. Also by breaking the task down into specific jobs and

sharing them amongst individuals the task of management becomes

easier, less time consuming, and more enjoyable,

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According to Cox-Petersen (2011), "barriers are obstacles

that groups face when they try to accomplish a task or

project" (p.185). From partnering with GLSEN there are two

potential barriers I anticipate will reveal themselves after

establishing a partnership with this organization.

1.) The first potential barrier that I foresee will arise from this partnership is the barrier of culture, or more specifically, stereotypes. Each family comes to

the classroom with their own culture and preconceived ideas

about other cultures and families different from their own. By partnering with

GLSEN I imagine some parents will disagree with the LGBTQ culture

present within my curriculum and classroom.This disagreement will stem from

parents and families being unfamiliar with the LGBTQ culture, which in turn

will resort in families relying on negative stereotypes that create hostile feelings

towards LGBTQ students and families.

2.) The second barrier I anticipate will arise from partnering with GLSEN is management. While GLSEN offers many resources and strategies, to begin implementing these sources within the curriculum or school, someone will need to manage the partnership and ensure that appropriate time is being put aside each week or day for the partnership. Due to every teacher's busy schedule and at times overwhelming tasks it may be difficult to find individuals to commit to and successfully manage the partnership with GLSEN. I also anticipate that because GLSEN is a partnership focused on including and addressing LGBTQ individuals and issues within the curriculum there is also a chance that some teachers or administrators may be reluctant to spend time managing the partnership due to their own prejudices or biases.

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General Contact: orangecounty@chapters.glsen.org

Education and Youth Services (Camille Beredjick):

camille.beredjick@glsen.org

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I selected this partnership for several reasons. Firstly, I chose GLSEN

because it is a widespread organization with different chapters, allowing

for the organization to have nationwide relevance while still providing

assistance and resources to particular geographic areas within the United

States. Another reason I selected GLSEN for my partnership is

because the organization has so much to offer to so many individuals

whether they are teachers, administrators, community members, or

students themselves. I feel the ample lesson plans, curricula, and

strategies for creating a school climate as well as the resources provided

to the community and students are excellent means to begin accepting

and standing up for LGBTQ individuals and their rights. The final reason I

selected GLSEN for my partnership is due to the organization's involvement

in and implementation of research. Every year GLSEN compiles data from

nationwide surveys of LGBTQ students and their experiences in school. This

data and data from other research endeavors is then used to craft the

curricula, lesson plans, volunteer options, and other resources provided

on the organization's website. This implementation of research I feel helps

to strengthen the organization's effectiveness and quality of resources.

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1.) Conduct and utilize research on LGBTQ youth's school experiences,

as well as teacher attitudes, school climate, and other education related

topics. This research and data compiled by GLSEN is then applied to

new curricula and lesson plans, This research is also used to supply tips and strategies for

teachers and school districts to use as resources in creating safe, positive, and inclusive

school environments for LGBTQ students.

2.) GLSEN acts as an extensive resource for teachers, offering curricula, lesson plans,

partnership assistance, and even opportunities for professional development.

3.)GLSEN encourages students to stand up for one another and support LGBTQ students

by participating in days like Ally Week and Day of Silence, as well as provides

information on how to form or join local LGBTQ Straight alliance groups.

4.) GLSEN encourages partnerships between school and the community, as well as

home by offering resources to students and families, as well as providing links

and opportunities to volunteer with GLSEN or support their efforts through donations.

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Erin Hart

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The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network.

This is a nationwide organization supporting LGBTQ youth and teachers.

This website provides resources for teachers such as lesson plans, professional

development opportunities, safe space kits, and other resources teachers can

use to create positive, safe, and accepting school climates. This organization also

provides resources for members of the community who may want to volunteer

as well as supports for LGBTQ students and Youth themsleves. For this partnership I will be

discussing GLSEN's Orange County Chapter