back in december, adrien asked me to fill out
an application to attend GLSEN's annual
Safe Schools Advocacy Summit (SSAS) in DC..
march 21-24, 2009
wonder of wonders, out of 600 apps for 18 adult/18 student
slots, we both were selected to come to DC to be trained
over the 4 days to lobby our respective states' elected federal
legislators.....
on tuesday march 24, 82 offices on capitol hill
were visitied by GLSEN summiteers, lobbying for support of
a bill (HR 3132) "Safe Schools Improvement Act", to add language
to the "Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act" that includes
bullying and harrassment, enumerating not only race, national origin, religion,
but including sexual orientation and gender identification/expression.....
the exec director for GLSEN said it was an historic event for the organization...
the largest single day lobby effort, reaching reps/sens from 25 states...
hollah!
additionally, adrien was further selected to participate with a small group
to attend a 45 minute meeting with arne duncan, the secretary of education...
reports indicate secretary duncan was visibly affected by the students' stories and was able
to bridge what he was hearing to detrimental impacts on education when gender
and orientation issues are part of the equation
speaking for myself... it has been emotionally exhausting
profoundly moving and exhilarating to participate in such
a process....
my closing comment at the debrief :
it is my hope and belief that the children
reared by the children who participated
in this summit will live in a transformed world
reflective of what took place here these last
few days....
btw: if you are a US citizen, please communicate
with your legislators regarding HR 3132, urging
co-sponsorship (house of reps) and support for
full funding of education programs....
thanks, mateys
