Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSA’s), are student-led groups that strive to make their schools safer for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. The role of a GSA can be varied depending upon what the needs are in a specific school. They can be a safe and affirming space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to make friends and receive support, fundraising efforts for activities, or activism and awareness groups that advocate for a more inclusive, safer school for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
01
KNOW YOUR SCHOOL'S REQUIREMENTS
... for starting student groups/clubs. Ask an administrator, review the student handbook, or ask another student-led group!
02
FIND AN ADVISOR
A GSA advisor is typically a safe adult in the school that is an ally to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
03
INFORM ADMINISTRATION
Under policy, GSA’s cannot be denied in schools, but if you receive resistance from administration reach out to The Youth Project.
04
FIND A MEETING TIME AND PLACE
Ideally, find a space that is accessible and safe to meet over lunch hour or after school - such as the Guidance Counsellors office, the Youth Health Nurse office, or the classroom of the GSA advisor
05
ADVERTISE
Tell your friends, make posters, request promotion over the announcements!
WHAT CAN A GSA DO?
A safe discussion and hang out space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth
Plan fun events, attend Youth Project programming and Queer Prom together
Celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ dates in your school, campaign for gender neutral washrooms and changing spaces, push for the inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ content in curriculum, and more!
Spread awareness in your school by creating posters, display boards, and speaking to classrooms
01
CREATE AN AGENDA
This is a list of topics you would like to discuss at your meeting and can be created collaboratively with everyone in your GSA. Take minutes and note action items (these are tasks that people volunteer to complete).
02
ASSIGN A MEETING FACILITATOR
They will make sure everyone stays on task and keep track of the order that people want to speak.
03
INTRODUCTIONS
Circle up! Ask people to share their name and pronouns
Come up with a fun check-in question - for example, “if you were weather, what would you be today?”.
04
CREATE GUIDELINES FOR YOUR GSA
Expectations that can be referred back to at the start of each meeting that GSA members should adhere to so that the space is positive, comfortable, and respectful. For example: use "I" statements, be mindful of confidentiality, right to pass, etc.!
05
ICE BREAKERS
These are helpful activities to start conversation and get everyone comfortable with each other!
GSA WORKSHOP REGISTRATION
