Groundspark Responds to Tragic News of Teen Suicides
In the fall of 2010, the national media was filled with stories of the deaths of many teenagers who took their own lives. The news reports indicated that these young people committed suicide after being subjected to harassment and ridicule because they were gay, thought to be gay, or behaved in ways that didn’t conform to stereotypes of how boys and young men are “supposed” to act (and in some cases young women).
In memory of these youth we are proud to offer our best resources to help youth, parents, and educators take action to create safer, more inclusive schools and communities.
- We are offering all our award-winning Respect for All Project films at 10 percent off.
These include:
That’s a Family! – opens up respectful dialogue in elementary school about differences in families and differences of all kinds. (make a new link to the TAF page)
Let’s Get Real—about middle school name-calling, bullying, and bias
Straightlaced—How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up—how teens are confronting our culture’s ideas of “male” and “female”
It’s Elementary—Talking About Gay Issues in School—shows teachers addressing bias in K-8 classrooms
It’s STILL Elementary—a new call to action for schools to address anti-LGBT stigma.
Watch these films and have a conversation about what the messages are in your own family,
your own school, your own community. Make a plan to challenge bias and increase understanding.
- We are providing free access to our highly regarded comprehensive curriculum guides for Let’s Get Real, It’s Elementary and It’s STILL Elementary. They have detailed suggestions for how to organize screenings, why it’s crucial to address LGBT and other bias issues in school, how to weave these conversations into the classroom in kindergarten through college, what parents can do, and more. Find the sections that speak to your situation and follow through.
- Our experienced team of facilitators is available to work with schools, school districts, parent groups, and agencies. With our films as a centerpiece, we provide training on diversity, bias prevention, bullying prevention and intervention, identity support, culturally competent service delivery, and the creation of safe school climates. Jumpstart the conversation in a big way by organizing a Respect For All Project training, convening, or screening.
- Our call to action succinctly summarizes the role each of us can play in creating safe and welcoming school communities. Download it here and bring it to your next meeting. Help everyone see that they have a role to play.
- Participate in MakeItBetterProject.org, a website where LGBT youth and their allies are sharing videos about what steps they are taking to make schools better now.
- We want to hear back from you! Drop us a note and tell us what you are doing. Each story we hear motivates us to keep working harder and is an inspiration to caring people all over the world. And if you can, make a donation — of any size — to help change school climates and prevent teen suicide.
