Make It Better on National GSA Day - January 25th!

Wednesday, January 25^th, is the first annual National Gay-Straight Alliance Day -- and we've teamed up with Senator Al Franken of Minnesota to show off GSA activism!
 
The Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) is a much-needed bill that will give LGBT students the federal right to be free from discrimination, harassment and bullying based on a student's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

There are two steps you can take to join in the activism and excitement of National GSA Day!

Step 1: Join a national call with Minnesota Senator Al Franken - On National GSA Day, Senator Franken will host a public call devoted to the work GSA activists can do to get this important bill passed. Stay tuned and email emily_riff@franken.senate.gov if you'd like to be a part of the call!

Step 2: Call your Senator on National GSA Day and ask them to support the Student Non-Discrimination Act: You can reach your Senator by calling the Senate switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senator.

“But what do I say when I call my Senator?” Here is a script to help you along the way.

Script for GSA Day National Call-In for the Student Non-Discrimination Act

• Hello, my name is ______ and I am calling from _______.
• I am calling because today is National Gay-Straight Alliance Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the work of Gay-Straight Alliances in schools around the country.
• I am calling to ask Senator ______ to honor Gay Straight Alliance Day by co-sponsoring the Student Non-Discrimination Act.
• 9 out of 10 LGBT students are harassed or bullied at school. Schools aren’t doing enough to protect them. LGBT youth are skipping school and dropping out, you can do more to help protect them!
• The Student Non-Discrimination Act prohibits LGBT discrimination in schools.  Right now there is no such right for LGBT students.
• Will Senator ________ co-sponsor the Student Non-Discrimination Act?

If you are able to join us and take action on Wednesday the 25^th, let me know how the call went with your Senator. Did you speak to someone? Did you leave a message? Every call makes a difference and can make it better for LGBT youth across the country! Post on our Facebook wall, tweet us @gsanetwork or email me at Kelly@gsanetwork.org.

In solidarity,
Kelly Lewis
 
About National Gay-Straight Alliance Day:
Coordinated and sponsored nationally by Iowa Pride Network (IPN), National GSA Day will be held on January 25, 2012. GSA Day is a time to strengthen the bond between LGBT people and straight allies and in particular recognize and honor student organizations called Gay-Straight Alliances (also known as a GSA). These student led groups work to educate their peers to stop homophobia, transphobia and violence in schools and colleges throughout the country. Check out GSADay.org for more info!