November

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month (NHYAM), which also includes National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (November 15-22). As many as 2.5 million youth per year experience homelessness. Along with losing their home, community, friends, and routines as well as their sense of stability and safety, many homeless youth are also victims of trauma. While trying to survive on the streets, youth are exposed to countless dangers, with an increased likelihood of substance abuse, early parenthood, impulsivity, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a vulnerability to being trafficked. These dangers that the are ignored by many of us and leave those experiencing homelessness to continue living a vulnerable existence due to our failure as a society to address their needs. Celebrate NHYAM to acknowledge and raise awareness of the problems faced by youth, families and individuals at risk of and experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

National Homeless Youth Awareness Month and Your GSA

Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) is a month of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made and the suffering they endured for the establishment and growth of the United State. It is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories; to educate the public about tribes, to raise awareness of the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month With Your GSA

During Solidarity/Ally week, students and educators organize activities at school that focus on encouraging and enhancing allyship toward LGBTQ youth. GLSEN recommends holding an Allyship in Action workshop, which outlines the basics of being an ally to LGBTQ youth. To help students develop the skills to interact in our diverse world, GLSEN has created LGBTQ-inclusive curricular resources to improve school climate, build leadership, and encourage ally behavior. In addition, GLSEN has provided a list of actions educators can take to support LGBTQ youth, including LGBTQ youth of color, trans and gender nonconforming youth, and LGBTQ youth with different abilities.

Celebrate Solidarity Week

Transgender Awareness Week (TAW) is a dedicated time in which transgender folks and their allies recognize and applaud the achievements made by transgender folks worldwide. It is an opportunity for students, educators and community members to increase visibility of the transgender community and to raise awareness of the experiences of transgender and gender nonconforming students, who often face hostile school environments. TAW is also a time to take action and bring attention around the discrimination and violence transgender folks too often face. While transgender folks are arguably more visible than ever before, they are often overlooked or not considered at all when it comes to offering equal rights and representation.

Spread Trans Awareness With Your GSA

The annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) memorializes individuals who have died throughout the world in the previous year because of anti-transgender hatred. Each November, the worldwide transgender community turns its attention to family, friends and loved ones lost to violence and prejudice. This day has become the worldwide rallying point for a community long under siege. Through a vigil, we express love and respect in the face of national indifference and hatred.

Celebrate TDOR With Your GSA