How to start a GSA (or support your child starting a GSA)
For LGBTQ+ youth, having access to a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance or Gender & Sexualities Alliance) at their school provides a wide range of benefits.
A safe space to express themselves
A social network of like-minded students
A way to promote respect and equality for all students
Studies have shown that students at schools with active GSAs report feeling safer, hear less anti-LGBTQ+ remarks, and feel a stronger sense of belonging and support.
GSAs are legally protected by federal law under the Equal Access Act of 1984. If you attend a secondary school (any school between elementary and college), you can start a GSA!
For students and parents: So what are the steps to starting a GSA at your school?
Find a friend or group of friends interested in forming a GSA.
Research your school’s guidelines for starting a club (contacting the principal directly is a good way to do this - if you get no response, contact the district at: Sarah Lux, Public Information Officer at smlux@volusia.k12.fl.us).
Find a faculty advisor - a teacher you trust is a good place to start.
Recruit additional members. Check with the administration to see about putting up flyers.
Find a meeting place (usually a classroom or unused school space) and select a meeting time.
Plan and host your first meeting. Starting with icebreakers is a good idea - see a list of goofy ones here.
Establish club ground rules.
DeLand Pride has meeting agreements that everyone signs. In summary, they say: be respectful, be kind, and be mindful of others.
Write a mission statement or statement of purpose
Writing a mission statement keeps you on track throughout the year. What do you want to accomplish? Creating a safe space, building community, and/or advocating for changes at your school? Setting a clear outline can help.
For more information online also check out these great resources:
gsanetwork.org/resources/10-steps-for-starting-a-gsa/
www.glsen.org/support-student-gsas
www.aclu.org/documents/how-start-gay-straight-alliance-gsa
eqfl.org/youth-and-gsa-resources