Monday, October 4, 2010

Safety and Inclusion for LGBTQ Students and Allies

Dear Campus Community:

The University of Maryland Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equity extends its sympathies in the recent tragedies and incidents affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth communities and their allies nationwide. While many difficult incidents never make it to mainstream media, a few news items regarding anti-LGBTQ bias and harassment in higher education have hit top headlines in the past week. We recognize that nationally prominent media events affect our students locally, and that hatred and ignorance based on an entire category of bias has an effect on the whole community, and feelings of comfort and safety.

These news stories included one about Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University student who jumped to his death after his roommate secretly filmed and broadcast online video of him during a “sexual encounter” with another male in his residence hall room. In a different news item at the University of Michigan, the openly gay student government president, Chris Armstrong, was stalked and harassed by an online blogger. There were at least seven other completely different news stories about LGBTQ youth suicide or harassment in education environments in the past few weeks.

We affirm that equality in education is a human right. We strive to keep the university an open and supportive place. Thus, the University of Maryland has created resources and policies that foster a vibrant learning environment that includes students, faculty, and staff of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Making sure that every student in the residence halls feels included in residence life is a top priority. Should you or someone you know feel excluded, contact your Resident Assistant and Resident Director. Further, the university takes all stalking, threats, and bias incidents seriously. Such concerns should be reported immediately to University Police. Finally, there are resources on campus to help you direct your concerns, answer your questions, or to find a space to discuss or respond to some of these recent news events. We invite you to make use of these resources and to encourage your friends to do so as well.

UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENTS AND SERVICES

Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equity, a go-to point of contact for faculty, staff, and students
http://lgbt.umd.edu

Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy, a resource for student organizations, student leaders, and student involvement in diversity
http://www.thestamp.umd.edu/diversity/lgbt/

Counseling Center, through regular appointments or through the Rainbow Walk-In Hour (Mondays through Thursdays 3pm-4pm)
http://www.counseling.umd.edu/Services/srv_rbow.htm

Mental Health Services at the University Health Center
http://www.health.umd.edu/mentalhealth/services

STUDENT INITIATIVES AND PEER-FACILITATED DISCUSSIONS

Safe Space, a weekly peer-facilitated discussion group focusing on issues of coming out, identity, and transitioning, Tuesdays at 7:30pm, 0102 Armory
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=155357577828796

Community Roots, a student organization, is running a series of events called “Month of Fear” featuring an event on homophobia, Thursday, October 7, 6pm, 1112 Hornbake Library (OMSE)
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=155134977852428

It Gets Better – UMD on Facebook, a student campaign specifically to respond to these recent media events
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=160896703937587

Again, if you have any questions, information to share, or concerns, we encourage you to contact our office.

Sincerely,

Luke Jensen, Director
Nick Sakurai, Associate Director

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Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equity
University
of Maryland, College Park
0119 Cole Student Activities Building

http://lgbt.umd.edu | http://www.facebook.com/lgbtequity
Phone: 301-405-8720 | Email: lgbt@umd.edu
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Friday, September 10, 2010

OUT For Work - Career Conference for LGBT and allied students

A fantastic opportunity for University of Maryland students thinking about jobs, future careers, and workplace issues, or just wanting to get to meet other lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and allies from around the country, and see some great speakers and workshops. The career themes in this conference focus on the specific needs and concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students, as well as allies, may have with regards to career seeking and the workplace.

OUT For Work Career Fair and Conference 2010

Saturday & Sunday, September 25 & 26

Washington, D.C.

http://www.careercenter.umd.edu/outforwork

Event Details:

FREE registration ends Wednesday, September 15.

Don't miss the 6th Annual Out For Work Career Conference scheduled for September 25th-26th at the Washington Plaza Hotel in Washington D.C. The Conference will feature great new workshops and guest speakers, including Fashion Guru Tim Gunn, Amanda Simpson, President Obama's Trans Appointee, Journalist Jonathan Capehart and more.

The University Career Center and the President's Promise and The Office of LGBT Equity are proud to announce that we will once again partner with Out For Work to sponsor University of Maryland students to attend the conference. As a partner, the University of Maryland has a limited number of spaces for students to participate FREE OF CHARGE. This includes conference materials and meals. The normal fee for current undergraduate and graduate students is $45.

NO SHOW POLICY: This event is FREE to participate, however; since space is limited, and the co-sponsoring departments are paying to sponsor each participant slot, if you fail to check-in BOTH days at the conference we will have to charge your student account $45 (cost of meals and registration).

Please register using BOTH the University Career Center site and (after filling the form there) at the Out for Work website (where you will be redirected upon completing the university form).

http://www.careercenter.umd.edu/outforwork

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Lavender Graduation 2010 Videos

Check out the videos from Lavender Graduation 2010:

























Internship opportunities forwarded by the University Career Center

Three internships posted below --
1. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network - Communications Interns
2. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force - Conference Intern
3. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force - Public Policy Intern

Remember, University of Maryland - College Park offers course credit under LGBT 386 - LGBT Community Organization Internship such that some internships may be able to be approved for academic credit.

1. SERVICEMEMBERS LEGAL DEFENSE NETWORK - LOOKING FOR COMMUNICATIONS INTERNS

Help on the frontlines of the biggest political issue for equality happening right now. The Senate is expected this fall semester – be a part of this historic change. SLDN was established in 1993 when DADT originally passed and has been working on its repeal ever since. SLDN also offers legal services to those impacted or discharged; last month the organization received its 10,000th call for assistance from a service member. Send your resume right now: intern@sldn.org

Summary

The Communications Intern provides support for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network’s website, press and publications projects. The intern will provide key assistance to the department by keeping the SLDN website and blog up to date, handling electronic media clips and doing media research. The internship also provides opportunities to write for the SLDN blog, Frontlines.

The intern reports to the Communications Director and the Senior Communications Manager. She/he must be able to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment, possess strong written and oral communications skills and be able to meet deadlines. Work involves a high degree of detail which must be executed with a minimum of error.

Qualifications

Candidates should be:

• Articulate, computer-literate, detail-oriented, diplomatic and organized;

• Able to work independently and manage a number of simultaneous projects; and

• Proficient with Microsoft Office, and the Internet.

Undergraduate or graduate students can apply. Applicants with substantial communications coursework completed are preferred, but we will consider those with less experience as well. Excellent written and oral communication skills are a must.

Principal duties

• Track and distribute media clips;

• Maintain and update SLDN press lists;

• Draft SLDN blog posts and website updates; and

• Additional duties commensurate with capabilities and performance.

Benefits

• School credit only

Deadline for Application

Rolling

SLDN is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people of all gender identities and gender expressions and people with disabilities, including HIV, are encouraged to apply.

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2. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

Conference Intern – Fall 2010

Overview

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force seeks motivated college students in the DC area to assist in the planning of its annual Creating Change Conference, assist with registration, and attend to various administrative tasks as assigned. The internship seeks to involve young leaders with a deep commitment to LGBT equality and social justice issues in order to realize the Task Force’s mission of building the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGBT) community.

Internship description

This part-time, unpaid position will allow students who attend school in the DC Metropolitan area to gain invaluable experience in non-profit and social justice work as a whole. Interns will assist the Creating Change team in its outreach to colleges and community resource centers in the region where the conference is taking place, as well to organizations nationwide.

Intern duties include:

• Researching and compiling contact lists of campus and other resource centers

• Speaking with LGBT/Diversity/Multicultural resource center directors about Creating Change and the Task Force itself

• Sending Task Force literature to these contacts

• Contributing to the Task Force’s visibility among college populations

Intern qualifications include:

• Strong internet research skills

• Strong phone skills

• Commitment to learning about the Task Force and informing the public of its

work and initiatives

• Experience working in an office environment

• Commitment to furthering LGBTQ causes

• Interest in others’ questions, concerns, and input

• Eagerness to learn and to work at the intersection of diverse communities

• Compassion for others and a sense of humor

Application process:

To apply please email Executive Assistant Daniel Pino at DPino@TheTaskforce.org with a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references by August 18, 2010. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.

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3. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

Job Title: Public Policy Intern

Organization: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (“The Task Force”) is the national organization that builds the grassroots political power of the LGBTQQ community in order to attain complete equality. Founded in 1973, The Task Force works to eliminate prejudice, violence, and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQQ) people at the local, state and national levels. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, The Task Force is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. The Task Force maintains a commitment to issues of racial justice, reproductive rights and enlightenment and justice in immigration policies.

Description:

The Task Force Public Policy Interns assist our federal legislative and policy work (and state legislative and policy as needed), to advance LGBT equality. Public Policy interns are members of the Public Policy and Government Affairs (PPGA) team perform the following tasks:

· Track legislation

· Draft legislative updates (blog posts, factsheets, talking points etc.)

· Develop materials to inform Members of Congress and attend lobby visits as appropriate

· Attend coalition meetings with Task Force staff as necessary or appropriate

· Help write Congressional testimony and legislation

· Attend Congressional hearings, briefings and press conferences

· Participate in grassroots organizing efforts in support of the Task Force policy goals

Qualifications:

The PPGA team seeks applicants with an expressed interest in learning about the national public policy-making process and LGBT civil rights. Interested applicants must demonstrate:

· The ability to work independently in a fast-paced office, under tight deadlines.

· Knowledge of and commitment to LGBT issues.

· Desire to work in a multi-cultural environment where commitment to diversity based on race, ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and physical ability is an important institutional value.

· Extensive skills in research, writing and critical thinking.

· Computer proficiency in word processing, database work, e-mail and Internet research.

Applicants must be:

Enrolled in a degree program at least half time as a law, graduate or undergraduate student, or have successfully completed a law, graduate or undergraduate degree within the 12 months preceding the application deadline.

Applications must include:

· Cover letter outlining the applicant's interest and background, if any, in public policy affecting LGBT people

· Resume

· Contact information for three references

· A brief writing sample (maximum 5 pages and ideally on an LGBT-related topic) that demonstrates your research skills and your ability to use existing literature appropriately to support your argument.

The Task Force internship applications are considered on a rolling basis. Internships are unpaid however selected applicants who wish to do so are welcome to get course credit or apply for an outside grant/stipend. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to the attention of Vanessa Macoy, Program Associate, VMacoy@TheTaskForce.org. NO CALLS.