SHINE
GLSEN Upstate New York’s SHINE team is a group of young advocates working to create safer and more equitable spaces in schools throughout the Capital Region. Our aim is to amplify the voices and experiences of all students to better inform our schools policies, culture, and environment! Our team consists of 9-12th grade students throughout the Capital Region who meet regularly during the school year. We work together to develop leadership skills, a genuine sense of community, and engage in social justice initiatives that aim to have a positive impact on our schools and community!
Our Mission
GLSEN Upstate New York SHINE team is a student-led leadership program which aims to amplify, connect, and empower LGBTQIA+ youth voices and experiences through active community building and education. SHINE celebrates and recognizes the unique lived experiences each student has and is dedicated to ensuring that every student is fully heard and supported.
“SHINE not only helped me find comfort and pride in my identity, but the group also gave me the strength to reach out to others and make them proud too!”
SHINE EVENTS
GSA MEETUPS
SHINE facilitates virtual GSA Meetups where students from all over the Capital Region can gather in community! This is a safe space that provides the opportunity to meet new friends, support each other, and have fun!
Stay tuned for upcoming GSA Meetups!
DAY OF SILENCE
Date to be Announced!
The GLSEN Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQIA+ students and allies all around the country—and the world—take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQIA+ people in schools.
Started in the mid 90’s by two college students, the Day of Silence has expanded to reach hundreds of thousands of students each year. Every April, students go through the school day without speaking, ending the day with Breaking the Silence rallies and events to share their experiences during the protest and bring attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive.
BREAKING THE SILENCE RALLY
Date to be Announced!
Our Breaking the Silence Rally is an event following the Day of Silence where the community can gather and BREAK THE SILENCE. This will be a community event with an exciting keynote speaker! All attendees have the opportunity to speak out and share their experiences as an LGBTQ student or ally!
Stay tuned for the announcement of our keynote speaker and plans for the event!
INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR TEAM?
If you are interested in expanding your leadership capacity, create new connections with students throughout the Capital Region, and want to engage with making your school a safe space, SHINE may be the team for you! We are a fun, and encouraging group of youth advocates who strive to make the world a more vibrant place!
• No prior volunteer experience is necessary, just the desire to grow and make meaningful connections with others!
• You should expect to provide a minimum of 10 hours per month commitment to SHINE.
• Our applications are currently OPEN until December 1st, 2023.