GSAFE Presents Screening And Discussion On Bullies

GSAFE presents public screening of Bullied: A Student, a School, and a Case That Made History

Milton Public Library on Wednesday, December 15 at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free.

The library is located at 430 East High Street. For directions/more information, call 608-661-4141 or email brianj@gsaforsafeschools.org.

Volunteers are needed to bring treats/refreshments and the “talkback” portion of the event, email or call Brian J.

"BULLIED" TAKES AIM AT ANTI-GAY BULLYING AND HATE RELATED VIOLENCE

Free Documentary Screening to Spark Conversation about Bullying-Related Suicide and Hate Crimes.

MILTON, Wisconsin – (December 7, 2010) Bullied: A Student, a School, and a Case That Made History, a documentary film that chronicles one Wisconsin student’s ordeal at the hands of anti-gay bullies, will be screened at the Milton Public Library at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15, 2010. This free public screening, which will be followed by discussion and a brief presentation, is part of a state-wide effort by the Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools (GSAFE) to raise awareness about the broad impact of anti-gay bullying and hate-motivated violence.

“With the rash of gay teen suicides this fall and the recent reports of hate-motivated violence, it’s critically important to have an honest discussion about bullying in our schools,” said Brian Juchems, Program Director for GSAFE. “Bullied provides a perfect opportunity for the community to engage in a serious conversation about what’s happening in our schools and communities and how we can make it better for all students.”

Bullied, released this fall by Teaching Tolerance, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, chronicles the story of Jamie Nabozny. Nabozny, a student from Ashland, WI, became the target of anti-gay bullying starting in middle school. The bullying grew worse as he reached high school, culminating in a physical attack by classmates which sent Nabozny to the hospital and caused him to drop out of school. He eventually sued his district for failure to protect him on the basis of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

"The main thing that I want people to know is that it does get better. However it doesn't get better unless people make it better. This is a chance for us to do that," said Robert Alexander, Milton 2009 graduate and chair of South Central Fair Wisconsin Action Network.

Former president of the Milton High School Gay-Straight Alliance, Alexander noted that he would regularly hear anti-gay slurs throughout the school day. While some staff and teachers would tell students to stop it, this didn't always happen. "My hope is that all district staff, as well as community leaders, walk away from this event motivated to take steps to stop the use of slurs."

Anti-gay bullying doesn't just impact gay and lesbian students. Research done by the National Education Association, which has endorsed Bullied, shows that four out of five students who are the targets of anti-gay bullying are actually straight. "Anti-gay bullying isn't just a gay issue. It impacts all students in our schools and communities." said Juchems.

A 2009 Wisconsin School Climate survey found that the majority of WI youth experience verbal harassment due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The same survey, conducted by GSAFE, found that nearly three-fourths of Wisconsin youth hear comments like "that's so gay" frequently or often. A quarter of Wisconsin gay youth have been physically harassed because of their sexual orientation.

"It's not a question of if anti-gay harassment is happening in our schools. It's a matter of where and when." said Juchems. "When we let verbal bullying go unchecked, we give tacit permission for the bullying to escalate to something physical. The less we talk about it, the worse it gets. I'm pleased that Milton and surrounding communities are interested in having this conversation."

This public screening of Bullied: A Student, a School, and a Case That Made History takes place at the Milton Public Library on Wednesday, December 15 at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free. The library is located at 430 East High Street. For directions/more information, call 608-661-4141 or email brianj@gsaforsafeschools.org

Rock The Pantry

Scott Walker’s inauguration is fast approaching and he’s using the occasion to rake in campaign cash. On January 3rd he will be sworn into office, and unlike Democratic Governor Doyle, who donated his inaugural proceeds to charity, all the money raised at Walker's inaugural events will go to the Republican Party or Walker's campaign account.

So rather than filling Walker's campaign coffers, come to One Wisconsin Now's alternative inaugural event January 3rd and together you and I can help families in need and “Rock the Pantry!”

All of the proceeds from tickets sold for “Rock the Pantry” will go directly to charity. Come celebrate with live music, a live DJ and terrific speakers as we “Rock the Pantry” at our OWN inauguration.

Tickets are $10 a piece and can be purchased at:
One Wisconsin

Democratic Governor Jim Doyle used proceeds from his inaugural events to donate over $500,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wisconsin. Scott Walker is giving all his proceeds to the GOP. We need do our part to help needy Wisconsinites Walker is leaving out in the cold. All proceeds from tickets sold to “Rock the Pantry" will go directly to charities assisting those hit hardest by the economic collapse. Let’s show Scott Walker what it means to help those in need!

“Rock the Pantry” will be held at the Majestic Theater on King Street in Madison from 7-10p.m. The event will include progressive speakers, DJ Andrew Larson from Saturn’s 8 and live music. A full entertainment line-up will be announced later this month so mark your calendars and keep your ear to the wall.

Demand is high so order your tickets in advance to make at: One Wisconsin.

Tickets bought online are available for $10 each, or $5 dollars for students or for those with limited income.

It’s time to demonstrate that we haven’t all become scrooges like Scott Walker and still have the generous spirit of the season. I hope to see you there!

Happy Holidays,
Scot

P.S.: Scott Walker already cost us 13,000 jobs and high speed rail. Send him a message and help the needy all at the same time by buying a ticket for “Rock the Pantry.” Wanna make Walker even more crazy? Buy five tickets.

Rock County Progressives December Meeting

In light of the recent elections, it's even more clear that progressives need to do a better job of informing and educating the public about the critical issues facing us...

What's next for progressives in Rock County? Push for campaign finance reform? Other issues?

Should we have a film series? Speakers?

Our next meeting is on Wednesday, December 8, 6:30 PM-8 PM, Milton Public Library

430 East High Street; #100
Milton, Wisconsin

After entering the building, turn left then right, the room is at the end of the hall.

Hope to see everyone there,

Contact: rockcountyprogressives@gmail.com