March 29, 2012

Applications Open For Ambassador Summit 2012

It’s hard to believe it’s already April and time to start thinking about next years Student Ambassador program but alas, the time is upon us! If you are a middle or high school student concerned with making your school safer for LGBT youth, you should consider applying to become a GLSEN Student Ambassador.

We are on the lookout for student leaders in grades 8-12  during the 2012-2013 school year who are interested in sharing their stories in all kinds of media – from print, radio and TV, to Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and more.

When I recorded my story at the media summit I realized that through the power of my experiences I can make a difference and empower myself just by talking about the harassment and bullying I have experienced.  – Brandon

Students chosen will take part in a four-day media and safe schools summit led by GLSEN’s communications department in New York City, July 17-20, 2012.  During this summit students will learn about GLSEN’s safe schools work as they participate in workshops and gain valuable spokesperson experience through media coaching, blogging and sharing their story.

Once Ambassadors have gone through media training they will return home with individual work plans to be actualized over the course of the year under the advisement and support of  the communications team.

Still a little unclear on what a Student Ambassador is or does?

GLSEN Student Ambassadors increase public awareness about the experiences of LGBT youth and their allies in school through their personal stories.  Throughout the year Student Ambassadors are given the opportunity to speak with the media, sit on student panels, attend GLSEN events and examine ways to work with educators to make schools safer for LGBT students. These young leaders serve as everyday voices to inform educators, policy makers, fellow students and concerned citizens about GLSEN’s work and the need for safer schools.

We could go on and on about the amazing opportunities that await you but figure you’d rather hear it from some of the Ambassadors themselves, so take a look at this recent video made by a few of our current students and decide for yourself.

Important information regarding the 2012 summit. Please read!

• Location: New York City
• Dates: July 17-20
• Cost: It’s absolutely FREE to you. All expenses (travel, lodging, food) are covered by GLSEN.
• Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PDT, Sunday, April 29, 2012.
• The program is limited to 18 students.
• Chosen applicants will be notified via email by June 1, 2012.

Update: Applications for the 2012-2013 school year are now closed. Check back next April for the next round of applications!

   

About Elizabeth Free

       

Elizabeth Free is the communications manager at GLSEN--the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. Elizabeth joined GLSEN in 2009 to make schools safer for all students and says one of the best parts of her job is working with GLSEN's Student Ambassadors. She is originally from Texas and has a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Houston.