PFY is joining with the New York State Department of Mental Health, the Trevor Project and Pride Center of Central New York to sponsor a series of webinars on the critical topic of promoting safety for LGBT youth.
The webinars are free and open to the general public. Information on the program and how to register follows...
Webinar: Supporting LGBTQ Youth in Our Schools and Communities
LGBTQ youth face unique challenges in our schools and communities that put them at statistically higher risk for social isolation, bullying, and suicide. Please join us for an informative discussion about fostering a positive school and community climate for middle and high school youth regardless of their sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity. This panel discussion, facilitated by Melanie Puorto, director of the New York State Office of Mental Health’s Suicide Prevention Initiative, will feature panelists from The Trevor Project, The Long Island Crisis Center’s Pride for Youth program, and Pride Center of the (NY) Capital Region. We will discuss the challenges faced by LGBTQ youth and practical strategies and steps schools and community organizations can take to promote the well-being and academic success of all students. This Webinar is organized and hosted by Kognito Interactive, developers of the At-Risk family of suicide prevention and gatekeeper training simulations for education, health care and military settings.
This free Webinar will be conducted twice. Please choose one of the following dates/time:
- Tuesday, May 10, 4pm-5pm EDT - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/739484256
- Tuesday, June 28, 4pm-5pm EDT - https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/337901457
Who Should Attend?
Middle and High School Educators and Administrators, Youth Center Leaders, Mental Health Professionals, Parents
Webinar Learning Objectives
Attendees of this Webinar will learn:
- About the unique challenges facing LGBTQ teens
- About national data showing high rates of suicide, depression and substance abuse among students identifying as LGBTQ
- What schools and community organizations can do to foster a positive climate for LGBTQ students and what mental health providers can do to affirm LGBTQ youth
Facilitator
Melanie Puorto, Director, Suicide Prevention Initiative, NYS Office of Mental Health
Panelists
Meg Ten Eyck, Education Manager, The Trevor Project. Meg joined The Trevor Project in 2010, where she oversees and expands the Trevor Lifeguard program. The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
Pete Carney, Director, Pride for Youth, Long Island Crisis Center
Pete supervises Pride for Youth’s day-to-day operations. He is the primary point of contact for the Counseling and Community Education programs and carries a caseload of individuals and families.
Curran Saile, Program Director, Pride Center of the Capital Region
Curran Saile has been the Program Director at the Pride Center of the Capital Region since June 2009. She coordinates the Center Youth, Center Support, Vintage Pride and Trans Pride programs
The session will include Q&A, and presentation slides will be made available to attendees following the session.
