The Alternative Press

Joy Binder has been selected by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to attend its fifth annual Safe Schools Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC from March 2-5, 2013. Joy is a safe schools advocate from Westfield, N.J. who will join over 40 participants from across the country at this national event.

Joy was selected to participate in the Summit because of her previous involvement with safe schools advocacy. Joy is a community leader from Westfield, and has worked within her school to draw attention to bullying and harassment. At her university, she is co-facilitator of the Beyond Tolerance Project (BTP). The BTP works to move toward greater acceptance and understanding of various identities, such as gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, ability, and age.

Attendees will participate in workshops where they will learn about federal legislation, advocacy and organizing skills, and develop strategies to continue their work on advocating for safe schools at the local, state and federal levels. Participants will also meet with their elected officials on Capitol Hill about the importance of safe schools issues.

On the evening of March 4, participants will join elected officials and community leaders at a dessert reception held in the Rayburn House Office Building sponsored by Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. The reception will feature remarks from GLSEN’s Executive Director Dr. Eliza Byard.

Following the summit, GLSEN will be working with Joy throughout the year to support safe schools organizing and advocacy efforts in New Jersey.

About GLSEN
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.