What to Do Over the Summer

So school is out for summer! Awesome!

However, last school year we saw that summer's end can be tragic for many student around the country and around the world. In September of 2010, we saw several high-profile suicides in the LGBT youth community.

Many students (while they won't admit it publicly) like going back to school to see all of their friends. However, too large of a percentage of students are scared to go back. For many, the pressure is too great and they end up dropping out early in the year or they consider ending their life completely.

This is something that has to be stopped and the only way to do that is to work during the summer. Work can be done and in many ways it is easier since you don't have to think about school.

Right now, I am planning out events for the next school year so I can make sure everything goes smoothly. I am also working out details for creating county-wide GSAs throughout the Northern Virginia area. My hope is that by the time students return to school in August/September, the GSAs will already by up and running. At no point, should students have no where to go. It isn't right.

Summer planning is crucial. It is the best time to look at the past year and address any concerns and improve for the future. It's time to take charge and make sure all the holes are filled. Expand your GSA's reach, come up with fresh, new ideas, and talk to current members of the GSA to see what they liked and what they want.

If you are doing work on a community level, summer is a good time to publicize your work. Students (no offense) spend hours on Facebook over the summer so let them know what you are doing! Let the LGBT community know that you are there.

For so many members of the LGBT community and for students all over who are being bullied, it means so much to know someone is there for them.

Summer is the time to get things done! Go change the world :)