Illinois Safe Schools Alliance

Convening young people from all over the state, the Alliance creates a forum for students to inform, participate in and lead the Illinois LGBTQ safe schools movement. From Youth Leadership Summits, to Day of Silence/Night of Noise activities, to Gay-Straight Alliance networks—young people are working together to ensure the safety of LGBTQ youth and their allies in Illinois schools and communities.

Recognizing the importance of inclusive policies within educational entities and human rights agencies, the Alliance staff, Board and volunteers work with key partners on policy and advocacy initiatives with schools, school districts and government agencies at local, regional and state levels.

Providing highly quality, accessible professional development for school personnel, social service providers and government officials, the Alliance’s educational workshops and training programs focus on sexual orientation and gender identity within a broader social justice and anti-oppression framework. Alliance staff and volunteers work closely with participants to create specially tailored sessions for each context that are both engaging and educational.