All About Allies: SafeZone Training at Central Penn College

One of the coolest things I get to do at Central Penn College is co-chair our Diversity Committee. Diversity is an area that I've always been passionate about, and this new committee gives me the chance to collaborate with an amazing group of like-minded individuals from throughout the College.

Last Tuesday the committee led our second SafeZone training at the College – a two hour program that focuses on developing ALLIES for our self-identified gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, Intersex, and ally students (GLBTQIA). I co-facilitated the training with Shaashawn Dial-Snowden.

Faculty and staff members practiced inclusive language, experienced interactive exercises, collaborated on scenarios, and learned best practices for developing an inclusive campus (inside and outside of the classroom).

At the end of the training, they walked away with resources from GLSEN, resources from the LGBT Center of Central PA, and most importantly attendees earned a very special SAFEZONE STICKER – a visual representative of their commitment to create safe spaces/ safe zones. These safe spaces/zones are environments that support and empower our GLBTQIA students in class, on campus, and in the community.

We had 17 members of our Central Penn faculty and staff participate! All earned their SafeZone sticker and were branded as new ALLIES at Central Penn College! But you don't need to wait for a training to begin supporting your GLBTQIA friends, family, and colleagues. Check out this list from GLAAD sharing 10 Ways to Be an Ally and Friend and become an ally TODAY!

Congratulations to the newest GLBTQIA Allies at Central Penn College!

#SafeZone #Allies #Diversity #CentralPenn