Happy New Year from Safe Schools: Our 2024 Agenda for Empowerment and Awareness

As we step into the New Year, Safe Schools is more determined than ever to engage, educate, and empower our LGBTQ+ youth. The year 2024 is not just another year; it is a critical moment in our nation’s history, a time when civic engagement and awareness are paramount. The aftermath of the January 6th insurrection and the rising tide of fascism in our state governments have underscored the importance of this election cycle. It may well be one of the most consequential in our nation’s history.

Our agenda for 2024 is focused on teaching the importance of voting and civic engagement. It’s crucial that our youth understand their power in the democratic process. By participating in elections, they can help shape a future that is inclusive and representative of their needs and rights. Civic engagement is not just a responsibility but a tool of empowerment and change.

Alongside political awareness, Safe Schools is dedicated to providing comprehensive safe sex education and HIV/AIDS awareness. In a world where misinformation is rampant, it is vital that our youth have access to accurate, inclusive, and life-saving information. We are committed to creating spaces where these conversations can happen openly and without stigma.

The events of recent years, including the 2020 pandemic, have highlighted the unpredictable nature of our world. The emerging challenges posed by deep fakes and AI-generated images in our social and political realms are areas of concern. These technologies, while innovative, also bear potential risks for misinformation and manipulation. Safe Schools is proactive in responding to these challenges, ensuring our in-person and virtual programs are equipped to address these new realities.

As we navigate these uncharted waters, our mission remains clear: to heal divides and recommit our state and nation towards the protection of not just LGBTQ+ youth but all people. We believe that understanding, empathy, and education are the keys to building a more inclusive and safe society for everyone.

So, here’s to a New Year filled with hope, action, and progress. May 2024 be the year when we witness the healing of divides and the strengthening of our great union. Happy New Year from all of us at Safe Schools, and let’s make this year count!

By: Harold Marrero
Chief Operating Officer

We encourage you to share this information with friends, fellow teachers, and allies and join us in bringing awareness to our efforts. Your support is essential for our ongoing work to create safe spaces for all students, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or expression. Please consider donating to Safe Schools so that we can continue advocating for inclusivity and diversity within the education system.