Youth Group Update
Thanksgiving Celebration
On Monday, November 20, we had a wonderful pre-Thanksgiving potluck with all of our drop-in groups. It was a great evening to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, hear an always-wonderful OUTspoken performance, and, of course, share a wonderful meal. Thanks to everyone who attended, and let’s make this an annual event!
Welcome to Hector Salgado
Hector Salgado is the newest member of the OPALGA staff. Hector is our new Amigos Latinos Apoyando Siempre (ALAS) Coordinator. Hector joins us from Project VIDA in Chicago and has many years experience providing HIV prevention education and outreach. Welcome, Hector!
High School Happenings
OPALGA has been busy working with our local high schools this fall. This school year proves to have the greatest number of supportive programs for LGBT students in our communities. Pocha Carter, one of our youth outreach educators, is working with his alma mater, Proviso East High School in Maywood. Four out students at Proviso East are in the process of beginning their school’s first Gay Straight Alliance, and Pocha is helping them break new ground.
Morton West High School in Berwyn has a very active Gay Straight Alliance this year, and they have asked OPALGA to provide HIV/STD prevention programs and to provide some basic Q&A on LGBT issues they are facing.
On December 6, we will be celebrating World AIDS Day with the Oak Park and River Forest High School Gay Straight Alliance, “A Place for All.” If any OPALGA members are alumni of local high schools, give us a call. Student groups would love to hear what high school was like for you, whether is was 5 or 25 years ago!
