GLSEN Kansas launches Community Alliance

Alliance to offer resources to create safer, more inclusive schools.

The Kansas chapter of GLSEN, the leading education organization working to create safe and inclusive K-12 schools for LGBTQ youth, today announced the formation of a new community alliance, the Kansas Equality and Engagement Partnership (KEEP) focused on offering schools research-based tools to help prevent bullying and to build affirming classrooms for all learners.  

KEEP was launched through a contribution from Cargill, whose North American protein business is headquartered in Wichita, and also includes support from AccuWeather, Airbus, Celebrity Cruises, Cox Communications, Norton’s Brewing Company, Baseline Creative, Mosley Street Melodrama and Spirit AeroSystems.

“At GLSEN Kansas, our mission is to help create school environments where all students can accept and respect all people,” said Liz Hamor, GLSEN Kansas chapter director. “We are thrilled to have such strong support from the business community in Wichita and look forward to amplifying the impact we can make in our student’s lives.”

To mark the launch, KEEP is announcing an initial pledge of $106,500 over the next three years to support GLSEN Kansas. The support of the KEEP will allow GLSEN Kansas to hire and retain top talent, enhance their programming and make a greater impact in the lives of Kansas youth.

“We are a team that seeks out differences and values what we have in common,” says Michael Kondrath, sustainability manager for Cargill’s North American protein business. “We are eager to work with other businesses to keep our communities safe, inclusive and connected.”  

Through the grant, GLSEN Kansas will be able to respond to school staff interested in tools to help all students feel safe and valued, expanding reach to up to 500 schools and 1,000 teachers. The contribution will also increase the number of student-led Gender and Sexuality Alliances they support to 250. 

“Cox's commitment to diversity extends beyond our workplace into our communities,” said Mandy Wilbert, senior manager for public affairs at Cox Communications. “Social responsibility – with an emphasis on supporting youth, education and environmental sustainability – are critical elements of our values.”

Many of the companies that comprise the KEEP will also provide additional support through volunteerism, mentorship programs and board engagement. 

“We want every student, in every school, to be valued and treated with respect, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,” said Hamor. “Together, we help ensure our K-12 schools are the inclusive and affirming environments all Kansas youth deserve.”

About GLSEN Kansas Chapter: Greater Wichita, in June of 2014. In the past five GLSENGLSEN Kansas was founded as a local chapter, years it’s grown exponentially in both scope and impact. Their all-volunteer organization currently directly serves hundreds of students each year, and indirectly serves more than 1200 students across Kansas.

GLSEN works to create safe and inclusive schools for all. We envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach millions of students and educators in K-12 schools across the United States, and our network of 39 community-led chapters in 26 states brings GLSEN’s expertise to local communities. GLSEN's progress and impact have won support for inclusive schools at all levels of education in the United States and sparked an international movement to ensure equality for LGBTQ students and respect for all in schools. For more information on GLSEN’s policy advocacy, student leadership initiatives, public education, research, and educator training programs, please visit www.glsen.org.

The Gayly. 9/16/2019 @ 1:51 a.m. CST.