2012 SafeZone Celebration Week

Come to the SafeZone Celebration Kick-Off and Dessert Reception on Thursday, April 12, in the Student Union Cafeteria. The keynote speaker will be Trevor Storrs, CEO for Four A's, the Alaskan Aids Assistance Association and he'll be joined by guest speakers Kris Katkus, UAA student leader, and Bruce Schultz, vice chancellor for student affairs. The event will be hosted by Dewain Lee, dean of students and associate vice chancellor for student developmen.

The SafeZone program is designed to increase the overall campus community's understanding and awareness of issues faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, allies (GLBTQA) and other marginalized persons.
 
SafeZone became a part of the UAA community in November 2010, and now has 27 allies comprised of UAA students, staff and community members, located across campus and in the Anchorage community.

The week following Kick-Off is packed with events. See the list below.

SafeZone Resource Fair
Thursday, April 12, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Student Union, 2nd Floor Main Hall
Visit UAA and Anchorage resources related to the GLBTQA community.

GLBT..."Q & A"
Monday-Friday, April 16-20, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Student Union, Gorsuch Commons, University Center Hallways
Is UAA providing you with the GLBTQA support services and resources you need? Stop by our GLBT..."Q & A" tables, in three locations across campus, and share your feedback. A different question will be posed each day of the week, so check back often with your thoughts and comments (gathered anonymously).

Safe Zone Ally Training
Tuesday, April 17, 5-7 p.m., Student Union, Lyla Richards Conference Room
Wednesday, April 18, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Gorsuch Commons
Thursday, April 19, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., University Center, Room TBD
Ally Training will be offered as a part of SafeZone Celebration week. This 2-hour training takes participants through a variety of activities aimed at expanding horizons and cultivating thoughts. It will help participants examine their thoughts and views while prepping them to become better allies for the GLBTQA community. Three sessions are scheduled. To register, attend the SafeZone Celebration Kick-Off on April 13, or contact SafeZone@uaa.alaska.edu.

GLBTQA Lunchtime Discussions
Tuesday, April 17, 12-1 p.m., Gorsuch Commons
Wednesday, April 18, 12-1 p.m., Student Union Cafeteria
How do we support our GLBTQA student population, and what UAA support services would you like to see? Bring your lunch to our open discussion.

The Family Meeting
Wednesday, April 18, 7:30 p.m. (starts)
Lyla Richards, Student Union
UAA's student club, The Family, regularly meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. during the academic year. Join us for this very special meeting in honor of UAA SafeZone Week.

Day of Silence Information Table
Thursday, April 19, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Student Union, 2nd Floor Main Hallway
Thursday, April 19, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Gorsuch Commons
Learn about the Day of Silence, how it works, and how you can support it or become involved.

Drag Queen B-I-N-G-O
Thursday, April 19, 6:30 p.m. (starts)
Student Union, North Cafeteria
Don't be a drag! Join us for Drag Queen Bingo and compete for prizes!

Day of Silence
Friday, April 20, All Day
The Day of Silence is the largest student-lead day of action in the nation. Through your active silence, or support of those participating, you will send a message that bullying and harassment faced by GLBTQA and allies affects you, your school and your community. What will you do to end the silence?

SafeZone is housed with the Dean of Students Office. For more information about the UAA SafeZone Celebration Kick-off or SafeZone training, please contact (907) 786-1214 or email SafeZone@uaa.alaska.edu. You may also visit the SafeZone website or visit our Facebook page.