A signature initiative of the GLBT Center, the GLBT Advocate Program returns for a fourth year with new workshop offerings and events for faculty, staff and students. This continuing education and engagement program for NC State faculty and staff provides ongoing opportunities for learning and showing support as allies and advocates for the GLBT community.
During the 2017-2018 academic year, the program engaged 312 participants, up 25.3% from the previous year. The program launched its monthly Lunch and Learn Series, in which program participants facilitated discussions showcasing their academic research and advocacy work focused on the dismantling of systemic and institutional barriers in marginalized communities.
This academic year, the GLBT Advocate Program will debut four new workshops:
- “Supporting Queer Undocumented Students”
- “Social Movements, Social Change”
- “Destablizing Misogyny”
- “Polyamory, Non-Monogamy and Other Relationship Models”
In addition, the program will continue to host its monthly Lunch and Learn Series. Topics for this semester explore strategies to provide culturally responsive student support services, examine the impact of microaggressions on the retention rates of African-American students and unpack the construction of criminality.
The first installment of the Lunch and Learn Series, “Honoring the Whole Student: A Culturally Responsible Approach to Student Success,” will be presented by Leah Young, assistant director for student transition and success in Multicultural Student Affairs, on September 19, 2018 in Talley Student Union, Room 4280 from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Participation in the GLBT Advocate Program requires attendance at a minimum of one workshop and one event hosted by the GLBT Center during the academic year. Participation in the Lunch and Learn Series fulfills the event requirement for the program.
Preston Keith is assistant director of the GLBT Center.