Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Today's QAAFA meeting at 4pm in VU 462a (Last Meeting of the Quarter!)

Hey everyone, today is our last Queers and Allies for Activism meeting of this quarter! yay.  VU 462a at 4pm.  Next quarter's meetings will start on the SECOND week (or first full week) of school in VU 462B at 4pm on Tuesday.

Today we are discussing courtship. Two weeks ago we discussed sex, but today we are focusing on more than that.  We are talking about relationships, dating or just how you approach someone.  It should be really fun.

Also, we will be planning out what events we would like to do next quarter.  It is completely up to you!

Finally, we should be tabling this week in red square with coffee and tea.  The reason I say "should" is because we have nothing to serve the coffee or hot water in at the moment.  If any of you have something that we can serve the coffee or hot water in, please get back to us.  

Thank you,
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

QAAFA today at 4pm in VU 462a - Let's Talk About Sex

It's Tuesday again! Yay. 
 
That means it is time for us to all come together again.  See you tonight at 4pm in VU 462a.
 
The topic of today's meeting: Sex!
 
We're going to have a discussion about Queer sex and safe sex practices.  We're going to talk about our experiences with sex education and the implications of being "sexual deviants."
 
Let's Talk About Sex!
 
As far as business goes, we're going to talk about tabling/events for the end of this quarter.

Thank you,
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA
 
LGBTA Events this week:
Tonight at 7pm in VU 462: Love on Trial: Prop 8
 
Thursday at 6pm in VU 565: Queer Dating Game! It is hilarious and fun! You don't want to miss this 70's style dating game with a Queer twist. Come sit and watch 3 contestants as they answer questions to win the heart of one lucky candidate.
 
 
 
Also, there is a webinar Wednesday during lunch (11:30-1:30pm).  Here is the info.  I highly recommend it if you can make it:
 

Wednesday, November 17 sponsored by No Dumb Questions, PFLAG, GLSEN, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Out&Equal and ADL's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Institute. VU 565C:

·         11:30am-12:30pm Webinar Conversation: Safe & Equal 101

·         12:30pm -1:00pm Film Screening: No Dumb Questions

·         1:00pm 1:30pm Possible Talk with Filmmaker

 

ABOUT THE WEBINAR AND FILM

 

Join the Conversation

In response to recent attention to LGBT youth bullying and suicide, we are hosting this special event to share tools, tips and best practices for creating safe and equal families, schools, workplaces, and faith communities -- and strategies for working together across the entire community ecosystem.

 

Attend special free online screenings of No Dumb Questions throughout the day - and live chat with filmmaker Melissa Regan. (To do this at your computer, register here if spots are left: http://nodumbquestions.com/safeandequal101.html )

 

What We'll Cover

1) THE BASICS: Facts, tools & best practices for creating safe, equal, and welcoming "there are no dumb questions" environments.

2) A FILM IN ACTION: Hear examples of how the No Dumb Questions film is being used to spark dialog and open minds in schools, colleges, workplaces, faith communities, and beyond.

 

Who Should Attend

K-12: Teachers, parents, students/GSAs

COLLEGE: Students, professors, administrators

WORKPLACE: Diversity leaders, ERG members

FAITH: Leaders, congragation members, youth groups

COMMUNITY: Librarians, social workers, civic leaders

PARENTS, FAMILY, FRIENDS & CONCERNED CITIZENS.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

QAAFA Today at 4pm

Sorry this email is so late!

See you tonight at 4pm in VU 462a.

Thank you,
Josh Foley

LGBTA Events this week:

Tonight at 7pm in Fraser 4:  BABELAND! the Sex Ed you wish you had.

Wednesday 4-6pm (ish): It Gets Better videos.  Sign up for a time at as.rop.lgbta@wwu.edu

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Hey let's hang out! QAAFA weekly email

Hello friends! Today's meeting (4pm in VU 462a) is purely social. 

Bring snacks, board games or just homework.  We've had some intensely educational meetings, so let's have the opposite. 
 
We will do check-ins as usual then play games and hang out.
 
See you tonight!
Josh Foley
Coordinator Queers and Allies for Activism
 
LGBTA events to watch out for:
 
WNS TONIGHT: Harassment at Home.  Learn about resources to help you combat harassment in the residence halls or off campus.  7pm in VU 462
 
Nov 10th 4-8pm:  It Gets Better project response from WWU.  Come film your It Gets Better message and be a part of Western's response.  The LGBTA needs to sign people up for times so you don't have to come and wait for hours.  If you would like to film an It Gets Better message (ALL identities welcome) please email the LGBTA at as.rop.lgbta@wwu.edu with a half hour or hour segment (between 4-8pm) you could stop in to film your message. http://www.itgetsbetterproject.com/
 
Nov 18th 6pm in VU 565:  Queer Dating Game!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Costume Ball tomorrow and other info for QAAFA

Hey everyone, don't miss the costume ball tomorrow in the Multipurpose Room at 9pm.  It should be really awesome and Queer friendly! There will be lots of food and good people.
 
Also, next quarter the meeting time has changed to 5-7pm on Tuesdays in the same room (VU 462a).  I know a lot of you will need to leave early to go eat, but it was the only other time we could do it.
 
Next week's meeting is purly social! Come hang out, eat some food, play games and enjoy the company of others.  VU 462a at 4pm.
 
Thank you everyone,
Josh Foley
Coordinator Queers and Allies for Activism

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Today's QAAFA meeting at 4pm in Viking Union 462a

Hello everyone! Can't wait to see you all tonight.
 
We're doing Queer 101.  Learn everything you need to know about Queer identity and why we are fighing for rights.
 
LGBTA Events this week:
Tonight at 7pm in VU 462: Celebrating Different Identities: Queer Syle!
 
Thursday at 7pm in VU Multipurpose Room (MPR): Love your body, Love your mind.  This is an interactive self esteem workshop.  It will be a lot like the "game" we played a couple weeks ago, but expanded over 2 hours.
 
Also, don't forget to wear purple tomorrow in memory of the many youth suicides over the last two months. 

Thank you everyone,
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

QAAFA Meeting today at 4pm in VU 462a

Hey everyone, today we will finally be able to discuss activism! We really haven't had an opportunity to do so yet.

Also, we need to come up with an idea for a program.  Seeing as November is almost here, be thinking about events for elections.

If you didn't get your shirt last week, you can get it at today's meeting.  $10.

Also, the Counseling Center is starting a Pride support group for LGBTQ individuals.  It will be on Wednesdays at 4:30pm in the Counseling Center.  They need people to sign up and I've heard it is amazing.  If you would like to be a part of it, please call the Counseling Center at (360)650-3164.

Thank you everyone,
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA

Upcoming LGBTA Events:
Coming Out Stories: Tonight at 7pm in VU 462
Love your body, Love your mind: Thursday, Oct 21st in the Multipurpose Room of Viking Union

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Meeting today at 4pm. Left over shirts for sale! Queers and Allies for Activism

Hey everyone, our meeting is today at 4pm in VU 462a.  We will be selling the shirts we have left over from last year.  They are $10 and we have a lot left.

Today we will be discussing the 6 youth suicides as well as the definition of activism.

See you all there!
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA

Also here are a couple things about campus safety:

First, I just wanted to check in with everyone and make sure you all feel safe and welcome on our campus.  Our campus and bellingham at large are extremely safe.  If you ever feel unsafe on campus, you can always call the Greencoats (a campus safety program), who will walk with you if you want them to. Their number is (360)650-3555.  That is also the number for Campus Police for a nonemergency.  For emergencies off campus call 911 and evergencies on campus call (360)650-3911 (it is quickest) or 911.

Second, our campus offers awesome resources if you need any type of emotional help.  The Counseling Center is located in Old Main 540 and free to students.  Their number is (360)650-3164.  They are awesome for emergencies or if you just want to talk.  I've been there for both.  They are also having an LGBTQ support group again this year.  It is on Wednesdays at 4pm. if you would like to join it, give them a call. You can always come to our office (VU 515) and talk to us as well.  We can help you find the resources you need or want.

Third, there is always the Trevor Project.  It is a support line for LGBTQ people thinking about suicide.  (866)488-7386.  It is 24 hours and confidential.

Finally, the LGBTA is having a positive body image event in response to the suicides.  On October 21st at 7pm, come to Viking Union Multipurpose Room for Love Your Body, Love Your Mind: A Positive Response to a Negative Issue.


Friday, October 1, 2010

Be safe this weekend!

Hey everyone, I just wanted to send out an email to tell you all to be safe this weekend.
 
There is no reason to be scared on our streets, but I know some of us are.  Bellingham and especially Western's campus are extremely safe and welcoming.
 
I also wanted to give you all my number just in case you don't feel safe walking home alone.  I have a car.
 
Thank you all,
Josh Foley
(509)553-9463 (you can also text me, but please don't abuse this)
Coordinator Queers and Allies for Activism
 

Monday, September 27, 2010

First QAAFA Meeting Tomorrow, 4pm in Viking Union 462a

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to say welcome to all of those who are new.  We are extremely excited to have new members.

I also wanted to say welcome back to those of you returning.  This year is sure to be an action packed year.

So our first meeting is tomorrow at 4pm in VU 462a.  The theme is Activism 101, but this the meeting is also an opportunity for everyone to meet each other.

So come say hi to our new members and enjoy the company of our returners.

Thank you,
Josh Foley
Queers and Allies for Activism Coordinator


Also, LGBT Alliance events this week:

WNS (Weekly Night Series): Queer Info Fair-An info fair of all the Queer resources on and around campus.  Tuesday, 7pm in VU 462 (after our meeting)

LGBTA Ice Cream Social: Thursday, 6pm in the VU Multipurpose Room (Free Ice Cream and lots of socializing!)

Sunday, September 19, 2010

listserve

Hello! QAAFA welcomes you back to a new school year! This e-mail is to let you know that we are keeping all e-mails that are currently on our listserve for the 2010-2011 school year. This means that those of you who wish to remain on our listserve will not have to sign up again at info fair. Those of you who would like to be removed from our listserve please reply to this e-mail with "please remove me from the listserve." We hope all of you will stop by our table at info fair and come to our meetings/events this year! Our meeting time is Tues 4-6 in VU 462. Please stop by our table or e-mail us back with any questions you have!

-Midnightblue Auld
Queers and Allies for Activism Events Co-Coordinator

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Random email

Hey everyone, a person emailed me asking me if I could send out this survey.  It's for a class and it could really help them: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YMPN89H  

Also don't forget that on Saturday is our QAAFA at Boulevard 2.0, because we don't have another meeting of the year.

as well as the last LGBT Alliance event of the year! Pride Prom is Saturday night! We can all go together.

See you all this weekend. :)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Does the Military Think You're Gay? Volunteers Needed!

Hey everyone! Hope the end of your year is going well. For QAAFA's final event of the quarter we will be tabling in red square and talking about Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT), the law that prohibits openly gay people from serving in the military. I am looking for volunteers for this event ("Does The Military Think You're Gay?") which is being held this Thurs and Fri from 10-3. We will be giving out "tests" to determine whether or not people are gay by the military's standards. (The tests are purposely based on stereotypes and are meant to be fun.) We will also have pamphlets about DADT to help educate people about this discriminatory law. We'd love to have as many volunteers as possible! If you're interested let me know. I wish everyone luck on their finals!
Thank you!
Midnightblue

Monday, May 24, 2010

QAAFA DADT Event Thursday and Friday and Elections TODAY!

Hey everyone, tonight is elections for next years exec board.  Please try and make it.  We want as many people voting as we can get.

Also, Thursday and Friday we are in red square for our Don't Ask, Don't Tell event. 

See you tonight at 6pm in Bond Hall 401
Josh Foley
QAAFA Coordinator

Also,

Condom Fashion Show on thursday

and

Training Rules tomorrow

Thursday, May 20, 2010

QAAFA Elections are on Monday! Please try and make it to the meeting

If you would like to run for a position, you need to tell me before Monday.

Here are the positions:
Coordinator
Assistant Coordinator
Events Coordinator
Social Committee Chair
Speakers/Education Committee Chair
Publicity Committee Chair

Also, you should all try and make it to Monday's meeting (6pm in Bond Hall 401). We are voting on our board, this is important for all of next year.
 
Thank you,
Josh Foley
QAAFA Coordinator

Monday, May 17, 2010

volunteers needed!

Hi everyone. QAAFA is doing our marriage equality event on one last day.....Friday! I need volunteers to table from 10am-3pm this Firday (May21st). Please e-mail back with any hours you'd like to table! I have exams on Friday so I can't miss class to table...which means I really need volunteers! Thank you!
Midnightblue Auld
QAAFA Events Coordinator

2 things.....


Sitting In Circles with Rich White Girls: Memoirs of a Bulimic Black Boy
Tonight at 8pm in Fraser 4

and

Wanted: Zine Submissions for our Transgender ISP

Thank you,
Josh Foley
Coordinator

See you at our meeting tonight.

Tonight's QAAFA meeting in Bond Hall 401 at 6pm

Hey everyone tonight's meeting is about Don't Ask Don't Tell.  We are going to plan the details of our event on May 26th-28th also.

Also, if you would like to run for an exec board position, you must let me know before the end of this week.

Thank you,
Josh

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Tabling volunteers needed!

Hey everyone! looking for people to sign up for tabling for Tie The Knot for Marriage Equality! Last week was very successful but it would be nice to have more volunteers this week! The event goes from 10 am to 3 pm. If you can sign up for any times you're available that would be great! Once everyone's signed up I'll send out an e-mail with more information on what you need to do at the table.
Thanks everyone!
Midnightblue Auld, QAAFA Events Coordinator


Thursday  5-13-10

10-11

                10:30-11:30

11-12

                11:30-12:30

12-1

                12:30-1:00

1-2

                1:30-2:30

2-3

                2:30-3

Friday  5-14-10

10-11

                10:30-11:30

11-12

                11:30-12:30

12-1

                12:30-1:00

1-2

                1:30-2:30

2-3

                2:30-3

 


Monday, May 10, 2010

Today's QAAFA meeting at 6pm in Bond Hall 401

Hello everyone!

It's almost the end of the year and we still have lots to do!  Today we're discussing what we want to do for our Don't Ask Don't Tell event.  We also are going to talk about Exec Board elections which will be happening the week after next.

Wanna be on the exec board, but can't make the meetings?  Please email me and we will figure something out.

Thank you,
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA

PS This month is Western's Pride Month.  The LGBTA has a ton of events!

This week:
Chris Pureka (FREE concert) on Tues at 7 in Old Main Theater
QPOC Dance Off on Wed at 8pm in the MPR($5)
The Queer Experience (a personal monologue performance by Queer identifying people FREE) on Fri at 7pm in VU 565

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Cool upcoming events from QAAFA and others.

Wanna Tie the Knot?  Come to Vendor's Row (by the VU) Thursday and Friday this week or next from 10-3pm and get "married" for marriage equality!  Marry your friends, significant other or complete strangers for only $2! You will also get a wedding picture with a background of your choice. :)

Also, the Social Issues Resource Center is having an awesome movie event this week:

Inlaws and Outlaws
Thurs 5/6
AW 204 @ 7pm
FREE
Part of the Social Issues Film Series

At the start of the film, you meet real people one on one. You don't know who's gay or straight or who's with whom. As their stories unfold, stereotypes are shattered as the film captures the reality and honesty of human relationships regardless of sexual orientation.



Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXeNyoqTLW0 

Thank you,
Josh Foley
QAAFA Coordinator

Monday, May 3, 2010

Tonight's QAAFA Meeting 6pm Bond Hall 401

Hello Everyone,

This week is it! Tie the Knot for Marriage Equality event!  Because of reservation issues we are doing the event this Thursday and Friday from 10-3pm on Vendor's Row and again next week on Thursday and Friday 10-3pm. 

So if any of you have some pretty (copyright free) pictures that we can use as backgrounds please send them to us.

Also, we may have to get a green screen if the one we used last year falls through...anyone have any ideas of where to get one or what color fabric to get?

Tonight's meeting we will be talking about the event as well as the effects of discrimination.  Who does it hurt? What does it teach?

Thank you,
Josh Foley
QAAFA Coordinator

Monday, April 26, 2010

Meeting Tonight at 6pm in Bond Hall 401

Hello all, it's Monday again! Woot.
 
See you tonight in Bond Hall 401.  We're going to discuss discrimination and what it looks like as well as finalize our Tie the Knot for Marriage Equality event.
 
Thank you,
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Cool Event Tonight. FREE

The LGBT Alliance office, the Social Issues Resource Center and TransPort are all coming together to bring one fabulous event:

THE TRANNY ROADSHOW!  Tonight at 7pm in the Underground Coffee House.  It's Free!

See you all there.

:)
Josh Foley
QAAFA Coordinator

Monday, April 19, 2010

QAAFA Meeting Today 6pm in Bond Hall 401

Today we're going to start planning our marriage event! yay.

We're also going to be discussing discrimination.  What does it look like? Who does it? How can we stop it?

We have a lot of events coming up in may, so be prepared to work.

Thank you,
Josh Foley
Coordinator Queers and Allies for Activism

Monday, April 12, 2010

Today's meeting 6pm Bond Hall 401

Hey everyone I just wanted to let everyone know why the time changed.  I realize that it is right at the same time as two other very important Queer groups, but it was literally the only time in the week I could make it.  The original time was conflicting with work.  I apologize for the inconvenience.

Anyway, today's meeting we are focusing on the Day of Silence.  We are also tabling with the LGBT Alliance Office thursday and friday about it and selling our shirts.  WEAR YOUR SHIRTS ON FRIDAY!

http://www.dayofsilence.org/content/history.html
http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/2400.html

We're going to talk about the history of the Day of Silence as well as recent reason why we do Day of Silence.

Thank you everyone,
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA

Monday, April 5, 2010

First meeting of the quarter, today 6pm Bond 401

Hey everyone, today is our first meeting of spring quarter!

Remember that the room and time changed.  Meeting is TONIGHT at 6pm in BOND HALL 401.

Today we're going to be talking about all the events we have this quarter as well as having a discussion about coming out in light of Anna Paquin and Ricky Martin.  Does celebrities coming out help our cause?  What are some reasons for coming out that are good? Bad? Is it ever bad to come out?

See you tonight,
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA

Monday, March 29, 2010

Queers and Allies for Activism meetings a little different this quarter...

Meetings are going to be on Mondays at 6pm in Bond Hall 401.

I had a conflict with the Tuesday time slot.  I decided to try a later time to see if more people are able to attend. 

Our attendance has been a little lower than usual, so everyone should bring their friends to our first meeting which is next week, April 5th (my birthday) at 6pm.  I'll send out another email to tell you all what we are discussing later this week.

Thank you everyone,
Josh Foley
QAAFA Coordinator

Thursday, March 11, 2010

March 9, 2010

Attending: 17

Check-ins: Name, preferred pronoun, how your dead week is going

Discussion of Free Speech issue from FX hate crimes class

List of Queer Positive…

Books
-Luna
-Hero
-The World of Normal Boys
-Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys
-And Tango Makes Three
-Daddy’s Roommate
-Heather Has Two Mommies
-Trouble Boy
-Geography Club
-Poison Oak
-Boy Meets Boy
-The Bisexual Option

Movies
-Freeheld
-C.R.A.Z.Y.
-Were the World Mine
-Shelter
-In Laws and Outlaws
-Big Eden
-Paryers for Bobbie
-Latter Days
-Make The Yuletide Gay
-Adam and Steve
-Boy Culture
-But I’m A Cheerleader
-Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
-Brokeback Mountain
-To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar
-Imagine Me and You
-Different For Girls
-Beautiful Thing
-Eating Out
-Another Gay Movie
-You Don’t Know Dick
-Hedwig and the Angry Inch
-Southern Comfort
-For the Bible Tells Me So
-The Birdcage
-Torch Song Trilogy
-Laramie Project
-Boys Don’t Cry
-V for Vendetta
-Milk

TV Series
-Ru Paul’s Drag Race
-Sordid Lives
-Queer As Folk
-“L” Word
-Six Feet Under
-Modern Family
-Will and Grace
-Noah’s Ark
-Rick and Steve
-Ellen Show
-Brothers and Sisters
-Oz
-Caprica
-E.R. (Season 8/9?)
-Torchwood
-Angels in America

Music
-Adam Lambert
-Ru Paul
-Melissa Etheridge
-Tegan and Sara
-Rufus Wainwright
-Indigo Girls
-Mika
-Lady Gaga
-Brandi Carlile
-Sam Sparrow
-Scissor Sisters
-Jeffree Star
-Heather Small
-k.d. lang
-Elton John
-Savage Garden

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Today's Meeting 4pm VU 462 A. All things Queer.

Hey everyone, today's meeting is going to be very relaxed and social. 

Come play games and talk as we compile a list of all the Queer-positive movies, shows, books and other forms of entertainment.

Start thinking now and even bring the books and movies that you own to show everyone.

See you at 4!

Josh Foley
Coordinator Queers and Allies for Activism

Friday, March 5, 2010

Social event on Sunday at Boulevard and cool group next quarter

Hey everyone, we have a social event on Sunday for everyone to come relax, eat and have fun.
 
Meet at Boulevard Park by Woods Coffee no matter the weather.  If it's raining we have a backup, but still meet there. 
 
Bring food.  Meet at 3pm.  At 7pm we're moving inside to watch a movie.  You don't have to stay the whole time.
 
Also, I've attached a flyer for a support group that is starting next quarter.  Check it out.
 
Thank you,
Josh Foley
QAAFA Coordinator

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Minutes March 2

March 2, 2010

Attending: 24

Over the Rainbow festival last weekend
LGBTA is doing “Queer Memoirs”
-Similar to Vagina Memoirs but with coming out stories
-Auditions: April 1st, VU 464, know what aspect of your coming out story you want to share
--Looking for a diverse group of people, many different stories (hopefully around 8 people)
--Check out the Facebook group!
Social Event
-Sunday, Boulevard Park (3 pm), event is on Facebook

THE ART OF PERSUASION: Aristotle’s Ideas
Pathos
-Relating to someone emotionally
-How have you heard this used?
--“Why can you get married, but I can’t?”
--“How would you feel if it were you?”
--“Why would I choose to be harassed every day?”
-Positives: quicker, sometimes easier to relate to, can really hit home, memorable, can connect people with each other (if they care about you…), you can’t argue that someone doesn’t fell a certain way, works in 30 sec TV commercials, with things that are already emotional, works for civil rights not all bigger issues
-Negatives: vague, subjective, can’t really have a sustained argument based only on emotion, different moral/ethical backgrounds, relate to things differently, can be used to distort the argument
Logos
-Relating to someone logically/with a logical statement
-How have you heard this used?
--“Gay marriage will bring money into the state.”
--“The constitution says…” (If… then…)
--“There is a genetic disposition…”
-Positives: can cater to everyone, must have evidence, exposes hypocrisy/weakness, you can debate it, works well in a lecture situation, actual argument or debate (as opposed to less formal conversation), anything that has to do with the government, when talking with someone using a religious argument
-Negatives: must have evidence, can be used to come to contradictory conclusions, you can debate it, if they have a different set of beliefs their logic can be different than yours, can be debunked very quickly
Ethos
-Relating to someone ethically, catering to their character
-HUMILITY
--Thinking of others before yourself, be able to laugh at yourself, counterbalance to ego
--Shift in your character, not just a switch you can turn on
--Be strong in your viewpoints without being rude
--Meet people where they are
--Demonstrate that you care about them – earn authority, trust from them
-How can you start on the road to becoming more humble?
--REALLY listen – what are they saying, what do they mean?
--Watch your triggers – know what sets you off and what happens
--Find connections to them
--Monitor your own behavior
--Recognize and accept corrections to your behavior, acknowledge that you’re not perfect
--Forgiveness
--Empathy
---Being able to put yourself in the other person’s shoes – not necessarily agreeing with what they’re saying, but understanding why they think that – TRUE UNDERSTANDING
---Try to get as close to empathy as you can
--Sympathy – try to get to this point with EVERYONE
--Remember that you are talking to PEOPLE




EVENTS FOR NEXT QUARTER
Coffee with Campus Christian Fellowship?
Hug a Queer Day – Facebook Event

APRIL
15th: AIDS Vigil
16th: Day of Silence, Night of Noise

MAY
3rd – 7th: Marriage Equality Event
7th: Marriage Forum
15th – 16th: Relay for Life
26th – 28th: Military/DADT Event

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Minutes 2/23/2010

February 23, 2010

Attending: 18

Check-ins: Name, preferred pronoun, highs and lows

March Event:
-Vote on “Think About What You’re Saying” vs. “Think About What You’re Buying”
--“Think About What You’re Saying”: 7 votes
--“Think About What You’re Buying”: 6 votes
-Where: Red Square
-When: next Wednesday and Thursday, 10 am-3 pm
-What:
--Signs (ideas)
---“That’s so .”
---“Think before you speak – words have power”
---“Words can hurt”
---“An identity is not an insult”
---“When you say ‘that’s so gay’, what do you really mean?”
---“Gay ≠ stupid”
--Duct tape over mouths
---If you want to write something (“THINK” or “NO H8”) on the duct tape, you can
--Table
---Why not to say it
---Don’t say: “No homo”, “that’s so gay”, “that’s retarded”, “f**”
---Do say: “that’s stupid”, “that’s unfavorable”, “that’s harsh”, “idiot”
--We can make signs after next week’s meeting

Protest in Florida
-Strangers marrying each other to make a point that they can get married just because of their gender
-Check out Kitty Lambert, who started it (speech online)

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Minutes Feb 16, 2010

February 16, 2010

Attending: 18

Check-ins: name, preferred pronouns, first crush/highs and lows of the week

Chik-fil-A Boycott
-Chik-fil-A is on a five year contract that can’t be broken!
--Josh is going to try to figure out if there’s any way it CAN be broken
Youth Conference
-Ideas for workshops?
--Being an Armchair Activist
--Morality of Homosexuality
--Gay 101
--How to Start a GSA
--Body Image/Self Esteem
--Coming Out
Global Women’s Day, March 8
-Table there – information about club, how Queer Rights Movement fits with Women’s Rights Movement
Over the Rainbow Festival
-February 27th, 10am at Mt. Vernon High School
-Everyone should go, we will have a table!
We Need a Queer Youth Space
-Queer Youth getting together talking about what they want to have in Seattle
-Feb 20th, 3pm-6pm at Seattle Central Community College
Sign up for Relay for Life! (http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=21689&pg=entry)
-May 17th(?)
Social Event Planning
-Potluck
--Sunday, March 7th at 3pm
--Meet at Boulevard Park (in case of inclement weather, we’ll go to Nick’s place)
--Bring food (if you want) and fun things to do!
--Around 7, we’ll go to Nick’s for a movie!
Next week we will discuss Safe Space Training and Conference more in depth

Feb 9, 2010

February 9, 2010

Attending: 23
Guests (Sehome High School GSA): 7

Welcome to Sehome High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance!
Check-ins: name, preferred pronouns, favorite form of activism
Review of Safe-Space Rules

Discussion on Boycotting
-“You only vote with a ballot once a year, but you vote with your dollar every day.”
-History of boycotts
--Montgomery Bus Boycott
--Florida Orange Juice
-Human Rights Campaign buyers guide
--Sent out a survey to a whole bunch of businesses, gave them a score on how gay friendly they are
--You can download this online!
-What do you boycott?
--Chik-fil-A
---See below
--Rockstar Energy Drinks
---Owner is just basically a bigot
--CBS
---Super Bowl commercials – refused gay dating site ad, included Focus on the Family ad
--Wal-Mart
---For many reasons
-Who is the “other side” boycotting?
--Pepsi
--McDonald’s
-Chik-fil-A
--Owner donates to Focus on the Family, doesn’t hire gay people or people who aren’t Christian, and WWU brought them to the west coast
--Let’s do something to get them off our campus!
---Switch our “Think About What You Say” event to Spring Quarter and do a Chik-fil-A event in March

Continuation of discussion on getting over internalized homonegativity
-How do you become proud of your identity?

Meeting today!

Hey all! Just a reminder that we are having a meeting tonight - 4 pm in VU 462A! We will be discussing our plans for a boycott of Chik-fil-A, the youth conference, and the faculty safe space training. So come with your thinking caps on!
 
Hope to see you all there!
 
~Sara Tomlin
QAAFA Asst. Coordinator

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Valentines Day Event!

Hi everyone! Hope you had an excellent weekend! It's almost Valentines Day, a holiday that can be wonderful for some, and hard on others. In order to try and make this Valentines Day as positive and inclusive as possible QAAFA will be having an event this Friday in Red Square. We will be handing out Hershey's kisses and strips of paper saying "All Love Matters. You are loved." -or- "All Love Matters. You are special." The back will read "Queers and Allies for Activism" and have our logo and e-mail. Please stop by and celebrate this holiday with us!

Thank you!
Midnightblue Auld, QAAFA Events Coordinator

Valentine's Day Event!

Hi everyone! Hope you had an excellent weekend! It's almost Valentines Day, a holiday that can be wonderful for some, and hard on others. In order to try and make this Valentines Day as positive and inclusive as possible, QAAFA will be having an event this Friday in Red Square. We will be handing out Hershey's kisses and strips of paper saying "All Love Matters. You are loved." -or- "All Love Matters. You are special." The back will read "Queers and Allies for Activism" and have our logo and e-mail.  If you are interested in helping to pass these out, please e-mail me back here, or at my contact info below. The sign-up times are below. We will also have posters that say "All Love Matters" and "Love Does Not Discriminate."

Thank you!
Midnightblue Auld, QAAFA Events Coordinator
auldm@students.wwu.edu, or Facebook

9:00-10:00:_________
   9:30-10:30:________
10:00-11:00:________
   10:30-11:30:_______
11:00-12:00:________
   11:30-12:30:_______
12:00-1:00:_________
   12:30-1:30:________
1:00-2:00:__________
   1:30-2:30:_________
2:00-3:00:__________
   2:30-3:00:_________

Meeting Today 4pm in VU 462 A.

Hello everyone, today's meeting is about boycotts.  We're going to talk about the history and the companies today that are boycott worthy.
 
Also, we're going to continue our conversation last week about how to overcome internalized homonegativity.
 
Don't forget we have an event this Friday: All Love Matters.  We are handing out chocolate with notes from Queers and Allies that say: "All Love Matters.  You are loved." or "All Love Matters.  You are Special."  With Queers and Allies information on the back.  We want to make Valentine's Day accessible to all people and relationships.
 
Thank you,
Josh Foley
Coordinator Queers and Allies for Activism

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Minutes 2/2/10

February 2, 2010

Attending: 23

Check-ins: Name, preferred pronoun
A Game of Thumb-Ball!

Quick re-cap: t-shirt sales and GIH proposal
-Sold 53 t-shirts ($530.00)
-Collected 118 signatures for Gender-Inclusive Housing
-GIH proposal was accepted, now want to form a student task force to figure out how to implement it, details of where when and how, etc

Internalized Homonegativity
-Feel bad about yourself, people around you who identify as other than the hetero norm or don’t fit into it, negative feelings about stereotypes
-How do you overcome homonegativity?
-What do you like about being in the queer community? What do you like about yourself?
Things that help approve self-esteem:
-Be involved in the queer community

Drag Show, Friday at 7pm in Concert Hall!
Drag workshop tonight in VU462

VALENTINE’S DAY EVENT!
What:
-All Love Matters!
When:
-Feb 12
Where:
-Red Square
How:
-Strips of paper w/ kisses
--All say: “All love matters”
--Some say: “You are special”
--Some say: “You are loved”
--“Queers and Allies for Activism”, logo, and email on the back
-Posters: “All Love Matters”, “Love Does Not Discriminate”,
-Try to get a table to hold the stock and listserve, but if not, no biggie

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Meeting tonight!

Hey all!
 
Just a reminder that we have a meeting tonight at 4 pm in VU 462A! We will be planning our Valentine's Day Event and talking about self esteem. Hope to see you there!
 
~Sara Tomlin
Asst. Coordinator

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

QAAFA Meeting Today at 4pm in VU 462A

We're discussing Queer History. :-)

Come and learn....we are also going to talk about the event we want to do for valentine's day.

Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Change in Tabling Information!

Hello all! I apologize for all the confusion about tabling this week and next...I made a mistake due to miscommunication. We are going to be tabling next week. We are tabling Mon-Wed (the 25th-27th) in Vendor's Row. We will continuine to sell our T-shirts and will continue to collect signatures. Please sign up to table! We need as many people as possible. The times are below. =)
 
MON, TUES, AND WED
10:00-11:00
    10:30-11:30
11:00-12:00
     11:30-12:30
12:00-1:00
     12:30-1:30
1:00-2:00
     1:30-2:30
2:00-3:00
     2:30-3:00
 
Thanks again!
Midnightblue Auld, QAAFA Events Coordinator
wwuqaafa@gmail.com   or   auldm@students.wwu.edu   or Facebook (search 'Queers and Allies for Activism' or 'Midnightblue Auld')

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Selling T-Shirts and GIH signatures

Hello all! For those of you who don't know already we are tabling in Vendor's Row this week! We will be there Wed, Thurs, and Fri (the 20th-22nd) from 11-3. We are selling QAAFA T-Shirts! They are $10 and we have the colors pink (slightly different from last year) and blue (turquoise). The design is the same with a few adjustments. We're selling them first come first served!

Also, we are getting signatures from students who support the idea of Western having gender-inclusive housing available on campus. This is being voted for on Monday morning so it's very time sensitive! Please stop by and sign our form! If you are confused on what gender-inclusive housing is exactly...then come by the table and we'll tell you! =)

For those of you who attend the meetings: We just found out that the meeting to decide on gender-neutral housing is now going to be held on Monday instead of Tuesday so we are not going to be able to do the event we had planned to do on Monday. Instead we need to get all our signatures in the next couple of days. Please come by the table any time you can and help! If we have people come by the help then some of those people can go into Red Square with signs. Even if you didn't sign up for a time, come help whenever you can! We'll do a 3rd big event to replace this one if everyone wants to.

Thanks everyone!
Midnightblue Auld, QAAFA Events Coordinator

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

January 19 minutes

January 19, 2010

Attending: 30

Comment cards for dining services: fill it out and tell Sodexo you don’t like Chik-Fil-A
-The reason we want Chik-Fil-A gone: it’s a privately-owned business, they don’t allow anyone who’s not Christian or support Christian values to work there, they fire people they suspect to be gay, they donate money to Focus on the Family
-Write as many comment cards as possible over the next few days
--Don’t have to write your name etc on the back, if you want you can write wwuqaafa@gmail.com in email slot
-Can also go onto www.dining.wwu.edu/comment.php
Check-ins: name, preferred pronoun, positive queer experience from your youth (if you can think of one)
Relay for Life
-Sign up online, link is on FB page (Queers and Allies Fight Cancer)
-$10 to sign up, goes toward your fundraising goal
--If you’re a cancer survivor, you don’t have to pay
-Don’t have to register to participate, registering just enables you to raise money online, get fed there, etc
Tabling for Shirts
-Please sign up if you can do it!!!!
Event planning
-Committee splitting off to plan GIH event
Internalized Homo-negativity
-Your own negative/conflicting feelings about homosexuality, queer identity
-Article on FB page: statistics about queer youth (they’re pretty old, thought – not a lot of recent statistics)
-Negative statistics provide evidence for the reasons there is internalized homo-negativity
--Harassment, negative attitude from outside sources, societal pressures
-One of the main reasons there’s so much low self-esteem among the queer community
-How do we remedy these issues?
Queer Youth Conference in spring quarter
-Spear-headed by QAAFA but involved with other queer clubs on campus
-Invite students from local schools’ GSAs to WWU campus
-Day where being queer is not hidden
-There are a lot of conferences, so this one would be pretty small, led by us and other club students
--If you have a workshop you would want to lead, start thinking about it
---We need everyone to help!
---Email workshop ideas to wwuqaafa@gmail.com
-Very queer positive
-Queer movie night afterwards
-Vote next week, then exec board will talk about logistics
Other things that we’re (Josh is) working on
-Safe space training
-LGBT support group in counseling center
GIH Event!
-Petition-like-thing/letter with places for people to sign, then we will drop it off for Willy Hart
--During shirt selling
--Table in vendor’s row/Red Square next Monday w/ big signs, flyers/pamphlets, list of schools that have gender inclusive housing, talk to people (because that’s the most effective)
Queer Club Summit 7-9pm in VU 462

Monday, January 18, 2010

Meeting Tomorrow VU 462 A 4pm

Hello friends,
Don't forget about tomorrow's meeting!

We're going to kick off our themed quarter with a discussion Queer youth statistics: http://www.pflagphoenix.org/education/youth_stats.html

We will be planning our Gender Inclusive Housing event for Monday (we will be doing it a little bit different than usual though: Committee style!)

Don't forget about tabling Wed-Fri from 11am-3pm.  PLEASE SIGN UP. We need more volunteers.  We will be providing Gender Inclusive Housing info at the table too.

Also, the exec board wants to discuss an idea for a super exciting way to empower the youth in Bellingham. 

Thank you,
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Red Dance Tonight and Tabling next week!

Hey everyone, tonight is the Red Dance benefit for Sean Humphrey House.  Wear red and show your support!  It starts at 8:30pm in the Multipurpose Room on campus.

Also, next week we are selling our shirts on Vendor's Row! Come buy your shirt and say hi.  11am-3pm W, R, F.

Also, we officially have a relay for life team! woot.  Sign up online if you want to be a part of it.  It's $10 dollars but all of that is your first donation.  Our team name is "Queers and Allies Fighting Cancer."  We voted on Tuesday and half of the shirt profit is going to the team.  Yay.

Thank you,
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA

Friday, January 15, 2010

Selling QAAFA T-Shirts!

Tabling event next week! We will be selling club t-shirts from 11-3 in Vendors Row Wed-Fri (the 20th-22nd). They are $10 each. Half of the profit will go to our club for future events, the other half will go towards our Relay For Life team! First come, first served. We have blue (turquoise) and a bright pink. The t-shirts have the same basic design as last year but were changed slightly in order to be more racially inclusive. If you want to help table please message me on facebook, e-mail the group, or e-mail me. =) -Midnightblue, QAAFA Events Coordinator
Groups e-mail: wwuqaafa@gmail.com
My e-mail: auldm@students.wwu.edu

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Relay for Life!

Our Relay for Life team has been created! Go to
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=21689&pg=entry
and click on "Sign up here", then "Join a team" to join. Our team is called "Queers and Allies Fight Cancer". It costs $10 to participate (but that money goes right to our team's progress).

Minutes, Jan 12

January 12, 2010

Attending: 37

Check-ins
-Name, preferred pronoun(s), how was your break, homework report
This quarter’s theme: Queer Self-Esteem/History
-Meetings’ theme, not necessarily for events
-Why are these important to talk about?
-Self-esteem check-ins: What makes you unique?
NEW homework assignment
-Next week, bring in your letter to President Obama about what you think he’s doing well and what he could improve on
-Each week we’re going to have a new person to write to: bring it to the next meeting and we will put them all in an envelope and mail them (at club expense)
Three events!!!!!
-Gender Inclusive Housing Campaign – Jan. 25
-Valentine’s Day Event
-Think About What You’re Saying – Mar. 1-5
QAAFA Relay for Life Team:
-Do we want a team?
--Yes: unanimous
-Do we want to give half our shirt money to the team?
--Yes: 34
--No: 1
Should Kyle be able to stay on the exec board, even though he can’t come to very many meetings?
-Yes (keep): 18
-No (not keep): 2
-Abstaining: 13
Should Gina be able to stay on the exec board, even though she can’t come to very many meetings?
-Yes: 18
-No: 5
Abstaining: 9
We need someone to volunteer to be a representative of our club at Inter-club council
-Let Josh know!
We also need a representative to go to a mandatory club thing next Tuesday at 4 (during our meeting)
-Jeffrey volunteered!
Announcements:
-This week is AIDS Week
-If you are part of the Events Committee or Social Committee, meet after the meetings on Tuesdays or talk to Midnightblue or Kyle
-Relay for Life meeting Wednesday at 7 in the Biology building-Gender-Neutral forum on Viking Village online

Monday, January 11, 2010

Brand New Quarter, Amped Up QAAFA! First meeting tomorrow 4-6 pm VU 462 A

Hey everyone, our first meeting this quarter is tomorrow at 4pm in VU 462 A.
 
This quarter we are stepping it up! We will be twice as active as we were last quarter. 
This quarter's theme for meetings is Queer Self Esteem/Queer History. 
 
BRING MONEY FOR SHIRTS if you want one! $10 They are blue or pink.
 
Thank you,
Josh Foley
Coordinator QAAFA