Mountain Meadow Programs: Keeping it Real
Our newest program is being implemented in several "phases:"
Tabling
We train both local and out-of-state youth and families in the importance of effective tabling at national conferences and local LGBTQ pride events.
Engaging new youth and families, especially for camp, is our primary means for sustainability and our youth do the best job explaining (to other children and teens) what Mountain Meadow Summer Camp is all about, and why others should experience it.
Public Speaking
Presentations at events and to various workplaces throughout the Greater Philadelphia area can increase the recognition of family diversity as well as for programs like Mountain Meadow's - all while providing significant life experience for participating youth.
Equality Forum 2009 allowed Mountain Meadow to design and conduct a 75-minute workshop in May called " From PTA to GSA: The Queer Family School Experience ," which explored the challenges faced at school by many LGBTQ families. Mountain Meadow presenters will speak alongside a United Way representative(s) in their Fall Campaign, explaining briefly what it's like being raised in non-traditional families, and how programs like Mountain Meadow's helped them feel safe, accepted, respected and even proud. These presentations further our outreach, and can also reap much needed financial contributions through the United Way 's donor option program.
Advocacy
The topic of youth with LGBTQ parents is unfortunately still misunderstood or "taboo" in many educational institutions both locally and nationally. Pennsylvania is one of 40 remaining states yet to adopt "safe school" policies and practices. Goals of the third thrust of this new program are to enlighten school teachers and administrators on family diversity and the challenges faced by youth from LGBTQ families. To achieve these goals, we will start with schools in the area that have gay/straight alliance groups, called GSAs, and will also build new partnerships with the Mazzoni Center's Ally Safe Schools program and the Attic youth Center - who already provide LGBTQ youth sensitivity training in local schools