Educational Outreach
Below is a list of various educational outreach programs that are coordinated by the Spectrum Center.
Ally Training
In March 2005, the University of Michigan joined more than 140 other colleges and universities by implementing an Ally Training Program through the Spectrum Center. The purpose of having the Ally Training Program is to promote a campus community in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
Ally Program participants attend an eight-hour training (spread over two days) designed to strengthen their ability to serve as allies to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students, staff, and faculty at the University of Michigan. After completion of the training, participants can display the Ally logo as a way to let others know that they support the right of lgbt people at the University of Michigan to fair and equal treatment. The logo also lets others know that they can turn to these individuals for support or information about lgbt people and issues.
For information on upcoming trainings, refer to: For Allies
LGBT-Focused Service Learning Course
This new service learning program is offered fall and winter terms through the Ginsberg Center's Project Community Sociology 389 course. Students work in collaboration with Project Community and the Spectrum Center to provide needed services to LGBT organizations in the community. Currently the service learning program is working with QueerZone - a program of the Ozone House drop-in center - which provides a safe space for LGBTQ youth to congregate, socialize, build community and access support services as needed. Current projects include facilitating fun events for the QueerZone teens and helping promote QueerZone by doing community outreach. Students will also work with the Spectrum Center to expand this service learning program to other LGBTQA community organizations. No previous experience is necessary, but students should be open-minded and enthusiastic about service around LGBT issues. Training in LGBT issues will be provided! Students interested in enrolling in this section (SOC 389.301) should email Lauren Sherry, Assistant Director of the Spectrum Center, at lasherry@umich.edu, so that an override can be processed in order to register on Wolverine Access.
If you are interested in being the Peer Facilitator for SOC 389.301, apply at http://ginsberg.umich.edu/projectcommunity/apply.html. Responsibilities include facilitating a weekly discussion in seminar, and coordinating the service activities for the site. If you have questions, contact Project Community at pcinfo@umich.edu. In your email, please give the name of the section about which you are inquiring.
Speakers Bureau
The Speakers Bureau is one of the oldest and most popular of our programs. Our goal is to educate people on the current realities and personal histories of those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, related identities and/or Ally. Through personal story-telling, speakers share their experiences and growth, thereby promoting knowledge, compassion, and understanding about LGBTQ identities, issues and concerns.
In our traditional format, 4-5 speakers each share their personal stories, "putting a face" on our communities and illustrating how our lives and experiences are diverse, complex, and richer than portrayed in mainstream media. The Q&A component of our panels encourage broader, deeper dialogues about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and possibilities for a better world.
Request a Speakers Bureau panel today!
Training for the Speakers Bureau occurs at the beginning of each semester. We are always looking for more LGBTQ students and community members, as well as heterosexual allies, to join our fabulous Bureau. If you would like to become a speaker, please contact Lauren Sherry at lasherry@umich.edu for more information, an application and/or training dates.
