Advocating for Positive Change in Albuquerque Public Schools
In 1992, Under 21 Group lead facilitator Lois Dickerman began working with Neil Isbin to bring schoolwide in-service training to counselors and administrators in Albuquerque Public Schools. PJ Sedillo, who had worked with Isbin in the past to obtain non-discrimination for all APS teachers, was asked to assist in this effort.
Twelve to fifteen young people were willing to go on camera. Lois videotaped their conversations so there would be “faces” to the problems that APS would encounter. This was a powerful video for counselors and was also released to the APS school board so they could see and hear Erin, Robert and John talk about their experiences in the public schools -- and the need for gay and lesbian youth to always have their “antennae out” for anything positive to latch onto for hope. APS followed through by adding in-service sessions to occur at every school in the district so that educators, parents and students could see the video.
This exposure resulted in the Under 21 Group growing in numbers and helping save the lives of local gay youth. The group was now perceived as a safe and inviting place for Albuquerque’s GLBT youth to gather weekly and not hide who they were. It was interesting that most of the youth would ask their parents to drop them off at the meetings. “Normal” behavior for teenagers was not wanting their parents to meet their friends or might be embarrassed by what they might say.
In 1994 and 1995, members of the Under 21 Group wrote letters to key New Mexico State legislators supporting SB91, a non-discrimination act. Two members even testified to a joint chamber session with a full gallery.
In early 2001, Under 21 Group lead facilitator Mary Oishi, Common Bond board member Steve Ridlon and Toots Obenshain, President of PFLAG Albuquerque, had their first meeting with Janalee Barnard, Albuquerque Public Schools District Counseling Administrator, to discuss implementation of the Safe Zone Project at APS.
Following the guidelines of the national online resource organization, the first “Safe Zone” program in New Mexico was implemented. A “Safe Zone” is a place where students can talk to an adult in a non-judgmental environment, receive support, and get connected to the resources they need to succeed. Within two years, there were Safe Zone volunteers (primarily guidance counselors and school social workers) in most APS high and middle schools. When he was made aware of the Safe Zone Project, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez enthusiastically endorsed it. For two years, Steve Ridlon served as the Community Coordinator for APS Safe Zone, partnering with APS administrator Janalee Barnard, to organize monthly training and networking luncheon meetings for faculty volunteers.
Today there are Safe Zones in every APS school, including the elementary schools. This was at the request of the school board after a joint presentation in 2019 with GLSEN, Transgender Resources Center RCNM, and the APS Student, Family, & Community Supports Division. Gay Straight Alliances are also in every middle and high school, and one elementary school has requested support for students inquiring about a similar inclusive club.
Twelve to fifteen young people were willing to go on camera. Lois videotaped their conversations so there would be “faces” to the problems that APS would encounter. This was a powerful video for counselors and was also released to the APS school board so they could see and hear Erin, Robert and John talk about their experiences in the public schools -- and the need for gay and lesbian youth to always have their “antennae out” for anything positive to latch onto for hope. APS followed through by adding in-service sessions to occur at every school in the district so that educators, parents and students could see the video.
This exposure resulted in the Under 21 Group growing in numbers and helping save the lives of local gay youth. The group was now perceived as a safe and inviting place for Albuquerque’s GLBT youth to gather weekly and not hide who they were. It was interesting that most of the youth would ask their parents to drop them off at the meetings. “Normal” behavior for teenagers was not wanting their parents to meet their friends or might be embarrassed by what they might say.
In 1994 and 1995, members of the Under 21 Group wrote letters to key New Mexico State legislators supporting SB91, a non-discrimination act. Two members even testified to a joint chamber session with a full gallery.
In early 2001, Under 21 Group lead facilitator Mary Oishi, Common Bond board member Steve Ridlon and Toots Obenshain, President of PFLAG Albuquerque, had their first meeting with Janalee Barnard, Albuquerque Public Schools District Counseling Administrator, to discuss implementation of the Safe Zone Project at APS.
Following the guidelines of the national online resource organization, the first “Safe Zone” program in New Mexico was implemented. A “Safe Zone” is a place where students can talk to an adult in a non-judgmental environment, receive support, and get connected to the resources they need to succeed. Within two years, there were Safe Zone volunteers (primarily guidance counselors and school social workers) in most APS high and middle schools. When he was made aware of the Safe Zone Project, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez enthusiastically endorsed it. For two years, Steve Ridlon served as the Community Coordinator for APS Safe Zone, partnering with APS administrator Janalee Barnard, to organize monthly training and networking luncheon meetings for faculty volunteers.
Today there are Safe Zones in every APS school, including the elementary schools. This was at the request of the school board after a joint presentation in 2019 with GLSEN, Transgender Resources Center RCNM, and the APS Student, Family, & Community Supports Division. Gay Straight Alliances are also in every middle and high school, and one elementary school has requested support for students inquiring about a similar inclusive club.