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Learn how to start an LGBTQ+ youth program at your library

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Free PLA Webinar

Rainbow Connections: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Kids and Allies in Your Community and Beyond

Wednesday, September 28, 2022 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. Central
Laptop open with rainbow flag on keyboard

Is your library looking to start an LGBTQ+ youth program? Join PLA for a free webinar to learn how the Abington Township Public Library in Pennsylvania launched their wildly successful program in the fall of 2021. Rainbow Connections is a virtual program, led by a team that includes a children’s librarian and a community parent, that convenes LGBTQ+ children, allies, and their families from across the country. Learn how to start your own library group to help support and affirm LGBTQ+ kids and their families as well as educate and build community with allies. !

 

PLA members make it possible for us to provide continuing education opportunities like this webinar at no cost. We thank our members for their continuous dedication to the advancement of the public library field and our association. .

 

Learning Outcomes

 

At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Create their own LGBTQ+ group with an LGBTQ+ co-host, and promote through social media and networking with other local organizations, schools, and groups;
  • Engage with supportive and non-supportive community members using tips based on Abington Township Public Library’s own experiences; and
  • Build a directory of LGBTQ+-friendly community groups and advocates to help foster an environment in which friendships among participants will flourish.

 

Panelists
Jessica Olzak

Jessica Olzak has worked in public libraries for over twenty years. She has been a children's librarian at the Abington Township Public Library since 2013 where she has planned and presented innovative, intentional, and inclusive programs for young library patrons and their families from birth to age twelve. Jessica lives in Bucks County, PA with her two children and two cats.

Shannon Collins

Shannon Collins has been aiming to capture joy as resistance for twelve years as the owner of Shannon Collins Photography. They connect clients with affirming vendors and advocate for safer, more diverse, inclusive, and accessible industry standards. In the past year, Shannon came into themself publicly as nonbinary, queer, Autistic, and disabled.

 

In 2021, Shannon founded Youthphoria, a project dedicated to celebrating and photographing trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive youth in the Philadelphia area at no cost. They volunteered as a crisis counselor weekly for The Trevor Project for six years and also donate their time as the co-founder and co-host of Rainbow Connections.

 

Shannon lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with their partner and two children.

 

 

 

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