Understanding and Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Families
CANCELLED check-in 12:30-1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2007 Humanities Fine Arts Building Room 6 University of Minnesota, Morris 1:00-4:15 p.m. presented by Laura Smidzik, Abby Switkin, Stephanie Hazen from Rainbow Families

Topic
What you need to know to work effectively with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) parents and their children.

Goals
• Gain information about LGBT parents and their children
• Understand some of the legal challenges and inequities LGBT families face
• Understand the strengths and challenges of LGBT families
• Gain knowledge about how discrimination and isolation affects LGBT families

Expected Outcomes
• Learn how to create safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for LGBT families (forms, language, policies, etc.).
• Gain skills and knowledge to educate others about LGBT families.
• Acquire knowledge of resources for LGBT families.


Presenters
Laura Smidzik, Executive Director, joined Rainbow Families as assistant director in 2004 after serving on the board of directors for three years and serving as board chair from 1999-2001. She brings to the agency 18 years of diverse leadership experience in higher education and nonprofit settings – directing community outreach at the March of Dimes, managing the internship program at Macalester College, and most recently directing a special project for the Provost of Hamline University to open a satellite graduate program in Minneapolis. Ms. Smidzik has a master degree in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota. She is active in anti-racism work through serving on the anti-racism team at her church and Rainbow Families board trainings. She brings an unwavering passion for the issues affecting LGBT parents and families.

Abby Switkin, Assistant Director, joined Rainbow Families in October 2005 bringing ten years of nonprofit management and direct practice experience. Ms. Switkin earned her master degree in social work, with a management and planning specialization, from the University of California, Berkeley. Most recently she directed a leadership development program for Jewish youth. At Rainbow Families, she coordinates programming and events, manages volunteers, runs the speakers’ bureau, and raising funds for the organization. She brings a passion for social justice and equal rights for LGBT families.

Stephanie Hazen, School Initiative Program Director, joined Rainbow Families in September 2006 bringing many years of both nonprofit and school experience. She is responsible for the Rainbow Families school initiative which focuses on creating safe and welcoming elementary schools for children with one or more LGBT parent. She served as Program Director of a 24-hour crisis center, and then as a counselor and teacher at a charter high school in San Francisco. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College and a master’s degree from Boston College. Throughout her work, Hazen has been a strong advocate and educator around LGBT issues.

Cost
$50 includes 3.25 CEUs from the Minnesota Board of Social Work, refreshments and materials

Registration Information
Register online:
http://www.morris.umn.edu/cerp/conferences/human_services/form.html
(mail your check to the address below)

OR

Download the registration form, complete it and mail or fax it to:

Continuing Education, Regional Programs and Summer Session
225 Community Services Building
600 E. 4th St.
Morris, MN 56267

Registration Deadline:
Tuesday, January 16

If you need special accommodations, please contact us.

For more registration information, contact:
Jean Sasek - Continuing Education, UMM
320.589.6450 or 800.842.0030, sasekj@morris.umn.edu

For more information on Human Services Programming at UMM:
Karen Ellis - Continuing Education, UMM
320.589.6463 or 800.842.0030, elliskj@morris.umn.edu