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Youth Advocacy and Leadership Development
The Next Generation Project is BRO’s investment in the future. Through it, we work to build a sustainable progressive youth and student movement that engage Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and allied activists as leaders within the organization and around LGBTQ issues in a larger social justice framework.
We provide skills training, statewide networking for young activists and leadership opportunities in BRO’s political, lobbying, and community education work.
We are especially committed to working on issues that affect and are led by LGBTQ youth of color, transgender and gender variant youth, youth facing multiple forms of oppression and youth most impacted by homophobia and transphobia.
This last year, the Next Generation Project worked with over 200 youth to deepen their understanding of gender justice, racial justice and grassroots organizing. We also launched the New Roots Fellowship program to recognize and develop the leadership of transgender youth and LGBTQ youth of color in grassroots organizing for change.
GET INVOLVED!
Youth Internships
Internships are available throughout the year for young LGBT and allied activists 23 and under. Internships can be through the Field, Communications &/or Development department depending on individual interests and organizational need.Weekly hours usually range from10-20 hours a week, but may be dependent on an individual’s schedule, preference, and other considerations. Interns are involved in a wide variety of tasks at all levels of leadership. Contact jessica@basicrights.org for more information!
New Roots Fellowships
New Roots Fellowships are a unique opportunity designed to recognize and hold up the leadership of transgender youth and LGBT youth of color, seeking experience in grassroots organizing for social justice and equality. Click here for more information and to apply.QPOWER: Queer Portlanders Organizing and Working for Equal Rights
QPOWER is a group of young, motivated leaders in the Portland Metro area who are committed to building a movement for equal rights by fighting to pass the policies and elect the candidates that will bring equality full equality to Oregon.
Q-POWER members gain experience in organizing for change by learning to create strategy, build power, and do the on-the-ground work necessary to win campaigns for LGBT rights and beyond. Q-POWER members are formally trained in the skills, strategy and analysis that is crucial to organizing for lasting social change.Contact jessica@basicrights.org for more information on any of these opportunities and/or to get involved.
CURRENT CAMPAIGNS
As part of Basic Rights Oregon’s commitment to LGBT youth advocacy, our flagship campaign this legislative session is passing the Oregon Safe Schools Act- HB2599 as part of the Safe Schools for ALL Youth coalition. HB 2599 will provide greater safety and accountability to students who are bullied and harassed in public schools by instituting comprehensive anti-bullying policies in Oregon’s public schools. Visit the campaign page for more details and to get involved.
BRO will continue to pursue additional policy shifts to decrease the high risks of homelessness, school drop-out rates, poverty, substance abuse and suicide for LGBT youth in Oregon.
OUR PARTNERS
As part of the Next Generation Project, BRO partners with the Oregon Student Equal Rights Alliance (OSERA), an affiliate of Oregon Student Association. Through advocacy, the strengthening of community relationships, and the development of leaders, OSERA is working to lead Oregon’s universities, colleges and community colleges toward safe, diverse, and enriching environments for all students.
Campus Climate Report
BRO and OSERA understand that LGBT students have to contend with sustained harassment and discrimination throughout their k-12 experience, though very little data exists in Oregon addressing the barriers to education for LGBT students. As a result OSERA and BRO collected over 3500 surveys at twelve universities, including five state-funded community colleges, six state-funded universities, and one private university. Although the findings highlight some positive trends towards inclusivity, the report also demonstrates just how much further we need to go. See the full report here.
In addition to working closely with Oregon Student Association and OSERA, the Next Generation Project has formed alliances with The Oregon Safe Schools and Communities Coalition and The Oregon Statewide GSA Network. Together, we provide organizational support, leadership development and educational workshops for youth that help create stronger GSA alliances across Oregon.
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