{"id":76775,"date":"2024-01-25T15:35:12","date_gmt":"2024-01-25T20:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacasa.org\/?page_id=76775"},"modified":"2024-02-28T17:00:34","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T22:00:34","slug":"sji","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacasa.org\/sji\/","title":{"rendered":"Social Justice Institute"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t
The Social Justice Institute highlights the importance of authentic youth engagement. This recognizes young people as equal partners rather than service recipients. Authentic youth engagement empowers youth to take the lead in shaping discussions about their futures, actively includes them in decision-making processes, and ensures they receive the necessary support to pursue their goals and aspirations.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
The Social Justice Institute recognizes the importance of full representation in decision-making processes. Individuals with lived experience are often left out of conversations that impact their lives. The Social Justice Institute strives to ensure their voices are actively heard in CASA policies, procedures, and programming.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
The Social Justice Institute fosters collaboration with our state organization, local programs, and individuals with lived experience.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
The Social Justice Institute will facilitate a Fostering Futures Training for participating programs, including their staff and volunteers, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to support the older youth we serve. It will provide the PA CASA network with the tools to effectively engage individuals with lived experience.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
The Social Justice Institute is committed to reducing inequalities in the child welfare system through continuous learning and improvement. This includes creating an environment where everyone\u2019s thoughts, ideas, and perspectives are heard. The Social Justice Institute will promote information and resource sharing to further our mission.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
The Social Justice Institute will collaborate with local programs to implement lived experience in their programming, driving impactful change. This may include a guide on authentic storytelling, hiring individuals with lived experience, developing youth-led projects, and professional development opportunities.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t
Meeting schedule:<\/strong><\/p>\n In February, programs will learn about the overall project, review the project timeline, and discuss program expectations. This will also be an opportunity for program staff to voice concerns and ask questions. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t In March, participants will learn about \u201clived experience\u201d and understand its importance. Participants will explore what it means to have authentic youth engagement and why it is crucial for the CASA network to implement this model in our work.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t The Social Justice Institute will not meet in April but instead encourage those participants attending the Statewide Conference to attend the workshops focused on supporting older youth, specifically the Emerging Leaders Fellowship presentation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t In May, the Social Justice Institute will discuss the unique needs of older youth within the CASA network. This month will serve as a platform to recognize the challenges of older youth and the critical significance of providing personalized, tailored support to meet their individualized needs.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t In June, the Social Justice Institute will host a Fostering Futures training for participating program staff and volunteers. It will provide essential tools and resources for older youth advocacy. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t In July, participants will understand how storytelling can be used for advocacy and connection. The month will involve discussions on effective storytelling techniques that can help raise awareness and support for older youth. Participants will explore how to share and listen to stories in a respectful, trauma-informed, and non-retraumatizing way.<\/p> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t In August, we will highlight the importance of hiring individuals with lived experience. Participants will learn about the benefits of incorporating individuals with lived experience into the CASA internship programs. This month will provide insights into recruitment strategies, training, and the roles these individuals can play in enhancing the program\u2019s impact. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t In September, the focus will be on empowering older youth to participate more actively in the program. Participants will explore youth-led projects, allowing older youth to drive initiatives and share their ideas. This includes focus groups, listening sessions, and trainings. This month will also explore various avenues for youth skill development, career growth, and ensuring their personal and professional development.<\/p> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t In October, programs will learn the concepts of youth councils and action boards. Participants will learn about the logistics of setting one up and how these platforms can provide older youth a structured way to voice their opinions, influence decision-making, and contribute to the program\u2019s development.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t In November, participants will reflect on the progress made throughout the program. Participants will finish the Social Justice Institute with an initiative or plan to incorporate the voices of those with lived experience. PA CASA will continue to support participants.<\/p>\n\t\t This is an astonishing story about the power of resilience, family\u2019s importance, and inequality\u2019s cost through the crucible of one remarkable girl. This book takes on poverty, homelessness, racism, addiction, hunger, and more as they shape the lives of one girl and her family.<\/p>\n The New Jim Crow is a stunning account of the rebirth of a\u00a0 caste-like system in the United States, one that has resulted in millions of African Americans locked behind bars and then relegated to a\u00a0 permanent second-class status-denied the very rights supposedly won in the Civil Rights Movement. Since its publication in 2010, the book has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list for more than a year and has been dubbed the \u201csecular bible of a new social movement\u201d by numerous commentators, including Cornel West. It has led to consciousness-raising efforts in universities, churches,\u00a0 community centers, re-entry centers, and prisons nationwide. The New Jim Crow tells a truth our nation has been reluctant to face<\/p>\n Dope Sick Chronicles America\u2019s more than twenty-year struggle with opioid addiction, from the introduction of OxyContin in 1996 through the spread of addiction in distressed communities in Central Appalachia to the current national crisis.<\/p>\n A searing expose of the effects of the mass incarceration crisis on families-including 2.7 million American children who have a parent locked up. The author follows the fears, challenges, and small victories of three families struggling to live within the confines of a brutal system.<\/p>\n Kendi takes readers through a widening circle of antiracist ideas-from the most basic concepts to visionary possibilities-that will help readers see all forms of racism clearly, understand their poisonous consequences, and work to oppose them in our systems and in<\/p>\n A powerful true story about the potential for mercy to redeem us, and a clarion call to fix our broken justice system-from one of our most brilliant and influential lawyers.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tWatch\/Listen<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t Protecting the Rights and Providing Appropriate Services to LGBTQIA2S+ Youth in Out-of-Home Care<\/a><\/p>\n Defining LGBTQ Terms and Concepts<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tLGBTQIA+ Centers<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t Center for Community Resources<\/a><\/strong> provides services in all 67 counties of PA. Check the county listing for the services available in your area.<\/p>\n Center for Community Resources assures equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of age, sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, limited English proficiency, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law.\u00a0<\/p>\n Eastern PA Trans Equity Project<\/a><\/strong> provides Direct Services To Transgender And Gender-Diverse Pennsylvanians In A Sixteen County Region In Eastern PA.<\/p>\n In 2023, PA CASA launched the Emerging Leaders Fellowship, a 9-month-paid virtual advocacy program for three individuals with lived experience in foster care. This program offers fellows a unique opportunity to work closely with PA CASA, enhancing their leadership skills, expanding their professional network, and playing a central role in advocating for themselves and their peers. This fellowship allows them to lead, learn, make impactful change, and implement their ideas in the CASA network\u2019s programming.<\/p>\n The fellows are set to highlight their work on an older youth project at our conference in 2024. This project aims to provide staff and volunteers with a comprehensive resource for understanding and implementing best practices when working with older youth in foster care. Additionally, it will offer insights into the unique needs of older youths and the resources available to them in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t1\ufe0f\u20e3 Welcome Fellows \u2013 Creating a Brave Space<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t In August, we establish our space by covering introductions, expectations, onboarding materials, and giving an overview of PA CASA.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2\ufe0f\u20e3 The Power of Lived Experience and Advocacy<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t In September, we delve into the importance of advocacy, diverse strategies, and various child welfare topics. We highlight the significance of lived experience in decision-making and driving change. Fellows actively identify specific advocacy topics they are personally interested in.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t3\ufe0f\u20e3 Data-Driven Advocacy: Making a Case for Change<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t In October, we highlight the significance of data and its effective usage in advocacy, offering practical examples and resources. As a result, fellows research data to support their child welfare advocacy topics.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t4\ufe0f\u20e3 Storytelling: Amplifying Youth Voices in Advocacy<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t In November, we define storytelling, provide examples, and explore strategic approaches. Fellows discover how to draft their stories while emphasizing the importance of sharing only what they feel comfortable with. Additionally, the session addresses the significance of avoiding tokenism, ensuring their stories are shared authentically and respectfully.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t5\ufe0f\u20e3 Legislative Advocacy: Understanding the Process<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t In December, fellows will receive an overview of the legislative process, guiding them in understanding its intricacies. Additionally, fellows will actively engage in research to identify and learn more about their local representatives.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t6\ufe0f\u20e3 Engaging Policymakers: Youth-led Advocacy<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t In January, fellows learn about legislative advocacy, gaining insights into effective tips and engagement strategies. They also look at sample letters and emails to legislators, helping them develop compelling advocacy messages.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t7\ufe0f\u20e3 Professional Development<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t In February and March, we dedicate time to essential tips for public speaking, crafting resumes, excelling in job interviews, and enhancing financial literacy.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t8\ufe0f\u20e3 Amplifying Lived Experiences in the CASA Network<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t In April, fellows share their journey by presenting and attending the PA State Conference.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Pennsylvania CASA Association\u2019s values are founded in the belief that best-interest volunteer advocacy can ensure safety, well-being, and permanency for abused and neglected children. We\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-fullwidth-content.php","meta":{"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"simple-restrict-permission":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacasa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/76775"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacasa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacasa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pacasa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pacasa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=76775"}],"version-history":[{"count":73,"href":"https:\/\/pacasa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/76775\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":77675,"href":"https:\/\/pacasa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/76775\/revisions\/77675"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacasa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=76775"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"simple-restrict-permission","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pacasa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/simple-restrict-permission?post=76775"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
\n\t\tSocial Justice Institute Timeline\n\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\tFebruary\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMarch\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tApril\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMay\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tJune\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tJuly\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAugust\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSeptember\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOctober\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNovember\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Kick-Off Meeting <\/h3> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Understanding Lived Experience and Authentic Youth Engagement<\/h3> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Conference<\/h3> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Youth Needs and Perspectives<\/h3> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Fostering Futures Training<\/h3> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Authentic and Intentional Storytelling<\/h3> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Hiring Individuals with Lived Experience<\/h3> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Youth-Led Projects<\/h3> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Establishing Youth Councils \/ Action Boards<\/h3> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Reflection and Future Steps<\/h3> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\tResources\n\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\tBooks for Adults<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Invisible Child
\n<\/b>By Andrea Elliott\n
\nThe New Jim Crow
\n<\/b>By Michelle Alexander\n
\nDope Sick
\n<\/b>By Beth Macy\n
\nThe Shadow System: Mass Incarceration and the American Family
\n<\/b>By Sylvia A. Harvey\n
\nHow to Be an Antiracist
\n<\/b>By Ibram X. Kendi\n
\nJust Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
\n<\/b>By Bryan Stevenson\nVideos
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Podcasts
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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\n
\n
\n<\/strong>The Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation together serve as America\u2019s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ equality. By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.\u00a0\nAt the Intersection: Race, Sexuality and Gender<\/a>
\nA report on a study to better understand what\u2019s important to LGBTQ people of color. Read the full report <\/i>here<\/i><\/a>.<\/i>\nLGBTQ Youth in the Foster Care System<\/a>
\n\u201cMany LGBTQ youth have the added layer of trauma that comes with being rejected or mistreated because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.\u201d Read the full report here<\/a>.\n
\nThe Trevor Project<\/b><\/a>
\nTo end suicide among gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning young people.\nA Guide To Being An Ally To Transgender And Nonbinary Youth<\/a>
\nThe Trevor Project has published this guide to help begin your education on the basics of gender identity and expression. You\u2019ll be able to better support the trans and nonbinary folks in your lives, and help to create a safer, kinder and more accepting world. The \u201cGuide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth\u201d is an introductory educational resource that covers a wide range of topics and best practices on how to support transgender and nonbinary people.<\/i>\n
\n
\nSouthwestern PA<\/h3>\nPRISM of Beaver County <\/strong>
\n<\/a>Beaver, PA<\/em>
\nPRISM (Pride. Respect. Inspiration. Safety. Mentoring.) is a non-profit outreach organization for the LGBTQ+ youth of Beaver County and surrounding counties. Our intention is to be a safe and supportive place for the LGBTQ+, friends, families, and allies of the local community. A space online, and in person, to address the issues, challenges, and triumphs of local LGBTQ+ youth. PRISM has one monthly meeting in Beaver (at NAMI of Beaver County), and usually one outing each month.\nDreams of Hope<\/a><\/strong>
\nPittsburgh, PA<\/em>
\nDreams of Hope (DOH) has established itself as Pittsburgh\u2019s only arts-focused, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied (LGBTA) youth (13-21) organization.\nProject Silk
\n<\/a><\/strong>Pittsburgh, PA<\/em>
\nProject SILK provides a safe, healthy, supportive community environment for LGBT youth of color to grow, celebrate, and express themselves. With service providers and community partners, we advocate for our youth to determine the meaning and direction of their own lives. Project Silk is an HIV prevention and care initiative geared toward our priority community, black and Latinx young (13-29 years) gay men and transgender individuals of color in the Pittsburgh region. Project Silk drop-in hours are Monday through Thursday from 1-8 p.m.
\n<\/b>
\n<\/b>Sexuality and Gender Alliance<\/a><\/strong>
\nWashington, PA<\/em>
\nThe Washington County Gay Straight Alliance, Inc. has facilitated and provided resources for a peer group of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Questioning, Queer, Asexual, and Allied (LGBTQA) youth since November 2005. The WCGSA formed a Nonprofit Corporation in August 2012, to expand programming and services.\n
\nSoutheastern PA<\/h3>\nProject SILK \u2013 Lehigh Valley \u2013 Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Center
\n<\/a><\/strong>Allentown, PA
\n<\/em>Project SILK Lehigh Valley creates a brave space for LGBT youth of color and their social networks to be themselves. Project SILK Lehigh Valley provides daily, professionally-staffed youth programs for LGBT youth ages 14-21, builds leadership among LGBT youth and provides HIV interventions to empower youth to be their own healthcare advocates. As a youth empowerment program, Project SILK Lehigh Valley develops youth leadership within the program. Program participants have a clear voice in determining the direction of the program. Project SILK Lehigh Valley is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1-6 p.m. for drop-in hours \u2014 and by appointment on Mondays and Fridays.\nHaven \u2013 The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley
\n<\/a><\/strong>Bethlehem, PA
\n<\/em>Haven is an open community striving for inclusiveness, valuing individual rights, personal freedoms, and ecological\/social responsibilities at both the secular and spiritual levels. Haven Youth Group is one program of UUCLV which provides a safe, supportive environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender questioning youth while providing positive role models and peer support, sponsoring social and recreational activities, and safe weekly meetings for GLBT youth.\u00a0\nThe Rainbow Room<\/a><\/strong>
\nDoylestown, PA
\n<\/em>Planned Parenthood Keystone\u2019s Rainbow Room is Bucks County\u2019s inclusive, empowering, and brave space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning+ youth, and their allies. The Rainbow Room provides a supportive, welcoming, and fun environment for youth between the ages of 14 and 21. Since its inception over 15 years ago, the Rainbow Room has had a critical and affirmative impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and the Bucks County community as a whole. The Rainbow Room meets in Doylestown on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m.\nThe Attic Youth Center<\/a><\/strong>
\nPhiladelphia, PA<\/em>
\nThe Attic is one of the leading LGBTQ Youth Community Centers in the nation. They host a variety of programs, social services, and events that engage hundreds of youth. They provide a diversity of services, so check out their website for more information.\nThe Spectrum \u2013 Planned Parenthood Keystone <\/strong>
\n<\/a>Reading, PA<\/em>
\nThe Spectrum is a safe haven for LGBTQ youth, ages 13-21, in the Greater Reading area. Teens participate in recreational activities, socialize and receive information related to health, sexuality, and life skills. LGBTQ youth face discrimination and increased risk for self-destructive behavior and other challenges. SPECTRUM helps by providing support, camaraderie, and education. The SPECTRUM meets every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. To find out more call 610-376-0137.\n
\nNortheastern PA
\n<\/b><\/h3>\nThe Main Line Youth Alliance <\/strong>
\n<\/a>Wayne, PA<\/em>
\nThe Main Line Youth Alliance (MYA) provides gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender questioning youth and straight allies, with social educational, and supportive activities in a confidential, respectful and safe environment. MYA programs, unique in Philadelphia\u2019s western suburbs, encourage healthy relationships with peers, family, and community.\n
\nCentral PA<\/h3>\nCommon Roads \u2013 The LGBT Community Center Coalition of Central PA <\/strong>
\n<\/a>Harrisburg and Lancaster, PA
\n<\/em>Common Roads provides education, advocacy, and programming to empower lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth throughout the Central Pennsylvania region. Common Roads meets every Wednesday in Harrisburg from 6-8 p.m., every Thursday in Carlisle from 6-8 p.m., and every Friday in Lancaster from 7-9:30 p.m. Movies, coffeehouse nights, discussion, arts, field trips \u2013 you name it.\u00a0\nBring Your Own Queer \u2013 The Centre LGBTQA Support Network
\n<\/a><\/strong>State College, PA
\n<\/em>An LGBTQA+ Youth Group (8th-12th graders) that is co-sponsored by CLSN, CC Youth Service Bureau, and the SC Presbyterian Church. Meetings take place the second Friday of every month 5:30-8 p.m. at the State College Presbyterian Church Fireside Room (132 West Beaver Avenue, State College). Meetings include supper, respect for who you are, great company, and opportunities to share. Additional support groups can be found here<\/a>.\u00a0\nThe Curve
\n<\/a><\/strong>York, PA
\n<\/em>The Curve is a support program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth and their allies who are between the ages of 14 and 21, and is a safe, supportive, welcoming, and fun environment for advocacy and educational and recreational activities. The Curve meets every Thursday from 5-7 p.m. in Planned Parenthood of Central PA\u2019s York health center.\u00a0\n\tEmerging Leaders Fellowship<\/h2>\n