QYTF Report: What Queer Youth Want: Updated Needs Assessment & Call to Action
In the Fall of 2008, the Queer Youth Task Force (QYTF) began a working relationship with Dr. John P. Shields of ETR Associates, who was highly recommended by key LGBT leaders within the San Francisco Unified School District. The working relationship with Dr. Shields continued to expand and soon led to a partnership between ETR and the Task Force.
In March 2009, ETR and the Task Force began working on a series of Dream Room focus groups designed to form the foundation of an updated Queer Youth Needs Assessment and a Strategic Plan. The outcome was a QYTF report titled, What Queer Youth Want: Updated Needs Assessment & Call to Action.
In the Spring of 2010, the Queer Youth Task Force finalized a list of “Queer Youth Community Goals” based on the QYTF Report:
The goals include:
- All Santa Cruz County community members and stakeholders have a strong awareness of queer youth issues:
- Resources & News
- Events
- Community Partnerships
- For all populations, with a focus on under-served populations
- There is a sustainable family-focused program that educates and supports families about queer youth issues in Santa Cruz County
- Every middle and high school in Santa Cruz County provides a supportive environment that encourages and empowers the establishment and sustainability of youth-led Gay / Straight Alliance Groups (GSAs).
- All queer and queer perceived youth are safe from harassment and bullying.
- All youth advocates and community stakeholders in Santa Cruz County will work to reduce the risk of queer youth suicide, violence, substance abuse and self-harm.
- All secondary schools in Santa Cruz County will include a unit devoted to queer topics in their health, literature and history curriculum (See Safe Schools).
- Queer youth have access to knowledgeable and affirming medical and mental health providers in Santa Cruz County.
- Santa Cruz queer youth advocates and community stakeholders provide more events and opportunities to connect queer youth with each other.
For a copy of the QYTF Report and/or an update on the Community Goals in 2012, please contact us at email.