Our Mission

The Oregon Safe Schools and Communities Coalition (OSSCC) seeks to create safe schools and communities where every family can belong, every educator can teach, and every child can learn regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The OSSCC believes that all youth deserve to feel safe and welcome in our schools and communities. We seek to achieve this mission in three ways:

1) Education:

Education is crucial to ending prejudice and hate-motivated violence. The OSSCC prepares community members from rural, suburban, and urban areas of Oregon to plan, organize, and present educational workshops that address the health and safety needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and families in their communities.

2) Data Collection:

Ongoing data collection and reporting of anti-GLBT harassment and violence is important to raising public awareness and improving the climate for all youth in our schools and communities. The OSSCC seeks to implement a statewide process for youth to report bias, harassment, or violence directed at themselves or others and to receive support and referral when reporting these activities.

3) Support Services:

The OSSCC will make support available at the request of youth, parents, or school personnel, to intervene in possible sexual orientation or gender identity bias and harassment situations. We can help youth create a safety plan, meet with school administrators, or provide links to educational or community resources.

 

Queer History Walking Tour - October 1

Mark your calendars for a great evening of living history Saturday, October 1st, 2011. In collaboration with the Gay & Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest, OSSCC will be taking to the streets! Learn about your fabulous Portland queer history, meet new people, and raise money for Oregon Safe Schools. Learn more and get tickets here.