By Kristin Pitman

 

January heralds the beginning of a new year for Stand Out Youth, and the anticipation of greater outreach opportunities for this flourishing group. Still, with the future in mind, it seems appropriate to look back to the tremendous accomplishments of SOY during the year 2007.

 

This past year saw the induction of many stellar volunteers, which have driven the success of Stand Out. Since January 2007, more than 15 facilitators/volunteers have been added to SOY’s ranks; with several waiting in the wings and many others expressing interest in the organization.

 

Stand Out members also participated in many community activities geared toward educating the public about GLBTQ issues and the Stand Out mission. In March, SOY worked with Henry Frost in a Savannah Tech class discussion on Social Development and Diverse Families. Also, on August 31 Bob and Holland were guests on “Stir it Up,” the popular Savannah State University radio talk show through WHCJ 90.3 FM. SOY also maintained a well-received booth at pride and was the “Grand Salon of Sponsors” for the 2007 Cocktails and Jazz for Equality fundraiser in November.

 

Increased media exposure and advertising opportunities have also been a hallmark of this past year. In September SOY launched two myspace pages, one for Stand Out Youth, and the other for Friends of Stand Out Youth. Then on October 2^nd Stand Out unveiled the first Savannah wide billboard campaign for GLBT questioning youth, leading to a news segment by Don Logana on WTOC. The billboards appeared in four of the highest traffic locations covering Midtown, the Islands, and the Southside on a series of billboards throughout the month and into November. Anne Hart of the Savannah Morning News has also written two articles featuring Stand Out and the youth who attend. The increased exposure of SOY during the last quarter of 2007 led to record numbers of people expressing interest in Stand Out as well as record attendance at the youth meetings.

 

With one eye to the past, and one to the future, Stand Out is sure to have continued success in the New Year. Coming to the close of 2007 and into the start of 2008, keep your eye on advertisements in the CAT buses. Stand Out will have advertisements on each of the 50 CAT buses leading into the summer. On January 6^th we move from the road to the silver screen with Stand Out Youth sponsoring the film documentary ‘For The Bible Tells Me So’ presented by Reel Savannah Film Group. This award winning documentary is a must see for everyone and following immediately after the film viewing there will be an open panel discussion. In March we will take you from the silver screen to the News Stands, so be on the lookout for your OUT Magazine, were you will see many of Savannah’s gay youth featured in a photo documentary shoot by Danielle Levitt.

 

For those involved in building this organization, 2008 promises many returns to the hard work from 2007. For those youth in Savannah and the surrounding areas who are looking for a place to find support, discuss relevant issues to GLBTQ and growing up, or simply to hang out, Stand Out is fast becoming a great place for all three.