Written by: Andy Lopez of StandOut Youth

 

StandOut Youth has always been dedicated to providing teenagers and young adults with a safe space to gather in support of one another through various activities and volunteer opportunities. Within the last couple of months, StandOut has continued to promote a positive environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth by being involved not only in the LGBTQ community, but also by reaching out to youth in a greater need. Following are some of the many different projects StandOut has been involved in and will continue to promote in the upcoming months:

 

In the spirit of returning to the community that has been so graciously supportive of our cause, we are endeavoring to assist other youth in need. On August 8th StandOut Youth donated $1535.00 to Hospice of Savannah to help support youth victims of the Imperial Sugar Refinery disaster.

 

In September, StandOut Youth circulated two billboards as part of a campaign to promote the group and reach out to new and returning college and high school students. One of these billboards was displayed on the Presidential extension for the Labor Day holiday; the other was on the intersection of Montgomery Crossroads and Abercorn. The second billboard was also more specific to the youth in that it was written using text message lingo or shorthand.

 

Also in September, Stand Out Youth took part in the Pride celebrations here in Savannah. We had an information booth to promote our group and the types of activities we do, as well as an ice cream stand which served as a fundraiser. The ice cream was graciously provided by 1780 Country Store (in Bloomingdale, GA between Highway 17 and Highway 80). Additionally, we sponsored a booth for the newly reinstated Armstrong Atlantic State University Gay Straight Alliance.

 

 

As part of our Halloween celebration, the youth carved several pumpkins. For two of our youth it was the first time they had ever carved a pumpkin, and they were incredibly excited to be able to partake in this activity. The pumpkins were later donated to Greenbriar Children’s Center. Subsequently, the youth have decided to sponsor Greenbriar for the holidays by either sponsoring a child and getting them items on their personal wish list, participating in gift wrapping at the Savannah Mall, or asking the community to help collect general items needed by the Center (see donation wish list in the Network News for more information).

In November, the youth planned and partook in a camping trip at Skidaway Island State Park. The evening was filled with several teambuilding activities, stories, s’mores, and inspirational poetry around a campfire. However, one of the most important attributes of this camping trip was the way it let us get to know each other better as well as bring us closer together as a group.

 

If you would like to come spend some time with us or participate in any of our activities or volunteer for our organization, come to one of our meetings. We meet every Friday from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at the FCN building located on 307 E Harris Street. Until next time, just remember the youth of today will one day be the leaders of tomorrow.