Safe Zone
What is Safe Zone?
A Safe Zone is a place where students can talk to an adult in a non-judgmental environment, receive support, and get connected to the resources they need to succeed. The Albuquerque Public Schools Safe Zone program was designed to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ+) students and their allies but is available to all students in APS.
LGBTQ+ students face many barriers that can prevent them from feeling safe within their school environment including verbal and physical harassment and bullying. These students are at increased risk of homelessness and self-destructive behaviors which often result in attendance issues and higher drop-out rates.
Safe Zones operate at all levels across the district. Every school designates at least one staff member as a "safe adult" that students can go to if they need to report harassment and need help. Safe Zone Volunteers identify their office or classroom by hanging a SAFE ZONE sign or wearing a Safe Zone lanyard. Safe Zone Volunteers may be identified virtually by the use of the Safe Zone Flag emblem in their Google classroom or electronic communications.
Safe Zone Volunteers attend 1-2 district meetings per year for professional development, resource sharing, and networking. Safe Zone Volunteers and other school staff may also choose to sponsor Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs, support groups or lunch groups to create safe spaces for students.
Resources
The Trevor Project
The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ people ages 13-24.
Website: The Trevor Project
PFLAG Albuquerque
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) has an Albuquerque chapter dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ persons -- and those who love them.
Website: PFLAG Albuquerque Chapter
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.
Website: The Human Rights Campaign
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ+ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment.
GLSEN National School Climate Survey
Report on the school experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in schools, including the extent of the challenges that they face at school and the school-based resources that support LGBTQ+ students’ well-being.
Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico
Dedicated to serving the transgender community of the State of New Mexico by providing personal support, education, and resource information.
Contact: Adrien Lawyer at (505) 440-3402.
Do you have questions about Safe Zone?
Contact Safe Zone Team at AskSafeZone@aps.edu
Disclaimer
This email is monitored daily by the Student Health and Life Skills department. If needed, the Student Health and Life Skills department may contact other APS departments for support to provide correct information to the sender.