An inspiring WGWG meeting...

If you are one of the 20 people who came to WGWG’s July training and business meeting it will probably be one that you remember for a while. And not just because it lasted until after 9pm! (which was a record, by the way).

The School’s Out leaders – Cassie, Stephen, Kim, Jason, Mike, Brendan and George – gave us all an excellent update. After that we had a passionate discussion about how to respond to a new GLBT youth group investigating whether to set up in Wellington. Then we talked about two GLBT teenagers who have approached School’s Out after being forced to leave home by their parents. Apart from finding them accommodation and supporting them emotionally, we unanimously agreed to provide money to help them financially over the next two weeks.

WGWG exists to promote the welfare of the GLBT community, primarily in the Wellington region. The July meeting was a sharp demonstration of how our group can make Wellington a better place. It was inspiring. Stu

Monthly School's Out Report

We’ve had a fantastic month for School's Out. There were lots of new people and some great discussions on relationships and family stuff which was really eye opening. This week we had the Rev. Margaret Mayman come and talk to the Wellington central group about sexuality and religion, it was brilliant!

The Kapiti group played some games and just hung out this week and we are planning future discussions about sex, relationships and body image. The School's Out team is going to have a chat with a designer to make business cards for when we go along to conferences and huis and are out and about in the schools.

We have a really lovely group of people at School’s Out. We are all wonderfully different but we all get on so well and have a welcoming and fun time! George

If you missed the Intake Day you can still join us!

We had a great recruitment training day yesterday. 11 people put their names forward to be new volunteers - a record number for mid-year. Seven managed to come along to Anvil House and Bill got everyone to tell their stories. Stories were a highlight for me - everyone's was emotional, a unique journey, but always with some common points we could all understand and relate to.

Carl led an insightful discussion about HIV and I ran the systems overview again. A big thanks to Butlers Chocolates for donating prizes for the quiz & congrats go to Sonja for beating Sara and Hector by just 5 seconds! Ted's behind the scenes work made sure it all ran smoothly and it was good to see some of the helpliners turn up during the day.

Don't forget that if you or someone you know wants to volunteer they don't have to wait until the next intake day in October/November. Email Helpline and you can pick up a role straight away. The next meeting at 6pm on Tuesday 19th July will be a good chance to meet everyone.

School's Out Report from Mike & the crew

Hi everyone! School's Out has been steadily chugging along with a decent core of youth, some semi-regulars and some newbies. We've been having fun times lately with game days, guest speakers and Brendan even held a workshop on drag!

A fair few School's Out members were represented at the Queer the Night march on Thursday evening and they all had a fantastic time.

Outside of actual meetings, the facilitators have been super busy with school visits, meetings with potential guest speakers, Kazam fundraising and Kazam itself. We have a wonderful month ahead and I'm sure we're all very excited (I know I am!) Hope everyone is well. -Mike and the School's Out crew-