As LGBTQ Students, Especially Those of Color, Head Back to School, They Must Be Kept Safe — & Not Just From COVID-19
https://www.the74million.org/article/as-lgbtq-students-especially-those-of-color-head-back-to-school-they-must-be-kept-safe-not-just-from-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR0qfdQc1OxJfEsT0f4rs67Gq-B5z3XF2ZK7m-YnlrQLY4z0nQ9ynnKMlG4
“As students head back to school, it’s our duty to keep them safe. Protecting them from the spread of the coronavirus is a start. We must also ensure that LGBTQ+ students, Black students and all students who have historically been pushed to the margins of our education system have the resources and support they need to weather this crisis.”
We Keep Each Other Safe
https://forwardtogether.org/tools/we-keep-each-other-safe/?fbclid=IwAR0k45Vsp55fxq7iT1XVgrh1yBFIrzH6g_0ha8oGKc8C2BZ2Y06sPWrgD9U
A Guide By and For Black, Indigenous, Latinx, POC and LGBTQ Communities Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic
LGBT youth ‘robbed’ by coronavirus, says head of suicide-prevention org The Trevor Project
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/08/02/lgbt-youth-robbed-coronavirus-amit-paley-the-trevor-project/?fbclid=IwAR1_Yu5EinbMD3w-Zpf9XtC3Cb2MPPkI_jUPHIDTe_EEIiENVEenTIIpFr4
The coronavirus pandemic has “robbed” LGBT+ youth – who already had a higher risk of mental-health problems – of support
How Do You Get People to Wear Face Masks? Ask a Sex Educator.
https://rewirenewsgroup.com/article/2020/05/18/how-do-you-get-people-to-wear-face-masks-ask-a-sex-educator/?fbclid=IwAR1LC7jr-o_mU49CLHF9KV93UDbLrEdjPl9FMp2OTlTt0T1GPXsvT9tYkX8
We’ve been told that wearing a mask will mostly protect those around you rather than to keep yourself healthy—my mask protects you while your mask protects me. Theoretically if everyone wears them, everyone benefits.
Implications of COVID-19 for LGBTQ Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/2020/04/03/implications-of-covid-19-for-lgbtq-youth-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/?fbclid=IwAR36bBb6SNgj8_kX_4C4OZateND8Yd2eDha_GnEtKOYw0pG1useeNvG7LOY
This research report: (1) outlines ways that physical distancing, economic strain, and increased anxiety related to COVID-19 may impact LGBTQ youth; and (2) explains how The Trevor Project and others can work to support LGBTQ youth during this time. Although existing research points to concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on LGBTQ youth mental health and well-being, it also suggests ways these impacts can be minimized. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we increase LGBTQ youth access to a wide range of support and life-saving resources.
How LGBTQ youth can cope with anxiety and stress during COVID-19
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/2020/03/26/how-lgbtq-youth-can-cope-with-anxiety-and-stress-during-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR0a6uVu1nLSP3bqncqnb2JHWYaYRGeYGhSNeK_A9TwBVrKW9zAOpjuBANw
In LGBTQ communities, “chosen family” often play a more significant role in your life than biological family, and you may find yourself separated from them and worried about their health — in addition to your own!
Helpful tips for emotionally supporting children and youth through the ongoing pandemic
http://www.youthsmart.ca/tips-for-helping-children-and-youth-cope-effectively-through-the-covid-19-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR2HltTdpCsZo1VGFbyIuU0Y4yVMrrtLVS8eA7_fBhrfr2-Xnw-mtLlGU9Q
As COVID-19 continues to escalate in Canada, children and youth are likely starting to ask some difficult questions.
With school closures and major changes in daily routines, parents and guardians are working hard to care for both the physical and mental health of the children they love. Young people often respond to big life changes and world events based on the reactions of the adults around them. As such, it is key for those adults to approach COVID-19 with a reassuring sense of calm.
Here are some helpful tips for emotionally supporting children and youth through the ongoing pandemic:
https://www.the74million.org/article/as-lgbtq-students-especially-those-of-color-head-back-to-school-they-must-be-kept-safe-not-just-from-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR0qfdQc1OxJfEsT0f4rs67Gq-B5z3XF2ZK7m-YnlrQLY4z0nQ9ynnKMlG4
“As students head back to school, it’s our duty to keep them safe. Protecting them from the spread of the coronavirus is a start. We must also ensure that LGBTQ+ students, Black students and all students who have historically been pushed to the margins of our education system have the resources and support they need to weather this crisis.”
We Keep Each Other Safe
https://forwardtogether.org/tools/we-keep-each-other-safe/?fbclid=IwAR0k45Vsp55fxq7iT1XVgrh1yBFIrzH6g_0ha8oGKc8C2BZ2Y06sPWrgD9U
A Guide By and For Black, Indigenous, Latinx, POC and LGBTQ Communities Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic
LGBT youth ‘robbed’ by coronavirus, says head of suicide-prevention org The Trevor Project
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/08/02/lgbt-youth-robbed-coronavirus-amit-paley-the-trevor-project/?fbclid=IwAR1_Yu5EinbMD3w-Zpf9XtC3Cb2MPPkI_jUPHIDTe_EEIiENVEenTIIpFr4
The coronavirus pandemic has “robbed” LGBT+ youth – who already had a higher risk of mental-health problems – of support
How Do You Get People to Wear Face Masks? Ask a Sex Educator.
https://rewirenewsgroup.com/article/2020/05/18/how-do-you-get-people-to-wear-face-masks-ask-a-sex-educator/?fbclid=IwAR1LC7jr-o_mU49CLHF9KV93UDbLrEdjPl9FMp2OTlTt0T1GPXsvT9tYkX8
We’ve been told that wearing a mask will mostly protect those around you rather than to keep yourself healthy—my mask protects you while your mask protects me. Theoretically if everyone wears them, everyone benefits.
Implications of COVID-19 for LGBTQ Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/2020/04/03/implications-of-covid-19-for-lgbtq-youth-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/?fbclid=IwAR36bBb6SNgj8_kX_4C4OZateND8Yd2eDha_GnEtKOYw0pG1useeNvG7LOY
This research report: (1) outlines ways that physical distancing, economic strain, and increased anxiety related to COVID-19 may impact LGBTQ youth; and (2) explains how The Trevor Project and others can work to support LGBTQ youth during this time. Although existing research points to concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on LGBTQ youth mental health and well-being, it also suggests ways these impacts can be minimized. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we increase LGBTQ youth access to a wide range of support and life-saving resources.
How LGBTQ youth can cope with anxiety and stress during COVID-19
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/2020/03/26/how-lgbtq-youth-can-cope-with-anxiety-and-stress-during-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR0a6uVu1nLSP3bqncqnb2JHWYaYRGeYGhSNeK_A9TwBVrKW9zAOpjuBANw
In LGBTQ communities, “chosen family” often play a more significant role in your life than biological family, and you may find yourself separated from them and worried about their health — in addition to your own!
Helpful tips for emotionally supporting children and youth through the ongoing pandemic
http://www.youthsmart.ca/tips-for-helping-children-and-youth-cope-effectively-through-the-covid-19-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR2HltTdpCsZo1VGFbyIuU0Y4yVMrrtLVS8eA7_fBhrfr2-Xnw-mtLlGU9Q
As COVID-19 continues to escalate in Canada, children and youth are likely starting to ask some difficult questions.
With school closures and major changes in daily routines, parents and guardians are working hard to care for both the physical and mental health of the children they love. Young people often respond to big life changes and world events based on the reactions of the adults around them. As such, it is key for those adults to approach COVID-19 with a reassuring sense of calm.
Here are some helpful tips for emotionally supporting children and youth through the ongoing pandemic:
| covid-19-information-alberta-health-daily-checklist_oct._2020.pdf |
COVID-19 Protective Measures for Spruce Grove GSA Society
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, these protocols have been put in place to help ensure the health and safety of the following:
Although we have taken care to adhere to the guidance of the Government of Alberta, by attending the Spruce Grove GSA you acknowledge that, even with the best precautions in place, it is impossible to guarantee no exposure to COVID-19 whether while traveling between your home and the GSA or within the confines of the Spruce Grove GSA.
Screening for Symptoms:
Please ask yourself the following questions. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, please do not attend the GSA, and follow the public health guidelines
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16944.aspx
Do you have any possible COVID-19 symptoms?
If any person has or develops symptoms, they will be removed from the group and asked to stay an appropriate distance from the rest of the group until and a safe route home is ensured.
Distancing Measures
Cleaning
All high touch surfaces to be used will be cleaned prior to youths’ entry.
All high touch surfaces will be cleaned after the last youth exits the building, to ensure the next group’s safety.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Inclusive Measures
Contact information for staff and volunteers
Updated Tuesday October 27, 2020
With the rise in Covid-19 cases and the mandatory health restrictions placed on all communities, including Spruce Grove and the Tri-Region, our Spruce Grove GSA has updated one of the rules we have in place for our COVID-19 Protocols.
Mandatory measures (as of Oct. 26th, 2020) by AHS Alberta Health Services
https://open.alberta.ca/publications/cmoh-order-35-2020-2020-covid-19-response
The protective measures Spruce Grove GSA Society has put in place are to protect participating youth, their families, coordinators, volunteers, organizations, renters and groups of St. Andrew’s United Church, and the general public.
If these protective measures are not recognized or followed, the organizers of Spruce Grove GSA Society will take the appropriate action and temporarily remove the individual in question until the protective measures are agreed to and followed accordingly. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to ensure that the Spruce Grove GSA continues to be a safe and welcoming place for youth.
Sincerely
Jody Tucker (she/her)
The Spruce Grove GSA Society respectfully acknowledges that we are situated in Treaty 6 territory, traditional lands of First Nations and Métis people.
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, these protocols have been put in place to help ensure the health and safety of the following:
- Youth who attend Spruce Grove GSA.
- Family and extended family of youth in attendance.
- Coordinators, volunteers and organizations who administer programing at Spruce Grove GSA.
- Renters and groups who use the spaces at St. Andrew’s United Church, 1A Fieldstone Drive.
- General public who may come into contact with those aforementioned.
Although we have taken care to adhere to the guidance of the Government of Alberta, by attending the Spruce Grove GSA you acknowledge that, even with the best precautions in place, it is impossible to guarantee no exposure to COVID-19 whether while traveling between your home and the GSA or within the confines of the Spruce Grove GSA.
Screening for Symptoms:
- Ensure that each youth, volunteer, or coordinator has self-screened for the following possible COVID-19 symptoms.
- Self-screening is done prior to attending any programs or events with Spruce Grove GSA.
Please ask yourself the following questions. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, please do not attend the GSA, and follow the public health guidelines
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16944.aspx
Do you have any possible COVID-19 symptoms?
- Possible symptoms: Fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, chills, painful swallowing, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste, loss of smell, muscle or joint aches, headache, conjunctivitis (eyes appear pink or reddish pink).
- Have you, or anyone in your household, travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days?
- Have you or your children had close unprotected contact
- Have you or anyone in your household been in close unprotected contact in the last 14 days with someone who is being investigated or confirmed to be a case of COVID-19?
- Have you, a member of your household, or a person you are exposed to, been diagnosed with COVID-19?
- General screening will also be done prior to entry into the building at 1A Fieldstone Drive, or any events with Spruce Grove GSA.
If any person has or develops symptoms, they will be removed from the group and asked to stay an appropriate distance from the rest of the group until and a safe route home is ensured.
Distancing Measures
- All youth or adults attending Spruce Grove GSA, and any event hosted by the GSA, will be required to maintain a minimum distance of 2 metres/6 feet from each other.
- This includes outdoor GSAs/events, seating within the GSA, getting snacks or drinks, using a washroom, washing or sanitizing hands, participating in activities and walking into the building or down the stairs of the GSA.
- Universal washrooms are to be used by one individual at a time.
Cleaning
All high touch surfaces to be used will be cleaned prior to youths’ entry.
- High touch surfaces to be cleaned include the bathroom, tables, backs of chairs (that will be used during the GSA), kitchen (if used), inside door handles, outside door handles, door locks, railings to the downstairs hall, and all light switches.
- Only one (universal) washroom will be used at any given time and only one person may use the washroom at a time.
- The 2nd universal washroom will remain closed unless there is an emergency. At that time, all disinfecting measures will be carried out before it is able to be used again.
- The Spruce Grove GSA coordinator must be informed when the washroom is finished being in use so the necessary steps to sanitize all possible points of contact can be implemented.
All high touch surfaces will be cleaned after the last youth exits the building, to ensure the next group’s safety.
- High touch surfaces to be cleaned include the bathroom, tables, backs of all chairs used, kitchen (if used), inside door handles, outside door handles, railings to the downstairs main hall and all light switches.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Inclusive Measures
- Spruce Grove GSA youth are being provided with reusable, reversible 100% cotton cloth masks (as they are available).
- If a youth participant forgets to bring their mask a disposable mask will be provided.
- If a mask becomes dirty, damaged, or wet, a new disposable mask will be provided.
- Use of hand sanitizer and frequent handwashing will be mandatory.
- All snacks and drinks will be prepackaged to prevent cross-contamination of germs.
- Although appreciated, we cannot accept extra snacks or sharing of snacks from home at this time.
- One youth at a time may select snacks and drinks after washing their hands or using sanitizer.
- Mask use indoors is mandatory at all times.
- Any activity or craft supplies used, will be sanitized before and after each use.
- Each youth will use hand sanitizer before using supplies for activities or crafts.
- Physical distancing of 2 metres during games, activities, and visiting is STILL required.
Contact information for staff and volunteers
- All youth, adults, volunteers and organizations will be required to privately provide their contact information (email, phone number, address and name), so that they can be notified in the event of known or suspected exposure to COVID-19.
- The contact information is private and will not be used unless there is need to notify each person individually as a result of known or suspected exposure to COVID-19.
Updated Tuesday October 27, 2020
With the rise in Covid-19 cases and the mandatory health restrictions placed on all communities, including Spruce Grove and the Tri-Region, our Spruce Grove GSA has updated one of the rules we have in place for our COVID-19 Protocols.
Mandatory measures (as of Oct. 26th, 2020) by AHS Alberta Health Services
https://open.alberta.ca/publications/cmoh-order-35-2020-2020-covid-19-response
- Spruce Grove GSA now has a mandatory 15-person limit, INCLUDING coordinators, volunteers, and youth.
- Please email sprucegrovegsa@gmail.com or text 780-655-0384 with your attendance.
- All youth attending will be requested to check in BEFORE 10:00am on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month. Our Schedule is planned out until 2022!
- There is a TON of notice to text or email the day or night before GSA! J
The protective measures Spruce Grove GSA Society has put in place are to protect participating youth, their families, coordinators, volunteers, organizations, renters and groups of St. Andrew’s United Church, and the general public.
If these protective measures are not recognized or followed, the organizers of Spruce Grove GSA Society will take the appropriate action and temporarily remove the individual in question until the protective measures are agreed to and followed accordingly. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to ensure that the Spruce Grove GSA continues to be a safe and welcoming place for youth.
Sincerely
Jody Tucker (she/her)
The Spruce Grove GSA Society respectfully acknowledges that we are situated in Treaty 6 territory, traditional lands of First Nations and Métis people.