September 12, 2018

​

September Meeting Spruce Grove GSA Youth Action Committee
 
- Names/Pronouns
 
- Honour First Nation’s Métis and Inuit
 
- Michelle volunteer helper for the evening 
- Nigel volunteer helper from Risen Health
 
- Fundraisers! 
Bottle Drive! Saturday August 25 9am-4pm
Our bottle drive on Saturday August 25, was a huge success! We raised $1126 in donations! I am so proud of our GSA kids and the volunteers that helped us race around and collect bottles!
We also collected over 10 bags of warm clothing for our friends in-need and donated it to Homeless Link Alberta.
 
What’s Happening!
The Edmonton Pride Center is starting a mentorship program! Please contact Cassie Robertson for more information>
cassie.robertson@bgcbigs.ca 780-471-4079
 
Don’t forget that Outloud in St Albert happens every other Tuesday evening from
 7-9pm. They are an AMAZING group and a great alternative to our group. They are absolutely a Fun Safe Space to go to meet other LGBTQ youth and Allies!
 
On the last Wednesday of the month in Stony Plain the Parkland QSA meets from 6-8pm in the Stony Plain Public Library! This is nice and close for anyone who can get to the Stony Plain Public Library. 
 
Goals
We need to figure out a few ways to bring in funds to the GSA. The following goals are on my to do list:
-increase the Spruce Grove GSA to 2 nights per month (age 12-24)
-add a child Spruce Grove GSA 1 night per month (age 7-11)
-Rotary Parade (build a float so you don’t have to walk!!)
-Celebration in the Park
-Scholarship
 
-Public Visibility
Our GSA has started receiving requests to take part in public appearances around Spruce Grove. As a group some of us have taken part in parades, in Pride in the Park, and the bottle drive. For a few of our kids privacy is absolutely essential. Our GSA will always remain a Safe Space. Participation in any event is always an option. If you ever feel comfortable attending an event with our GSA you will be welcome. 
Our goal around Parkland County is to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ community. We do this by putting up Pride banners, painting crosswalks, wearing Pride clothing, and showing up at public events. 
 
-Attendance/Volunteers
A few kids are so close to receiving their free dog tag or key chain!
They will also be available for purchase on our website.
 
 I also have a list of the hours you have volunteered, if you are interested in knowing your totals for scholarship application purposes I have those totals available.  
 
We are searching for volunteers ages 16 and over. These volunteers can be youth, friends, or family. We are looking for people to work bingos on specific dates, but we are also looking for someone to form a fundraising volunteer committee to benefit the LGBTQ community in Spruce Grove
 
-T-Shirts/Hoodies?
Is anyone interested if I started pricing out clothing items? What type of things are you interested in?
 
 
NEW TOPICS:
Anxiety
Stress
Homework Stress
Friends/Family
 
How do we deal with stress and anxiety? (kidshealth.org)
1) Become a relaxation expert:  We all think we know hoe to relax. But hanging out in front of the TV or computer isn’t relaxation. They may seem to relieve your anxiety or stress, but it’s a false sense of relaxation that’s only temporary. What the body really need’s is daily practice of a relaxation technique – like deep breathing, tai chi, or yoga – that has a physical effect on the mind.
 
 2) Get enough sleep, nourishment, and exercise:   Want your mind and body to feel peaceful and strong enough to handle life’s up’s and down’s? Get the right amount of sleep for your needs – not too much or too little. Eat well: choose fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for long term energy (instead of the short bursts that come from too much sugar or caffeine). And exercise to send oxygen to every cell in the body so your brain and body can operate at their best. 
 
3) Connect With Others:   Spend time with friends or family. Organized activities are great, but just hanging out works too. Doing things with those we feel close to deepens our bonds, allowing us to feel supported and secure. And the fun and sharing that go with it allow us to feel happier and less upset about things. If you feel worried or nervous about something, talking about it with someone who listens and cares can help you feel more understood and better able to cope. You’ll be reminded that everyone has these feelings sometimes. You’re not alone. 
 
4) Connect With Nature: Heading out for a walk in the park or a hike in the woods can help anyone feel peaceful and grounded. (choose somewhere you feel safe so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings) Walking, hiking, trail biking, or snowshoeing offer the additional benefit of exercise. Invite a friend or two – or a family member – along and enjoy feeling connected to people as well.
 
5) Pay Attention to the Good Things: A great way to keep our minds off the worry track is to focus our thoughts on things that are good, beautiful, and positive. Appreciate the small, everyday blessings. Allow yourself to dream, wish, and imagine the best that could happen. 
 
Note: When anxiety or worry feels extreme, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. For someone who has an anxiety disorder, getting proper care from a health professional is important. 
 
Things Students With Anxiety Wish Their Teacher Understood:
Please don’t call on me in class.
I am not lazy.
I fear giving the wrong answer in class.  
I am afraid to come to you after class.
Lack of participation is not because I don’t care. 
I wish teachers knew how much time, dedication, tears, and energy it can take to get an assignment done.
I have an intense fear of giving an answer out loud.
When I get in trouble at school I wasn’t trying to be a bad kid, and it wasn’t a phase. I needed help and I needed someone to recognize that. 
My inability to function is not a sign of laziness.
I might be too afraid to come to you. If you see me struggling, please say something.
It’s not just adjusting to the new class or school.
Please understand I would rather excuse myself than cry in class.
If I leave the room, please don’t make a big deal of it.
 
TOPICS (old topics)
Safety and Privacy in Schools
Gender Neutral Washrooms
Using homophobic words as insults
Bullying in Schools
Don’t OUT people.
Don’t OUT people at school.
 
Self Care Ideas!
Draw silly faces on balloons!!!
Listen to music
Talk to a friend
Talk to a pet
Eat your favourite foods (even junk foods)
Write or draw
Play with kid stuff: bubbles, silly putty, play doh, LEGO, colouring, cartoons, 
Drink hot chocolate WITH marshmallows!
Look up funny memes
Compliment someone (watch their face light up)
Compliment yourself
Take a shower, soak in the tub, with candles!
Read a book, bonus points if it has pictures
Make something without caring if it is good
Buy yourself a smallish gift, just because!
 
Important Phone Numbers!!!
RCMP
911
780-962-2222 Spruce Grove 24 hours
780-968-7267 Stony Plain 24 hours
 
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
Kidshelpphone.ca
24 hour, anonymous phone counseling for children and youth, 100% confidential
they do not trace calls, they do not have call display, you do not have to tell them your name. You can connect by phone or mobile app, or through the website.
 
- Website
We officially have a WEBSITE!! You can find all of our information at sprucegrovegsasociety.org
 
- We are also on Facebook 
facebook.com/sprucegrovegsa/
 
- Instagram@sprucegrovegsa,