EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT US
Tuesdays
in
C-128
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why are we here?
Statistics show us that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and questioning teenagers are up to 4 times more likely to commit suicide than their straight peers.  With all the anti-gay comments and attitudes that flow freely through school hallways these days, many of these teens are forced into isolation.  SPUD is here to unite all students--straight, gay, white, black, purple, female, male, and so forth--to take a stand against prejudice and harassment.  After all, straight allies are just as affected by homophobia as are gays (e.g. gender stereotypes).  All in all, SPUD is here to help educate our fellow students and bring about tolerance, as well as to be a place where we can all hang out and learn from each other through activities and discussion.  Our door is always open for new members.
in order to achieve our goals we:
hold bi-weekly  meetings for all GSA members
encourage members to be involved in other community groups that are supportive of queer youth
organize both social and educational activities to work toward our goals
get involved with other clubs to help make a difference
invite all students of Maine South to participate in the club
encourage students to avoid homophobic words and actions
keep close contact with our members via
what our the meetings like?
SPUD meets every other Tuesday BEFORE school in room C-128.  Meetings usually begin around 7:00. Announcements concerning the meetings can be found in the Daily Bulletin and on the various SPUD posters seen throughout the school.  Past activities in the club have ranged from intense discussions about coming out, to role playing activities involving dealing with homophobia in school, to "crafty" activities such as button-making.  Recently we have participated in the GLSEN Youth Summits, the AIDS Walk of Chicago, and best of all, we held our FIRST GSA picnic in 2000.  SPUD is always open to new ideas and activities, so feel free to let us know what you want to see us do!
There is really no general "procedure" to join the club, and there is no "prerequisite" to join, either (e.g. a student does not have to be gay or lesbian to join). SPUD is open to all students of Maine South, regardless of grade level. Members of the club are always encouraged to bring friends in order for our club's size to expand. SPUD keeps contact with its members via e-mail and by "word-of-mouth." E-mail is sent to members concerning meetings, events, and other points of interest.
what's expected of members?
1. Confidentiality is sacred! No one is to discuss the member list outside of the meetings; the only exception to this rule would be in circumstances in which a student suggests a threat to him/herself or to his/her peers. In addition, it is not permissible for members to discuss what was said in the meetings with other people outside of the meetings (e.g. if a person comes out or tells about something personal).
2. Please be sure to notify a member of the SPUD staff if you hear about or know someone who is potentially threatening to him/herself or anyone in the school.
3. The teachers are here to help us. They are here to make sure the meetings run smoothly and that everything in the club is organized. They may participate in discussions as much or as little as they want; however, they will definitely not dominate any of the discussions, as this is club is for the students' benefit.
4. Respect yourself and the people around you. We all are unique individuals, and there are many times in which members of the club will have conflicting ideas. Please be considerate and handle such situations in a mature manner.
5. SPUD is what YOU make it! You can participate as much or as little as you want. Remember, hard work will always pay off in the end. :-)
Want more info?  E-mail spudclub@yahoo.com
or see Ms. Pajor in C-130!