One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families, released the following statement from Youth & Schools Program Manager, Alexander Wamboldt, Ph.D., on One Colorado’s Back-to-School Week, recognized from August 17th - August 21st, 2020.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized everybody’s need to feel connected to and supported by their community. As we navigate the challenges of remote learning and new public health safety measures in schools, One Colorado remains committed to making all schools in the state safe and supportive environments for students, educators, and parents.When LGBTQ students, educators, and parents are affirmed by and connected to their communities, we see not only improved academic performance by students but better health outcomes as well. In 2020, we must embrace evidence-based practices that have been demonstrated to foster connectedness between all students by reducing bullying and harassment and building trusting relationships for all young people with educators in schools, whether in-person or virtual or otherwise.”

‍- Alexander Wamboldt, Ph.D., Youth & Schools Program Manager at One Colorado

‍One Colorado’s Back-to-School week is a social media campaign highlighting important information, sharing resources, and providing support to create safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ Coloradans. The week will feature daily themes including youth mental health, Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), LGBTQ educators, parents of LGBTQ youth. Friday, One Colorado will announce the GSA Leadership Council for the 2020-2021 school year.The GSA Leadership Council is composed of high school and college students from across Colorado. Members of the Council serve as regional representatives to provide feedback, training, and support for GSAs in Colorado, and advise on programming direction within the Youth & Schools work of One Colorado.You can follow Back-to-School week on One Colorado’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram August 17th-21st, using the hashtag #LGBTQBacktoSchool.