Iowa Pride Network - Education & Advocacy
The Iowa Pride Network is dedicated to helping Iowa's LGBT students build successful futures. We help fulfill this mission by educating and advocating for LGBT students and educating them on their rights resources.

Advocacy & Research
The Iowa Pride Network educates policy makers and educators on issues facing LGBTQA students and advocates for the interests of these students on the state and local levels. In 2004-2005 The Iowa Pride Network collected and analyzed data from the first administered Iowa Pride Network School Climate Survey which assessed—for the first time ever—the level of homophobia, racism and gender-bias in Iowa schools and released our findings at a highly publicized capitol press-conference. In 2006, we followed up with our Straight Student Ally Report detailing how straight students are harassed or bullied simply because they have friends who are LGBT.

The reports are helping educators understand the problems facing LGBT students and their friends; and help us advocate for policies that clearly enumerate sexual orientation and gender identity. The surveys have been sent to every member of the state legislature as well as every school board member in the state. To date, over 5,000 copies of our Key Findings from our School Climate and Straight Student Ally Reports have been disseminated.

Institutional Partnerships
An institutional partnership has been initiated with the Middleton Children’s Rights Center at Drake University in Des Moines—to serve as the legal arm of the Iowa Pride Network to process legal matters concerning LGBT student’s rights in Iowa.

Presentations
Last year, Iowa Pride Network staff presented at over 18 different conferences, seminars and events. Detailing the Iowa Pride Network’s school climate finding, information on how to support GSAs and ways to improve your college and high school’s learning environments. If you would like IPN staff to present at your event or conference, call: 515-273-1110

LGBT & Allied Student Day at the Capitol
The Iowa Pride Network encourages students from around Iowa to come and meet their legislators. This is a great way for students to become knowledgeable about the ways in which laws are made and how powerful they can be when they take part in the democratic process...learn more

LGBT & Allied Student Leadership Training
Held in August, this training for LGBT and Allied students prepares them for their roles as leaders and role-models within their GSA’s and in their schools. Students develop plans for their GSA, share thoughts and experiences on starting GSA’s to students who are working to create a GSA in their school and network with other students.

Annual Gay-Straight Alliance Conference
Our GSA conference educates students and advisors on their rights and available resources, reduces feelings of isolation and builds community.

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