Stand Up Awareness Week
Stand Up Awareness Week – November 6-10th, 2023
What is Belong To’s Stand Up Awareness Week?
Belong To’s Stand Up Awareness Week is a time for post-primary schools, youth services, and Youthreach centres in Ireland to join us and take a stand against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying. This week is an opportunity to take steps to make spaces safe and supportive for LGBTQ+ young people. We will equip you with the resources, tools, and knowledge needed to host Stand Up Awareness Week in your school, youth service, or Youthreach this November.
It is heart-breaking that one in five young LGBTQ+ people face bullying and that 73% of young LGBTQ+ students feel unsafe at school. Together we can create spaces where LGBTQ+ young people feel safe, equal, and valued.
Take the first step and sign up for our online training below.
“Every year we are building on the previous year, the awareness is growing and the participation among staff and students increases every time. I am proud of our school community and our celebration of Stand Up Week 2021.”
Patricia O’Connor, Old Bawn Community School, Tallaght, Dublin
“Stand Up Awareness Week was a celebration of the diversity within our school and was a colourful reflection of our ethos in action.”
St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath
“Who wouldn’t want to be a teacher during Stand Up Week? A time of fun, friendship, learning and solidarity. A time when the community school can provide gets to shine and we get to show love, compassion and inclusion for every single member of our school.”
Lauren Comer, Mercy College Coolock, Dublin
Stand Up Awareness Week Resources
Belong To will send schools, Youthreach centres and youth services a resource pack including a Guide to Stand Up and posters in September 2023. An accompanying Toolkit and additional resources are available to download from our website. You can view the resources for Stand Up Week 2022 here:
Stand Up Awareness Week 2022 Resources – BeLonG To
Stand Up Awareness Week Training
Belong To are offering training sessions this September to help you prepare for Stand Up Awareness Week 2023.
We will cover the basics of hosting Stand Up Awareness Week, as well offering you the chance to meet staff from other schools and services, share your ideas and learn about new activities.
The training sessions will take place during September 2023. This is earlier than previous years and will give you more time to engage students in planning and prepare for Stand Up Awareness Week in November.
This year, you can avail of online training or in-person training – whatever is most suitable for you. All trainings have limited places, so book early to avoid disappointment. Please note that the dedicated Youthreach and Youth Work trainings are online-only. If you register for an online session we will email you a link which is valid for the workshop in September. If you register for an in-person session, we will be in touch with venue details and the location closer to the time. A €10 charge will apply to all online and in-person training sessions. This small fee is to support our work with LGBTQ+ across Ireland.
Click the button below to find details about sessions for educators, youth workers and Youthreach staff:
Principal and Board of Management Information Session
We are hosting a free online information session for Principals and Board of Management members on Monday, September 11th at 8pm. Click the button below to sign up for this session:
If you require any further support, please contact Emma Dornan (she/her) at emma@belongto.org