PFLAG SOUTH: 2003 Summary

2003 was a year when we have accomplished a lot -- except keeping the newsletters up to date!

The following should provide an idea of what we have been about.

SUPPORT GROUP

Has met each month, January to November, on the fourth Monday of the Month, in Community House, Moray Place (opposite Countdown)

An attendance that varies. 
Often we also iinvite people from community agencies who have special  interest in the speaker. It is a tremendous encouragement to find that we are providing for a need in the wider community and to work with others.

SPEAKERS 

• Pride Dunedin Youth

• Otago University researchers from Injury Prevention Research Unit Queen Mary Study. (results of a survey about connections between Sexual Orientation and self harm, and causes)

• Rainbow Families

• Rainbow Labour

• AIDS Foundations educator

• Otago University Education Faculty researcher. Results of  study on safety of gay young people at our high schools. 

All meetings have included time for talking and listening to each other in small groups. We often suggest a topic  for discussion with a book review, though often someone has some situation in their own life that they wish to share.

During the year the library has grown and has been well used. At supper time it is good to see people choosing a book or tape or reluctant to stop friendly conversations to continue the meeting.

PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION

1. We have produced two more leaflets:

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY

• IFSOMEONE IN MY CLASS IS GAY, WHAT CAN I DO?

this last one was with the assistance of Public Health South

2. Our leaflets are permanently displayed in the rack beside the Returns Desk at the Dunedin Public Library

3. Our major project was to send a  Doctor’s Kit, an envelope containing seven PFLAG South  information leaflets, to every GP in Otago.

4. Advertisements  on Community Radio and Community newspapers, also, A5 leaflets in coffee bars.

5. We have opened a small Office in the Methodist Central Mission, manned Mondays Wednesdays, Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm

6. Speakers.

Two of our members have spoken to medical students about PFLAG and its work, one has spoken to a local Probus group.

7. Worked to help establish Pride Dunedin Youth.

8. We have made good use of our leaflet rack and travelling display, and spoken with many people at :

• Otago Youth Mental Health Expo

• Pride Week Art Exhibition

• Took part in the Pride Week Rainbow Day in the OctagonOrientation Week at the University 

9. Encouragement In December we found that we had been given a commendation for our work in the community, and also, a generous grant to continue our work. We have purchased a computer which will certainly be a big help.

A good holiday now on to 2004…………. What will it bring?

COPIES OF PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS:

Report on Youth Mental Health Expo 2002

March 2002

March 2001

May 2001

June 2001

October 2001

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last modified on
18th January 2004