Allies Information:
GLBT Resources:
Contact:
About Allies on Campus
Purpose:
- Allies on Campus is a network of faculty, staff, and students who: (1) are committed to providing a "safe zone" for anyone dealing with sexual or gender orientation issues: (2) respect all people regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation; and (3) believe that diversity enriches our lives.
- Allies on Campus strives to reduce homophobia and heterosexism on campus through education, advocacy, awareness, and creating a visible network of allies. The program strives to develop a welcoming and supportive campus environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) students, faculty, and staff.
- Allies on Campus provides an avenue through which individuals can actively show their support of GLBT people.
The Utah State Allies on Campus program was started in April 2004 (see history) and developed from the example of allies (also known as "safe zone" or "safe space") programs at other colleges and universities across the nation.
The Utah State Allies on Campus program is comprised of and coordinated and financially supported by volunteers who are committed to making the USU campus environment one where all students feel safe and supported.
Membership
Utah State faculty, staff, and students who are interested in volunteering to be a member of Allies on Campus must attend a three-hour seminar. The Ally Seminar includes: An overview of the purpose of Allies on Campus, information on issues that GLBT students may be facing, information on resources and referrals, interaction with a panel of GLBT students, questions and answers, and an opportunity to sign a contract. The Allies on Campus Contract is an agreement to provide a “safe zone” for anyone dealing with sexual or gender orientation issues. It emphasizes the expectations and responsibilities of an Ally, what an Ally is (support and referral) and is not (professional counselor), and gives Allies on Campus permission to include that member’s name and contact information on the Allies on Campus web page and membership lists. Attending the Ally Seminar is required before anyone can hang an ALLY sticker.
Allies are identified by displaying an ALLY sticker at their worksite or on-campus living space. This is not to say that only people in Allies on Campus can help GLBT students. It simply helps students identify individuals who (1) have received some training in GLBT issues, (2) strive to reduce homophobia and heterosexism on a personal and professional level, (3) are comfortable with GLBT students approaching them to talk about GLBT related issues, and (4) have made a commitment to providing support and referrals to GLBT students while respecting the privacy of individuals who contact them.
Ally Seminar
If you would like to become a member of Allies on Campus and receive an Ally sticker you must attend an Ally Seminar which are held through the Fall and Spring Semesters. Space is limited so you need to pre-register to attend. If you would like to attend an Ally Seminar please email Maure Smith at maure.smith@usu.edu and she will email you an Ally Seminar Registration form as soon as the next semester seminar dates have been scheduled.