Stereotyping, name-calling, and bullying have a long-lasting negative impact. What programs, tools and interventions can combat this hateful behavior and empower young people?
Join the discussion with guests Robin McHaelen, True Colors, Inc. and Elaine Zimmerman, Connecticut Commission on Children.
The Spring 2012 Salons at Stowe are part of a site-wide initiative, Stereotypes: Designed to Degrade, that includes exhibits, tours and programs to encourage dialogue on racism and stereotypes.
Robin McHaelen: True Colors, Inc
Robin P. McHaelen, MSW is the founder and current Executive Director of True Colors, Inc. Sexual Minority Youth and Family Services, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that works to create a world where youth, adults and families of all sexual orientations and gender identities are valued and affirmed. Robin is the author of an Child Welfare League of America Journal article on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth issues curriculum (June, 2006).
In addition, Robin is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2008 National Education Association’s Virginia Uribe Award for Creative Leadership in Human Rights; 2008 Social Worker of the Year (National Association of Social Workers, CT Chapter); a diversity award from the National Association of Multicultural Education (2006); a Leadership award from the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center (2005); Diversity Leadership award from the Yale School of Nursing (2003); Leadership Recognition award (2002) from the Pride Community Center; “One Woman Makes a Difference”, presented by the Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF) (1999); Sexuality Educator of the Year (1997), a Legislative Educational Advocacy Project (LEAP) award for outstanding youth organizing (1997); and a Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN CT) award for her efforts to create a safer, more equitable environment for LGBT youth and their allies in schools (1996).
Elaine Zimmerman: Connecticut Commission on Children
As executive director of the Connecticut Commission on Children, Ms. Zimmerman reviews children's policy and reports to the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government with recommendations for children's legislation.
She is recognized for her policy acumen and commitment to community capacity. She brings in broad and unexpected stakeholders to child policy discussion and ensures strong media dissemination to advance public information for families. Keenly focused on both civics and public policy, she weaves the two together in her leadership role for Connecticut children.
Ms. Zimmerman facilitated the first state legislation in the nation on prevention that creates a Prevention Council, budget, benchmarks and a prevention framework for the state. Author of a report on bullying, she guided the legislature through the passage of the Safe Learning Act, providing dollars for schools to create a whole school culture change on safety. Similarly, she brought focus to a model state policy on children and terrorism with attention to their physical health, mental health, and safety needs. This is the only such state legislation, addressing the needs of children in homeland security.
Ms. Zimmerman is the author of several articles on family and work, child development, parent leadership, and community building. Most recently, she authored a report on Children and Terrorism, which highlights children's needs in this fragile time. She is a published poet, essayist, and political analyst. She resides with her husband and two children in Hamden, Connecticut
Come at 5 pm for refreshments; the conversation begins at 5:30 pm and finishes promptly at 7 p.m. RSVP to Info@StoweCenter.org
Salon admission is FREE thanks to our members, donors and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Travelers Foundation and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
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