SMAAC YOUTH CENTER DECLARES the month of July as the official LGBTQI Youth Safety Month; and

SMAAC YOUTH CENTER DECLARES a green ribbon with the word “LIVE” as the official ribbon recognizing this month. The green ribbon with gold trim symbolizes growth, safety, prosperity, and harmony for LGBTQI Youth; and

SMAAC YOUTH CENTER DECLARES that the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Intersex Youth must be valued, supported and protected. We believe it is the responsibility of adults, politicians, law enforcement, and educators to assist us in creating a safe and nurturing environment for this very vulnerable population; and

SMAAC YOUTH CENTER DECLARES that this month is about the building, celebrating, and supporting the safety of the LGBTQI Youth community; and

SMAAC YOUTH CENTER DECLARES that there are many concerns of this community, we will address -- openly and frankly -- during this month, including substance use and abuse, homelessness, education, resources, job preparation, and mental health services. Taking on these and other issues are a crucial step in positively demonstrating “Life and how to live it in peace!”; and

SMAAC YOUTH CENTER DECLARES that it is our responsibility to create partnerships that allow us to develop a comprehensive social services package to meet some of the most important needs of each young person who enters the Center and seeks the array of services we offer, including support groups, case management, cultural and arts enrichment, counseling, social functions, and HIV prevention and education; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that SMAAC shall promote LGBTQI Safety Month every July.