“I was excited that we were able to host this event on such short notice,” said Chris Cognetta, YFT’s Chair of the Board, “this would have never been possible without the resounding community support we have received in the past month.”

Youth First Texas would like to thank all whose support make this magical night possible for LGBTQ youth who may not have been as welcome at other formal “rite of passage” dances held this time of year – namely their high school proms.  Without the overwhelming donations from residents of the greater Dallas area and the National Adam Lambert Fan Club we could not have hosted this event free for every youth in attendance.  Much thanks to the chefs from the Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts in Dallas for an outstanding dinner.  The energy levels stayed high all the way through midnight thanks to DJ Matt Purvis.  Attendees were able to have formal photographs taken thanks to Nicholas and Kimberley Scattergood.  Last, but definitely not least, the event could never have happened without the efforts of over a dozen volunteers coordinated by Roger Ryan.

“I was honestly concerned with the short amount of time and budget we had to work with,” said Amie McNamara, YFT’s Youth Programs Coordinator, “but the work of everybody involved was magical and created a magical night for LGBTQ youth.  I was also really impressed with the decorum and perfect behavior of the youth in attendance.”

Controversy erupted last year when the Gayla Prom restricted ages to 14 to 18 from the historical 14 to 22.  YFT chose to continue with its own tradition and revive the 14 to 22 age range for the Spring Formal Ball.  The results were a nearly 50% increase in youth attendance compared to last year’s Gayla Prom.  “In consideration of the concerns held by the coordinators of Gayla Prom last year we chose to increase security for this event and we are very pleased to report that we did not have a single incident or issue for the Spring Formal Ball,” said Jeremy Liebbe, YFT’s Chair of Social Services who also serves as a police operations commander for many of the large special events in the Oak Lawn area.  “I would like to thank LGBT Liaison Officer Laura Martin for providing a uniformed presence that both increased security and reminded the youth that there are police officers they can turn to for help or just hang out with when taking a break from dancing.”

The attendance at this event continues to show the need for services and opportunities directed to LGBTQ youth and their allied friends.  Youth First Texas has seen a 28% increase in program attendance this year as compared to the same time period last year, with forty-nine new youth coming through the doors for their first time in recent months.  We look forward to continue offering a safe space for LGBTQ youth and their allied friends to strengthen opportunities for life skills, leadership development, peer support, and educational advancement.

YOUTH FIRST TEXAS presents…

1st Annual Spring Formal

Dress to impress and you could be the queen and king– queen and queen, king and king– or gender neutral royalty of the evening!  Join us as we celebrate the 1st annual Spring Formal at Youth First Texas.  SWAG bags for the first 50 people to come through the doors full of all kinds of goodies including gift cards and other party favors in the theme of the event “Fire and Ice”

There is NO CHARGE for Tonight’s event!

Come dine with the Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School’s instructors and chefs

Dance with Matt Purviss resident DJ

Have your Tarot Cards Read–

Portraits by Nick Scattergood and so much more!

DOORS OPEN AT 7PM AND NO SOONER!

Youth First Texas and the youth we serve benefit each year from the kindness and generosity of private donors, organizations and corporations that believe in our mission and vision.

Thank you TGRA!

Consultants from a local Deloitte office came to Youth First Texas to help our young Fashionistas create a plan for their upcoming Give’m Heel Fashion Show, scheduled in July.  Geoff Clemm and his associates Jenn, Ale, and Alex, joined in for Friday Family Dinner and then put on a show of their own.

Through an interactive and engaging program the youth learned valuable project management, goal setting, and communication skills.  Geoff inspired his fierce allied co-workers to assist him in this project.  Geoff, came by to meet with Amie McNamara, Youth Programs Coordinator and Chris-James Cognetta Board Chair, to discuss the needs of the youth and their upcoming projects.

Through conference calls and e-mails with the youth and the Youth Programs Coordinator (Amie McNamara)  Geoff and his team were able to ascertain the needs of the youth and then execute a plan to create an engaging program for our youth.  This was definitely different than our typical Friday night fare.

The evening was successful as the laughter, cheers and squeals were heard from the big room.  We thank our friends who work for Deloitte and their support of our organization.

First Annual Youth First Texas Spring Formal

Friday May 25th 2012, 7pm to 12am

Youth First Texas’ Drop-in Center

In the absence of the Dallas Resource Center’s annual Gayla Prom.  Youth First Texas has launched its first Spring Formal for LGBTQ youth ages 14-22 and their allied friends.  Youth from Youth First Texas, SMU interns, and Youth First Texas Volunteers came together within weeks to put together this event.  The outpouring of donations from the greater Dallas area and from the National Adam Lambert Fan Club has been overwhelming. Decorations, food, formal clothing, and much more has been coming in each day supporting Youth First Texas.  Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts School instructors and students will be providing the catering for this event– an amazing and appreciated contribution.

Youth First Texas continues to provide a safe-space for LGBTQ-A youth and a “prom” or formal is a right of passage that is easily attended by most youth– but can be difficult for those who may not feel safe at their school due to their gender, orientation or other reason.  We welcome all.  There is no cost for any youth to attend this event– however, donations will always be welcome. DJ Matt Purvis will be on hand as well as lighting provided by the Scattergoods, and PFLAG will be providing photography services as well as others.

The youth will be eligible to participate for Spring King and Queen– and many different raffles to win great prizes including iPods, gift-cards and much more.  The first 50 youth to attend– get a great SWAG bag full of great gifts from cosmetics to gift-cards and much more.

We will need volunteers, in three shifts, which include those who do set-up and decorations, general chaperones to monitor the event, and a third shift which is the close down and tear-down for the clean-up.  All volunteers will be required to attend a short-briefing from the Prom coordinators.  Parents are welcome to attend and spend time in the Parent’s lounge if they desire.

Learn more as we count-down to Spring Formal night on Facebook (Youth First Texas) and our Twitter feed (@yftprograms or call our main number and get more information.

NOTE:  Security will be tight for this event and their is a no tolerance policy for smoking, drugs, alcohol, intoxication and there will be no- in-and-out at the event.

BREAKING THE SILENCE PARTY

DOORS OPEN AT 4PM AND CLOSE AT 11PM

DINNER, DANCING, DOOR PRIZES,

PERFORMANCES AND MORE!

YOUTH UP TO AGE 22 CAN JOIN THE PARTY

Supporting and Breaking the Silence Together
Youth First Texas and Dallas’ GLSEN chapter are partnering to support youth in this important day.  Thursday Youth First Texas will provide materials for the Day of Silence including masks, and postcards and stickers indicating their participation in the day of silence.

Friday the doors open at 4pm and the center will remain silent until 6pm when we break the silence and celebrate our accomplishments over dinner at the Youth First Texas Center, followed by a dance party and performances until 11pm.  Door prizes, and favors and a whole lot more at the breaking the silence party.

Please read on about this important and historical movement… (EXCERPTED FROM GLSEN’S WEBSITE)

The Truth about the Day of Silence

Every year, more and more students participate in the Day of Silence, which began 13 years ago when University of Virginia students wanted to find a way to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment on campus. As the day’s popularity and exposure have increased, many misperceptions have spread about what the Day of Silence is, why the day exists and what participating in it means. Here are 4 truths that address common misinformation about the Day of Silence.

The Day of Silence’s purpose is to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment and effective responses. The goal of the Day of Silence is to make schools safer for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. In a Harris Interactive study on bullying, students said two of the top three reasons students are harassed in school are actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender expression. Additionally, nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students experience harassment at school. Students across the country participate in the Day of Silence to bring attention to this problem, let students who experience such bullying know that they are not alone and ask schools to take action to address the problem.

Hundreds of thousands of students of all beliefs, backgrounds and sexual orientations participate in the Day of Silence. Anti-LGBT bullying and harassment affects all students. Slurs such as “faggot” and “dyke” are commonplace in school. The Day of Silence is an example of students, from middle school to college, working together proactively to bring attention to the anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment experienced by LGBT and straight students alike. GLSEN, the Day of Silence’s organizational sponsor, encourages participants to be counted by registering at www.dayofsilence.org. Students from nearly 8,000 middle and high schools registered for the 2008 Day of Silence. GLSEN protects the privacy of students and does not publish a list of students who have registered or their schools. Many students who participate also belong to Gay-Straight Alliance student clubs, of which nearly 4,000 are registered with GLSEN. The first GSA was created by a straight student over 20 years ago, in the fall of 1988.

Day of Silence participants encourage schools to implement proven solutions to address anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment. Adopt and implement a comprehensive anti-bullying policy that enumerates categories such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender expression/identity. Provide staff trainings to enable school staff to identify and address anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment effectively and in a timely manner. Support student efforts to address anti-LGBT bullying and harassment on campus, such as the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance. Institute age-appropriate, factually accurate and inclusive curricula to help students understand and respect difference within the school community and society as a whole.

The day is a positive educational experience. The Day of Silence is an opportunity for students to work toward improving school climate for all students. GLSEN advises students interested in participating to discuss their intentions with their administration and teachers long before the event. The day is most successful when schools and students work together to show their commitment to ensuring safe schools for all students. Many schools allow students’ participation throughout the day. Some schools ask students to speak as they normally would during class and remain silent during breaks and at lunch. There is no single way to participate, and students are encouraged to take part in the way that is the most positive and uplifting for their school. For the latest GLSEN findings about anti-LGBT bullying and harassment and the school experience go to: www.glsen.org/research

Youth First Texas will not be a beneficiary of the Black Tie Dinner this year. Competition in this post-recession economy is stiff and many organizations are working hard to bring dollars to sustain their mission and vision. We cannot begrudge them for this. This is not a setback for Youth First Texas as our projected income as a beneficiary is less than 20% of our overall operations budget for 2012. We have endured shortfalls far greater than this and weathered many a storm in the 13 year history of our organization. We are financially strong, our programming is rich, and our attendance is up.

This is an opportunity for other organizations to step-up and shine in their own right, Youth First Texas will step back and focus on what is most important–providing that safe-space for our youth, educational and recreational opportunities that our youth, your youth and the community’s youth may participate in, without fear of reprisal.

Our commitment to Black Tie’s mission and vision is unwavering, even in the face of their board of directors decision. We teach our youth humility, grace, kindness, and good sportsmanship. Youth First Texas will continue to support Black Tie Dinner 31, through volunteer hours and supporting their efforts right up to the close of the event. Through this exercise the youth will learn that in life there is certainly disappointment. More importantly, supporting the community and other causes is just as important as furthering their own cause.

Youth First Texas, believes that we must put our heart in the power of the youth— or forever hold the pieces. Every year we serve more LGBTQ youth and their allies. More than 1200 unique youth each year are served at our center. This is accomplished with a work force where 95% of all hours provided by volunteers to operate our 5,000 square foot facility, and our affiliated chapters . Additionally we have only one half-time staff member.

Youth First Texas can make a difference sometimes in just one visit or over the course of years. We ask our youth to “come as they are” as we will meet them there. Our heart truly is in the power of the youth. Our youth is essentially the community of tomorrow we must embrace our future and guide them toward personal fulfillment and success. We ask you now to put your heart in the power of the youth— through whatever means you deem appropriate. Our board of directors, our Youth Board and our volunteers are poised to take on this challenge with grace and dignity. We hope that you will join in our vision for the future of our youth.

Sincerely,

Chris-James Cognetta
Chair
Youth First Texas Board of Directors
3918 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas TX 75219

Amie McNamara, interim Youth Programs Coordinator at YFT, has put together a list of some free and almost free ideas for you so you don’t have to do, ugh, “research”, while on break!

YFT’s Dallas location will be opening early at 2:00pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday all week.

YFT is hosting a field trip to the Dallas Aquarium on Tuesday, March 13th.  Be at the center at noon for lunch.  We will leave for the aquarium after lunch and return to the center at about 4:30pm.  $5.00 is all you will need for food, transportation, and admission to the aquarium.  Amie needs to know who will be attending so she can get an accurate count for passes so please let her know by email (amie.mcnamara@youthfirsttexas.org) or telephone (214-879-0400).

Events at YFT this week (remember, we open early all week):

• Sunday, 5:00pm — YFT Collin County: Spring Break Edition (@NTYC in Allen)
• Tuesday, 12:00pm – Lunch and Dallas Aquarium trip:  It’s only $5!
• Tuesday, 7pm — GLEE Watch Party:  Who cares if it’s a rerun?
• Wednesday, 6:3pm — “Redbox” Wednesday:  Join us for a featured film
• Thursday, 6:15p — Spirituality Discussion Group: Join David for this week’s discussion
• Thursday, 7:30pm — Big Group: LAMDA Legal is joining us this week
• Friday, 6:00pm — St. Patrick’s Day Party!!!!
• Saturday, 10:00am — Youth Defenders: Join Jeremy and Shawn for a day of self defense training

Free Stuff To Do in Dallas:

• Dallas Museum of Art  § www.dm-art.org
  1717 N. Harwood, 214-922-1200.
  Underground parking is available for a fee, nearby pay lots and on-street. Parking is free for members.
  Free Hours: Thursday 5-9pm and the first Tuesday of the month
• Crow Collection of Asian Art § http://www.crowcollection.com/
  2010 Flora at Harwood, 214-979-6430. Parking in nearby pay lots or at the DMA.
  Hours: Tue – Sun 10-5, open Thur until 9. Free!
• Museum of Geometric and Madi Art § http://www.madimuseum.org
  3109 Carlisle, 214-885-7802. Free parking.
  Hours: Tue – Sat 11-5, Thur until 8, Sun 1-5. Cost: Free!
• Meadows Museum § www.meadowsmuseumdallas.org
  5900 Bishop, 214-768-2516. On the Southern Methodist University Campus. Visitor parking is nearby.
  Free Thursday 5-8pm
• Bath House Cultural Center § http://www.bathhousecultural.com/
  521 E. Lather, 214-670-8749. Plenty of free parking.
  Hours: Tue-Sat 10-6.
  Comments: Small gallery showing local artists, also a small theatre. Located on the shores of beautiful White Rock Lake.
• Dallas Center for Contemporary Art § http://www.thecontemporary.net/
  2801 Swiss Avenue, 214-821-2522. Plenty of free parking.
  Hours: Tue-Sat 10-5.
  Comments: Rotating shows of local and regional contemporary art. Located in a historic area.
• McKinney Avenue Contemporary § www.the-MAC.org
  3120 McKinney, 214-935-1212. Free parking.
  Hours: Wed – Sat 11-10, Sun 1-5. Cost: Free!
  Comments: The MAC shows local and national contemporary art and it also has two theaters. An easy drive from the museums, there are great places to eat and shop in the area as well. It’s the best art space in town and the best for supporting local artists.
• Walking Tours of Dallas Public Art § http://www.dallasfoundation.org/tour/index.html
  Comments: Maps and information on over 30 public works of art.
• Texas Discovery Gardens §
  Explore the 7.5 acres of diverse garden styles and botanicals. Native plants as well as plant species from other regions of the world are on display along with a butterfly house and insectariums.
  Where: 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
  When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesdays (Gardens only)
  Phone: 214-428-7476 ext. 341
• Oak Cliff Cultural Center § http://www.dallasculture.org/OakCliffCulturalCenter
  Features art exhibitions, artist workshops, art, music, and dance classes, summer camps, and cultural festivals for both children and adults.
  Where: 223 W. Jefferson Blvd.
  When: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays
  Phone: 214-670-3777
• The Art Gallery at Bishop Arts Theater Center §  http://www.artandseek.org/organization.php?id=961  
  One of the best places to find eclectic artwork. Curator Frank Frazier will introduce you to the works of real masters
  Where: 215 S. Tyler St.
  When: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays – Thursdays
  Phone: 214-948-0716
• Goss Michael Foundation § http://www.gossmichaelfoundation.org 
  The collaborative effort of Kenny Goss and recording artist George Michael. Founded in 2007, the foundation exists in order to provide a forum for British Contemporary art by presenting exhibitions, programs and resources to educate, engage and inspire youth and adult audiences in the Dallas area and abroad. While admission is free, donations are gladly accepted.
  Where: 1405 Turtle Creek Blvd.
  When: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  Phone: 214-696-0555
• The Museum of Geometric and MADI Art §
  Forces its patrons to think outside of the box! This artform which emphasizes innovative designs using an array of geometric forms, focuses on the playful, whimsical side of art that breaches the square and rectangular boundaries that restrain traditional art.
  Where: 3109 Carlisle St.
  When: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Thursdays; 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sundays, closed Monday
  Phone: 214-855-7802

Enjoy your Spring Break and stay safe!

“We’re supporting the creation and growth of safer schools with a safe space for LGBTQ youth and their allies,” said Giancarlo Mossi, a YFT youth who worked to plan the event, “Be sure to pass the event on to people who you know will or might be interested! Lets make all of North Texas a safe space for all, starting with the leaders of tomorrow – our youth.”

For more information or to make a donation in support of this event please contact giancarlo.mossi@youthfirsttexas.org or visit the Facebook event page at http://www.facebook.com/events/143972809047566/.

Amie McNamara said, “I am extremely excited and honored to meet this need at Youth First Texas.  I truly believe the consistency and expanded hours I will be able to help provide will better serve our youth and fulfill our mission.”

With the position being filled the new Dallas center hours will be Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00pm to 9:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm to 10:00pm and the second and fourth Saturday from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

Chris Cognetta, Chair of the Board of Directors, was quoted as saying, “I’m excited about this opportunity to bring the organization to the next level in fulfilling our mission and vision, and am very happy that our doors will be opening at 4pm daily to better serve our youth.”

Amie can be reached at amie.mcnamara@youthfirsttexas.org.