The Worcester Public Schools (WPS) is launching the district’s first LGBTQIA+ Family Advisory Council, which is open to WPS parents/caregivers who identify themselves or their children as LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, or another identity on the Queer spectrum), along with straight, cis-gendered allies.

The LGBTQIA+ Family Advisory Council will provide a safe space to bolster engagement and feedback to support the experiences of LGBTQIA+ students and families. Participants must be willing to respect various viewpoints and the privacy of others.

Please fill out this form if you are interested in participating; the location will be provided to interested parties who fill out the form. Language interpretation and childcare will be available.

The dates and times of the meetings are:

• Tuesday, October 22, 5:30-7:00 PM

• Wednesday, January 8, 5:30-7:00 PM

• Tuesday, February 11, 5:30-7:00 PM

• Tuesday, April 29, 5:30-7:00 PM

• Thursday, May 29, 5:30-7:00 PM

Like all Family Advisory Councils in WPS, the goal is for the groups to be led by caregivers. WPS administrators will help support the LGBTQIA+ Council and guide participants to build a structure so that it will be self-sustaining by caregiver volunteers. This model follows a similar structure of the other Family Advisory Councils in WPS.