The LGBTQ+ Ally Award seeks to recognize and acknowledge the importance of demonstrated and consistent commitment to the LGBTQ+ campus community, as well as the LGBTQ+ community at large, shown through a caring individual’s thoughtful and responsive actions – whether planned or spontaneous – that result in improved understanding of the rights and status of LGBTQ+ individuals or enhanced participation by LGBTQ+ individuals in the full array of community life, whether on campus or at large. 

 

(By “at large”, we refer to Oshkosh, the Fox Valley region, the state of Wisconsin, the national and international stages, and online).

Significant actions that will be considered for this award may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

 

Action on a Personal Level:

 

1.Provide exceptional leadership that creates and sustains open and affirming environments for individuals of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity, including but not limited to classrooms, residence halls, organizations, meeting and program spaces, and spaces in the larger community.

2.Consistently serve as a mentor for LGBTQ+ students.

3.Consistently serve as a role model for others in developing, demonstrating, and advancing effective strategies, approaches, and methods to strengthen the fabric of a shared community that includes sexuality and gender differences.

4.Consistently develop and use effective methods and patterns of conduct to respond to difficult issues, inappropriate comments, ill-advised attempts at humor, or other conduct or mannerisms that negatively impact the social environment resulting from homo/bi/trans/ace prejudice.

 

Action on a Public Level:

 

1.Develop a significant project, program, or service that addresses the needs of LGBTQ+ students, faculty, or staff based on best practices, such as those laid forth by the Campus Pride Index.

2.Attend a regional or national conference on best practices for serving LGBTQ+ students and implement a project or program based on these best practices.

3.Organize a regional or national conference on LGBTQ+ topics.

4.Develop new courses or significantly revise courses taught to infuse LGBTQ+ content throughout the semester’s course of study and successfully teach these courses on a regular basis.

5.Become a Tier I S.A.F.E. trainer and volunteer to co-lead trainings on a regular basis.

6.Develop and implement a community project addressing the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.