Safety Network

Now in its sixth year, the annual Network Building Conference is an all-day event intended to build support for GLBT youth and their allies. This year's conference, titled "Acts of Resistance: Using Your Voice," will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, at Coffman Memorial Union on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.

"Previously we've tried to focus on skills building, curriculum issues, and public-policy issues," says conference organizer John Yoakam, a community-outreach coordinator with the U of M Youth and AIDS Project, which is sponsoring the event with the U's GLBT Programs Office. "This year we're really focusing on the courage of young people to step forward and the courage of adults to act as their mentors."

Thirteen workshop sessions on topics ranging from legislative advocacy to GLBT resources on the Internet, as well as four in-depth sessions on queer-youth issues, have been scheduled for the conference. A dinner and dance will follow, starting at 7 p.m.

In conjunction with the conference, the GLBT Programs Office will hold a GLBT College Fair at Coffman Union. Representatives from the admissions offices of regional colleges and GLBT faculty, staff, and student leaders will be available to discuss admissions information, financial-aid opportunities, and campus climate at each school.

Registration for the Network Building Conference is $35 for adults and $10 for youth. Scholarships are also available. The registration deadline is Oct. 7, and space is limited to 150 participants. Call 627-6820 for details or to register. Or visit the U of M Youth and AIDS Projects website at www.peds.umn.edu/centers/yap.