Drugs and Alcohol Recovery Month: Family Matters

Growing up my father was a drug addict. He always promised to get clean but it took him a long time to recover. My parents ended up getting divorced because of his addiction. I had a lot of built up resentment towards him and the drugs. When he actually went through treatment and seriously wanted to be free from his addiction I didn't believe him. How could I? He had tried before and it didn't work. But after a year of being sober I realized he was really sticking to it and instead of being happy I was ashamed. When other people would talk about what their father's profession I didn't know what to say. My dad didn't have one. He was a fully time recovering addict. At some point I met a teen who was in recovery. He talked to me about how hard it was and how he had to change his whole life and way of thinking so he wouldn't fall back into his old habits. The thing that really stayed with me was he was so proud of recovering. I realized instead of feeling ashamed of my dad I should be proud of what he had accomplished and be happy for him. I had never thought about how he felt, and how it must have been even harder for him because his children did not believe in him and felt ashamed. I am proud to say my father is a recovering addict. I love him for having the courage to get clean so he could have a better life and finally spend quality time with my brother and I.
September is recovery month, so please if you have someone who is recovering from any addiction tell them how proud you are of them and how they are courageous for taking on a life changing challenge. If you are someone who needs help with recovery let your loved ones know. Teen Link is now partnered up with the WA Recovery Helpline, so feel free to call Teen Link if you want support around your own recover or you want to help someone you care about.
Teen Link is annoymous, confidential and non-judgmental. We are open every night of the year from 6-10pm pacific standard time. Give us a call at 1866TeenLink (833-6546) or chat with us online at www.866teenlink.org. We have other teens on the line are there to listen, support, and provide resources if you would like them.

Cultural Narrative

Take Me As I Am

By LithiumStar, Sidney, NY

 http://teenink.com/college_guide/college_essays/article/267824/Take-Me-As-I-Am/

If someone asked: why is diversity important, I probably would have rambled on about economies, control groups, and ethnicity funding.What if instead I was asked: Why is diversity important to you? Diversity is important to me because I am part of diversity. Diversity is simply explained as different from the normalcy. You can be diverse by your sexuality, religion, ethnicity, beliefs, and how you were raised. In the world no one is the same as anybody else, though some do try to “fit in” to the standards of billboards and society stereotypes. I am diversity. You are diversity. We are all different.

In specific to me I am seventeen years old. I am bi-sexual and extremely proud of that. I have many heterosexual friends, as well as many gay friends. I am Puerto Rican, Mexican and a mix of many other things whereas my friends range from Irish to Guyanese in their bloodlines. As a feminist I organize small movements with neighbors and friends to empower woman and help domestic abuse victims. As a Roman Catholic I was confirmed in tenth grade but I practice Wiccan rituals and Buddhist meditation daily. People should enjoy diversity but of course in life there are some who react negatively towards those who are not the same as them.
In life we have different forms of prejudice: Homophobia, racism, sexism. All of which affect the lives of those attempting to live proud of who they are. We should not attempt to live our lives set to the standards of people who do not exist. There is no “normalcy” in the world. I have learned not to be who I don’t want to be. Before my generation, I’m sure there was a lot of hatred towards minority groups. Nowadays we try to accept people as who they are, not as who we want them to be. Though we are slightly more accepting now, however, there will always be hate.
Diversity is important to me because without it, I would not be me as I am today. Learning to accept other people has made me able to accept who I am as well. Diversity is key to the survival of the world, but change and difference will always come as a shock to people, which will make it difficult for the world to grow. . Fitting in is not the most important part of someone’s life. I was told by one woman ,who spent her whole youth attempting to fit in to what her friends and family thought she should be, that I should let my inner light shine and I should never let anyone keep me from being who I am. I am diversity, take me as I am.

What impact does your culture have in your life? Do you have a place where you can find pride in the diversity of identities that define you?

Below you can find a list of resources of agencies that work to provide support and services for youth of color and immigrant youth. These agencies serve to create a space for connection, pride, advocacy, support, and community. Also, if you need any other resources or just want to talk, you can also call Teen Link. We are open every night from 6-10pm pacific standard time. Our number is 1866TeenLink or 1866-833-6546.

Filipino Community of Seattle

206-722-9372

www.fcseattle.org

Filipino Community of Seattle said they welcome all ages and for teens, they have summer programs where basically, teenagers are given the opportunity to get together and do activities collaboratively. They put on cultural events, workshops, and activities throughout the year such as Asian American Idol, dance performances, spoken words, and community dinners. They present a very warm and welcoming environment for any Filipino’s interested in taking part of their community.

El Centro de La Raza

206-957-4634

www.elcentrodelaraza.org

El Centro de La Raza offers a lot of programs for youth and their families:

They offer classes for students that go to Seattle Public Schools like Civil Rights/Latino History Classes, poetry, college prep, Hip Hop and parent support in education/resources and mentoring. Contact Alex Bautista - 2069574620, abautista@elcentrodelaraza.org or Mirabella Mendiola - 2069574612, mmendiola@elcentrodelaraza.org

The Jose Marti Child Development Center, daycare for children 21 months to 5 year and after school program for children 5-12 years of age. Subsidies and application assistance may be available. Contact Jessica Harris - 2069574644, jmcdc@elcentrodelaraza.org.

 Early Learning Program for Latino Families in Seattle and South King County with children six years of age or younger not attending a child development center. Individual support (home visits), and educational workshops on how to engage children through activities. Contact Lucero Cueva-Estrella - 2069574614.

 Job Readiness Training for ELL Youth and Families. Must be 15-20 years of age, eligible to work in US, from Spanish speaking families, enrolled in a Seattle Public School and receiving ELL services, parent/families must meet low income requirement, and parent/family participation. Contact Cristina Jimenez - 2069734289 or Janet Stafford - 2069574644

For teens they offer help around college readiness, DECAs, or scholarships, as well as  referrals for drug, alcohol, addiction help.

Consejo Counseling and Referral

206-461-4880

http://www.consejocounseling.org

Consejo is an award-winning agency that has provided over 30 years of culturally-competent services to growing yet underserved Latino communities with a focus on families with children.  They have a domestic violence program, substance abuse/ alcohol recovery program, mental health services, natural medicine services, and alcohol/substance abuse services specifically for teens. Most teens that come to Consejo Counseling are looking for mental health services and counseling. The staff describes Consejos as a family, saying it is a safe space for Latinos to find support and community.   

One America

206-723-2203

https://www.weareoneamerica.org/

OneAmerica is an organization whose mission is to advance the fundamental principles of democracy and justice at the local, state and national levels by building power within immigrant communities in collaboration with key allies. One America has a youth action squad program where youth can become involved through civic engagement and learn more about immigrant rights. They also provide opportunities for youth to do community service hours and internships. They also have youth leadership trainings and work with youth extensively in awareness on Civic Engagement and Voter Registration and such. Also, we are currently helping youth who are DACA eligible.

ReWA

206-723-3304

www.rewa.org/

“ReWA’s Youth Program offers activities to help refugee and immigrant youth succeed in school, develop effective problem-solving skills, and create supportive peer networks.”
 
Programming includes:

• Targeted academic assistance by ReWA staff and volunteers
• Emphasis on cooperation in a multicultural environment
• Access to a variety of reading materials
• Development of science skills in association with the Seattle Parks & Recreation
• Girls-only groups for teenagers and elementary school students
• Public service projects
• Musical activities
• Gardening and physical activities
• Fun field trips like swimming, hiking, and visiting Seattle landmarks
• Cooking classes
• Self-defense classes
• College readiness help
• Leadership and service learning
• Summer school

POCAAN/CURB (Communities Uniting Rainier Beach)

CURB: 206-760-5588

http://www.pocaan.org/curb.html

POCAAN is a multi-cultural AIDS prevention organization created in response to the devastating impact that HIV/AIDS was and continues to have on communities of color. In Washington State, POCAAN brings people of color together across differences of race, gender, class and sexual orientation to achieve its mission. To receive these services at POCAAN you must be 18-30 and in the Rainier Valley area. If a teen (18-21 for Teen Link) were to come in they would probably only receive HIV Testing, otherwise they would be referred to the South Seattle office if they are eligible.

The South Seattle office in addition to a program called CURB (Communities Uniting Rainier Beach) is more geared toward helping youth, and will help people find schools, receive case management, help with childcare, food and clothing assistance, mental health services, etc.

CURB helps to assist young adults that have criminal records. Along with this they help young adults to learn and demonstrate behaviors and skills that contribute to reduced criminal activity and create a positive re-entry pathway into the community. Their aim is to engage young adults that are at-risk for involvement in criminal activity and provide resources so these individuals can maintain the highest quality of life and avoid incarceration.

Writing - A Coping Strategy

“At the age of five, my parents divorced and a writer was born,” said Rayda Jacobs in her 2011 article in Writers Weekly. The article is titled Writing as a Coping Mechanism and in it Jacobs talks about growing up in apartheid South Africa and how writing helped her cope through her difficulties. This is something I can closely relate to because not only did my parents divorce when I was seven years old, but writing is something that has been an important aspect of my life for as long as I can remember. “Expressive writing is a powerful technique used successfully to confront traumatic life events. Beneficial effects of expressive writing include understanding why feelings occur,” stated professor Barlow Soper in an article titled Employment Counseling and Life Stressors: Coping Through expressive writing.

The beautiful thing about writing is that is has no rules and can be something very personal. I have used writing as a coping mechanism for various issues that have arisen in my life; most of the time I don’t have a plan for what I’m going to write but I just start putting words onto the paper. Sometimes those words turn into a poem, sometimes into a short story, and sometimes into a jumbled mess of disconnected words that wouldn’t make sense to anybody else but me.

Writing is something that we can all do, something that we can share if we want to, or something that we can stuff into our pillowcases and make sure that no ones ever sees. One of the reasons writing can be so powerful is that it can help you identify and express your feelings. We don’t all have outlets in our lives that allow us to talk openly about our feelings – and writing can be that outlet.

When I was at summer camp one year, I was in a cabin with three other girls. We all have these girls in our lives, in one form or another. The girls that stick together in a bubble that you seem to never be able to break. The girls that make you feel like trash and just when you think you might have become their friend, their bubble bounces you right back to the garbage dump. Camp was awful that year and the only way I got thought it was writing. Every night in bed I would write a letter to myself. I would tell myself that I didn’t want to be friends with these girls anyways and that I had real friends back home. I would tell myself that I wasn’t trash and that I was strong.

I suggest that you try writing. It is something that not only helps you cope through the hard times, but something that helps you celebrate through the good. Writing might not be for everyone, but it sure was a life-changer for me.

If you ever want to share your thoughts with someone or feel that writing would be a better way to talk through things you are struggling with, Teen Link has an online chat service that allows for this other side of expression. The online chat is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday every week from 6-10pm. It is easy to access. You just go to the website,  http://www.866teenlink.org/, and click on the chat option in the bottom right hand corner. When the chat is not open it will let you know the next time it will open up. 

The scoop on the Trevor Project

ORGANIZATION: The Trevor Project          

HOURS:24/7

MAIN CONTACT:None (Just call the line to talk to someone awesome)

RATING: 5/5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFGOssnBADo&feature=relmfu

The Trevor project has various programs dedicated to the improvement of the lives of LGBTQ youth and workshops to better educate and train those interested how to address topics like sexual orientation and gender identity, skills to prevent suicide in schools, as well as how language and behavior can impact LGBTQ youth. 

A major part of the project is the Trevor Lifeline which is the “only nationwide, around-the-clock suicide prevention and crisis intervention lifeline for LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Lifeline is a free and confidential service that offers hope and someone to talk to, 24/7. Volunteer Lifeline counselors staff three call centers” (Trevor Project Website). The number is 1-866-488-7386 (U.S. calls only). 

It is similar to Teen Link in the way that they have helpline and other online services, but the Trevor Project is directed specifically at helping LGBTQ youth. They also offer an online chat service called Trevorchat that runs form Mondays and Fridays between 1:00 PM Pacific (4:00 PM Eastern) and 9:00 PM Pacific (12:00 AM Eastern). In addition to that, they have “Ask Trevor” an online Q and A submission program, and Trevor Space which is a social networking site for LGBTQ youth ages 13-24 and their friends and allies to foster a safe online community at www.trevorspace.org.

   

The Trevor Project has a whole host of volunteer opportunities but unfortunately you must be at least 18 years old to apply. If you want more information about volunteering check out this link: http://www.thetrevorproject.org/volunteers/opportunities.

They have an awesome website with a ton of information http://www.thetrevorproject.org. They are a pretty large organization and since they are based in Hollywood, California they also have a large community of celebrities that support them and attend big Trevor Project events which is pretty cool. From their website you can really tell that if you’re calling, you certainly aren’t alone because they get tens of thousands of calls each year and have fielded 200,000+ lifeline calls since the beginning of the organization in 1998, and there are 23,000+ Trevor Space members. 

There’s also a big group of people working to make the Trevor Project as great as possible including 600+ Active volunteers and 200+ Lifeline counselors. They even have a page on their website devoted to letting people know about their staff: http://www.thetrevorproject.org/staff. This includes profiles on the members with information like who their favorite LGBTQ hero is, which truly makes their organization seem more real. 

The Trevor project seems like a really great organization that was definitely founded with the needs of LGBTQ youth in mind. They seem very professional, but at the same time, very real and down to earth.

Love knows no gender, race, or color.

For the straight ally, navigating LGBTQ issues can sometimes feel like you're drowning in alphabet soup. That's okay.

You aren’t expected to completely understand every LGBTQ concern. Just like I can't be expected to know what it's like to be male, or be a person of color, or be adopted. What you and I can do is this:

Stop and think.

Listen and try to understand where LGBTQ teens are coming from.

 Be kind.

Stop and think…about what pronouns you use. Realize it's easy to make little assumptions when talking to others. If a new friend mentions she's dating someone, don't ask “What's his name?” Instead, ask “Who?” Otherwise, you assume that every girl likes boys. It seems like a harmless assumption, but it can be frustrating for LGBTQ teens. It can feel as if they’re expected to be straight. It can make them feel not normal for not being straight. You won't mean to exclude someone, but sneaky, presumptive pronouns can do that for you.

Listen and try to understand where LGBTQ teens are coming from... Understand that you have some privileges that LGBTQ teens don't have. You will be able to legally marry whomever you decide to marry. You won’t risk getting kicked out of your house for your sexuality. You won’t have to think about which public restroom to use. You won’t be twice as likely to be bullied at school. You can feel comfortable holding your significant other’s hand in public. You won’t risk losing your friends based on your sexuality. This is just a small portion of a very long list. LGBTQ teens face a lot of barriers that you won’t face. Keep that in mind and it will help you be more supportive. Seattle may seem like a gay-friendly city to you, but it’s hard to be LGBTQ anywhere.

Be Kind...LGBTQ teens do face exclusion and barriers, but you can support them. Be there for them like you would be for any friend. Be a listener. Stand up for them. When you hear someone say “That’s so gay,” you can tell them it’s not okay to make gay a synonym for stupid/annoying/bad. Above all, see the person behind the LGBTQ label. You don’t have “gay friends” and “lesbian friends” and “trans friends” and “straight friends;” you just have “friends.” 

 If you would like to learn more about how to support your friends or yourself. Teen Link is open every night from 6-10pm. Just in case you needed a reminder, Teen Link is a help line for teens and answered by teens. We are here to support you wherever you are at and however you are feeling. We are anonymous, confidential and Most importantly, non-judgmental. And, we are teenagers too… we get it. So, give us a call.

1866-TEENLINK (833-6546) or visit our chat service at http://www.866teenlink.org/

RAINBOW SUMMER: Queer Youth Pride Events and MORE

In honor of Pride Month,  

Teen Link has found some really interesting sites and events for queer youth. We love that we live in a city where all youth are supported and have the chance to get involved in something they are passionate about!
Check out the links below and get your summer off to a colorful start.

Youth Pride Dance- Friday, June 22nd from 8pm to 11pm

Fun for everyone! Food! Drinks! Music!
Have fun the night before Pride! With Guest DJ Alex!
Ages 20 and under. Tickets are $5 Pre-ordered and $10 suggested donation at door. Buy your tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/253313

Join the fun at the Yesler Community Center, 917 E Yesler Way, Seattle

Diverse Harmony-  http://www.diverseharmony.org/ 

Diverse Harmony was founded in 2002 and is very unique in that it is a gay/straight alliance chorus. Diverse Harmony works to create safe and friendly environment through music and puts on performances regularly in Seattle

Reel Queer Youth- http://threedollarbillcinema.org/programs/RQY/

For those interested in filmmaking, Reel Queer Youth is a program that provides video production and media literacy training for queer youth between the ages of 13 – 20. To be a part of the program you have to apply by June 30th .

Queer Teen Ensemble Theatre- http://www.washingtonensemble.org/season8/qtet2012

The Queer Teen Ensemble Theatre is a group of young actors supported by the Washington Ensemble Theatre who advocate for queer youth through their work on the stage. The QTET’s summer production, Beyond Boxes, is showing this weekend only, from June 21- June 25 at 7:30 pm at the Washington Ensemble Theatre, and on Saturday June 23rd youth under 25 can see the show FOR FREE

Bend-It Extravaganza- http://www.seattleactivism.org/events/event378.htm

 Bend-It Extravaganza is an arts festival happening August 8 – 10 in Seattle and it is put on by queer youth. The festival is an amazing event that hopes to empower queer youth and their allies with workshops, spoken word, drag, public art, films, and music.
 

Out There Poetry Camp: www.outtherepoetrycamp.com

Saturday, June 30 - sign up deadline

Free!

Week long poetry and creative expression camp for Queer Youth and Allies ages 14 - 20.

Dates: July 9 - 13, 2012

Time: 10 am - 4 pm

Where: Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center

104 ~ 17th Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98144

What: Daily session on Queer Identity, Writing Exercise, Lunch with local Poets (like WA State Poet Laureate Kathleen Flenniken), and Creative Expression (lyrics, dance, you name it!). Lunch included.

Contact Randy at 206-883-6110 or randy.wiger@seattle.gov or Gray at outtherepoetrycamp@gmail.com

Capitol Hill Independence Day Community Picnic: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cal-Anderson-Park/111353102220933?ref=ts

Saturday, July 7 

Noon - 5 pm

Cal Anderson Park

1635 11th Avenue, Seattle, WA

(between E Denny Way and E Pine Street)

Free!

Community picnic, live music, and fun booths!

Born This Way Kafé:  Summer Beach Blanket BINGO & Barbeque Party: www.facebook.com/SeattleParksCOD or contact randy.wiger@seattle.gov, 206-883-6110

Friday, July 20, 6 - 8 pm

Cal Anderson Park Shelterhouse

on the north edge of the athletic field

1635 11th Avenue, Seattle, WA

(between E Denny Way and E Pine Street)

Free!

BINGO, bracelet making, badminton/volleyball start at 5:30 pm.

Food, hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers and more start at 6 pm.

Born This Way Kafé: a welcoming place where GLBTQ youth + Friends + Allies up to age 21 can gather, be themselves, and have fun.

SYPP’s Summer Youth Organizing Institute: http://sypp.org or www.facebook.com/sypp206

Friday, July 27 - sign up deadline

Free!

The YO! is a youth leadership program/8-day social justice training camp for and by youth that takes place August 20-27, 2012.  A program of Seattle Young People's Project.

Contact:  info@sypp.org or 206.860.9606

Outdoor Movies at Cal Anderson Park: http://threedollarbillcinema.org/calendar/road-trip/ or www.facebook.com/ThreeDollarBillCinema
Fridays, July 27 - August 17

Movies start at dusk, about 8:30 pm

1635 11th Avenue, Seattle, WA (between E Denny Way and E Pine Street)

Free! 

Bring your own chair or blanket!

July 27 Pee Wee's Big Adventure

August 3 Viva Las Vegas (Elvis!)

August 10 The Wizard of Oz

August 17 The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Contact: info@threedollarbillcinema.org or 206-323-4274

Camp ten trees- http://www.camptentrees.org/index.html

Have you ever wanted to go to gay camp? Well here is your chance! Camp Ten Trees has yearly summer camp sessions -- one week for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their allies (Aug. 19-25)and another week for the children of LGBTQ and/or non-traditional families (Aug. 12-18). Camp Ten Trees is a place for diverse youth who share common experiences to come together and form a community that is truly their own.  In addition to typical camp activities, campers engage in age-appropriate workshops exploring identity,  diversity, homophobia, youth coalition building, and more.

Lambert House:http://lamberthouse.org

1818 ~ 15th Avenue, Seattle, WA  98122

Drop in Monday through Friday anytime from 4 to 9:30 and meet other amazing queer and allied youth. They have different activities going on every night of the week. Queer movie night on Fridays is my personal favorite.

They also have a great list of queer resources on their website 

www.facebook.com/LambertHouse

activities@lamberthouse.org

206-322-2515

Special thanks to Lambert House for helping to collect this list of amazing fun events for youth!

 Teen Link is open every night from 6-10pm. We are here to support you wherever you are at and however you are feeling. We are anonymous, confidential and Most importantly, non-judgmental. And, we are teenagers too… we get it. So, give us a call.

1866-TEENLINK (833-6546) or visit our chat service at http://www.866teenlink.org/

HAPPY PRIDE!

Self-Struggle

In life, there will always be things that are stressful for every person at one point or another. In my life, I am a huge perfectionist and judge myself when any little thing goes wrong or I have a problem. I set unattainable goals and standards for myself, and when I don't meet these, I feel like such a failure. I know that some other teens can relate to this sense of pressure to succeed and to meet our own, as well as, others expectations. If you are one of those people and are often hard on yourself for not being a certain way, keep reading.

In my experience, perfectionists aren’t necessarily concerned with being perfect in every aspect of their life. Sometimes it is that they feel pressured by themselves to do one or two things really well, or strive to be better in some way. Some of these self- inflicted pressures could be getting good grades and being smart, fitting in with your gender stereotype, body image/wishing you looked differently, class status, and the list goes on and on. But for me, many of those attributes apply. I wish I was skinnier, more athletic, a better friend, smarter, a better girlfriend, and just overall a person who people look up to. However, last night I had an experience that changed all of my views on myself. It was my 16th Birthday, and two of my friends put together a video of interviews of all my friends saying why they cared about me as a person. Many of them mentioned that I was smart, funny, so sweet, genuine, gorgeous, and an amazing friend. While I sat there watching this video, I felt so blessed to have people who thought so highly of me. I wondered now, why is it that I am so hard on myself? I realized that the pressure I put on myself to be better didn’t need to be there because all of my friends loved me just for who I am. I know many of you may be reading this and thinking, well my friends don’t love me as much as that, but I would like you to know that I never had any idea how much any of my friends admired me before this.

So I want to challenge you today to reflect on all the many ways you are hard on yourself, and try to take a different angle on those perspectives. What would your friends say about you? Would they allow you to be this hard on yourself if they knew? Would you ever be as mean or judgmental to another person, to a friend, or to a family member, as you are to yourself? Take a second today to be nice to yourself. To treat yourself with the love and respect that you show to other people in your life. I don't mean this to be cheesy, but seriously, show yourself some love, give yourself time to break, and allow yourself to just be who you are. 
~Anonymous