The Stand Out Community of Practice (SOCOP) provides support and resources to secondary school staff across Geelong who are looking to establish or maintain a Stand Out group for LGBTQIA+ students and their allies. SOCOP also supports schools that do not have a Stand Out group but are committed to creating inclusive environments and supporting the wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ students within their school community. 

Aims

• Facilitate knowledge exchange, networking and support for staff leading Stand Out groups and those supporting LGBTIQA+ students in their schools.
• Establish a collaborative space for planning, coordinating and promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion initiatives and events.
• Share resources, information and best-practice approaches to supporting LGBTQIA+ students and creating inclusive school environments.
• Ensure the longevity and effectiveness of Stand Out groups, and strengthen whole-school support for LGBTQIA+ students through consistent support for school staff.

Outcomes

• Enhanced support, inclusion and wellbeing outcomes for LGBTQIA+ young people within participating schools.
• Increased staff confidence, knowledge and capacity to support LGBTQIA+ students and respond to their needs.
• Strengthened professional networks, skills and access to resources for Stand Out group facilitators and other school staff.
• Increased visibility, awareness and celebration of LGBTQIA+ inclusion initiatives and events within school communities.
• Improved sharing of best practice and collaborative approaches to fostering safe, inclusive and affirming school environments.

Target group

SOCOP is for secondary school staff within the City of Greater Geelong who are involved in, or interested in establishing, Stand Out groups within their schools. It also welcomes staff from schools without Stand Out groups who are committed to supporting LGBTIQA+ students and fostering inclusive school communities.

Meetings

Meetings are held once per school term and are offered both in person and online via Microsoft Teams.

Linked programs

• Stand Out
• Gender and Sexuality Project (GASP)

Contact

If you are interested in joining the Stand Out Community of Practice, please contact us.