Make a Difference to an LGBT Teen

United Neighbors of Fall River Seeks Greater Fall River Community Members to Share Their Stories for the It Gets Better Project and the Make It Better Project.

United Neighbors is collecting videos for two important projects aiming to stop LGBT bullying and discrimination: It Gets Better Project and Make It Better. See below for more information on Make It Better.

We know that many teens across gender, race, class and sexual orientation experience bullying. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth experience particular torment, and often hide their sexuality for fear of emotional and physical cruelty. LGBT youth experience discrimination, threats and often physical violence. Many feel that they have no options. Some have taken their own lives. It Gets Better is working to let kids know that as they get older, it will get better. We ask Greater Fall River adults to help us send this message loud and clear: it does get better.

The It Gets Better Project began in 2010 with a mission to remind youth that they are not alone:

“In September 2010, syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage created a YouTube video with his partner Terry to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. In response to a number of students taking their own lives after being bullied in school, they wanted to create a personal way for supporters everywhere to tell LGBT youth that, yes, it does indeed get better.” (It Gets Better)

The project has already inspired nearly 10,000 video submissions, including videos from celebrities, organizations, activists, politicians and media personalities. We are recording and collecting videos from Greater Fall River adults through March 4th, and will submit these to It Gets Better. Video submission is quick and easy, and videos are generally two to three minutes in length. United Neighbors will help you record your video, or you can create your own. If you choose to record your own video, read through these submission guidelines. Check out the existing videos for inspiration. Please contact United Neighbors of Fall River if you would like to participate in this project:

Beth Ayer
Outreach & Technology Coordinator
United Neighbors of Fall River
508-324-7900
bayer@unitedneighborsoffallriver.org

Please help us get this important message out to LGBT youth!

United Neighbors of Fall River’s contribution to It Gets Better is one part of our ongoing peace initiative in Fall River. We will tackle LGBT and bullying along with other issues at the Third Annual Peace by Piece Summit on March 26th. Peace by Piece is a free community event featuring workshops and activities that promote peace and nonviolence. You can register for Peace by Piece online or by contacting United Neighbors of Fall River.

*We are adding the Make It Better Project to this initiative. Make It Better aims to take It Gets Better one step further, "giving youth the tools they need to make their lives better now."