In Alberta, students who ask to form a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) or Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA) club are guaranteed the right to start a group in their school, have regular meetings in a safe space, have an adult supervisor or sponsor and name the club. Below are steps to starting a GSA or QSA:
- The first step is to notify your school leadership (principal, vice principal, etc.), so that they can find a supervisor or staff sponsor, like a teacher. The sponsor can get information about how to support you from the Alberta Teachers’ Association or Alberta Education.
- Find other students who may want to help start up the group.
- Pick a meeting space.
- Advertise the group and plan your first meeting.
- Set up ground rules/group agreements.
- Think about possible activities, like hosting guest speakers, holding events with other school groups or writing articles for the school newspaper or website.