Help GSA Bring Ms. G to Miami

"No matter what race we are, what ethnic background, sexual orientation, or what views we may have, we are all human."
          -Erin Gruwell, The Freedom Writers Diaries 

We are a group of teachers looking to promote anti-bullying and student expression. After a successful year of running Gay Straight Alliances, our students want a huge end of year event that brings our schools together. Our students admire Erin Gruwell, the teacher played by Hillary Swank in the movie "Freedom Writers." The funds we are raising will bring her to Miami to be a keynote speaker at a student showcase.

The night will feature raps, poems, and spoken word performances against bullying and about various issues high school students face. Ms. Gruwell will be in the audience listening to these performances, and then will give the keynote address where she talks about what made her successful as a teacher and her views on anti-bullying and student expression. Gruwell was famous as a teacher for making all students feel safe and welcome, and she will be the boost our students deserve at the end of a challenging, groundbreaking year. High school students often feel no one is listening; on this night everyone will be listening to them, and a respected educator and celebrity will add to the excitement of the night. Help us help our students continue to develop their voices as advocates for themselves and their communities across Miami-Dade County.