• Understanding the need for a GSA
• Gaining the support of administrators/leaders
• Recruiting members & spreading awareness of your GSA to the community
• Planning inclusive meetings & events
• Developing a safe space and exploring considerations for members’ confidentiality, safety, and well-being
• Addressing difficult topics or challenges within your GSA
• Learning of outside organizations & resources to support and educate your GSA
• Carefully balancing advocacy, education, and community building in your GSA

Dan Martinez is the advisor of the Newfield High School GSA in the Middle Country Central School District. While in this role, he has made it his priority to provide a safe, supportive, and positive environment for his students. He collaborates regularly with the LGBT Network, recently winning a mini-grant for his school’s GSA. In 2023, he helped to establish Suffolk County’s first Pride PTSA in the Middle Country Central School District. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education & Viola Performance from Ithaca College, as well as a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. Besides acting as a GSA advisor, he currently serves as Newfield High School’s Director of Orchestras and Producer of Theatre Arts, with years of experience also teaching elementary and middle school orchestra, general music, and chorus. In his spare time, he maintains an active performance career with various classical and non-classical ensembles.

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