Archive for April, 2010

MSSC Now Accepting Registrations for Second Chance Prom

Monday, April 26th, 2010

Update: Registration is now closed.

The Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition is excited to announce that the registration form for Second Chance Prom is now available online. Any Mississippi youth or student between the ages of 15 and 23 are welcome to register. Youth and Students can access the registration form at:

Second Chance Prom will be held May 8th at the Bancorp South Arena in Tupelo, MS. The event will last from 5pm until 11pm. There is no cost to attendees.

Space is limited so Register NOW! We will send a confirmation email to let you know that your space has been reserved. (NOTE: You will not receive the confirmation email immediately.)

Posted in Press Release, Second Chance Prom | 3 Comments »

Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition Announces Details of Second Chance Prom

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Jackson, MS April 20, 2010 — The Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition (MSSC) announced more details today about the second annual Second Chance Prom that will take place May 8 in Tupelo, MS. The evening will include dinner, a formal program, music and dancing. Celebrity appearances and support are expected.

The purpose of the Second Chance Prom is to create a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students and allies to have a safe and fun night where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. The event is primarily for students of Mississippi who are ages 15-23. This event aims to include all students regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, gender, or disability status.

In light of the events surrounding Constance McMillen at Itawamba Agricultural High School, the MSSC is also extending a special invitation to the students at that school to join in at the prom. “It was important to us that the students at IAHS receive an invitation to our prom. All students are welcomed,” says Matthew Sheffield, Communications Director of the MSSC.
This event is made possible through the generous support of funders, both in and out of Mississippi. These sponsors include MS native Lance Bass, who is both a vocal supporter of Constance and a sponsor of the event. Other major sponsors include Green Day, the American Humanist Association, and Cat Cora. With A-list celebrity event planner Michael Russo of Roses-n-Lollipops at the helm, the prom will be open to Mississippi students ages 15-23, and is sure to be an unforgettable evening for all those in attendance.

The Second Chance Prom is just one of the ways the Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition and students from all over the state are ensuring that diversity has its place among southern values. More information about the MSSC can be found at our website, http://www.mssafeschools.org.

Any requests for further information regarding media, donations, and/or celebrity attendance should be directed to Michael Russo at mrusso@rosesnlollipops.com

To donate, individuals can do so online through our fiscal agent, the ACLU of MS https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d1/default.aspx?wid=26771

Please Note: Make sure to put “MSSC” in the “Why are you donating today” field. This ensures that your donations are directed to the MSSC.

Individuals can also donate via check to or P.O. Box:
MS Safe Schools Coalition
P.O. Box 3442
Jackson, MS 39207
Please make checks payable to our fiscal agent, ACLU of MS. In memo note, please put MSSC.

Contact:
Michael Russo
Event Planner
mrusso(at)rosesnlollipops(dot)com

Matthew Sheffield
Communications Director, MSSC
601-460-0506
matthew(at)mssafeschools(dot)org

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Posted in Events, Fundraising, Press Release, Second Chance Prom | 1 Comment »

Fundraising for Second Chance Prom

Monday, April 19th, 2010

easy fundraisers

We need YOUR help!
The Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition, along with our generous donors and partners thus far, are asking for your financial assistance to help throw the best inclusive prom Mississippi has ever seen!

Our donors have helped us get this far….
But we need your help to reach our goal of raising an additional $25,000 to ensure that the prom is safe, fun and fabulous.  We will use the thermometer as a way of showing our progress.

Your donation may be used in a number of ways, including:

  • Security
  • Entertainment
  • Catering
  • Transportation assistance
  • Sound and Lighting
  • Decorations

To make a donation please visit our Join/Donate page.

Posted in Fundraising, Second Chance Prom | No Comments »

Day of Silence Participation Growing in MS

Friday, April 16th, 2010

Day of Silence in MS 2010Today is Day of Silence, an event organized by GLSEN nationwide. According to GLSEN, “On the National Day of Silence hundreds of thousands of students nationwide take a vow of silence to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in their schools.”

More information about Day of Silence can be found here: http://www.dayofsilence.org

This year, the Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition purchased 150 t-shirts to distribute to gay-straight alliances, student groups, and community groups across the state. We are proud to report that the t-shirts went fast! Every year, participation in Day of Silence is growing in Mississippi. If we are missing your group or school, email us at info@mssafeschools.org.

Next year, let’s make Day of Silence an even bigger success for Mississippi! Thank you to the following schools/organizations that have representatives participating in Day of Silence in 2010:

  • USM GSA
  • Spectrum (MSU)
  • MUW
  • Ole Miss GSA
  • Millsaps
  • Alcorn
  • JCJC
  • Wesson HS
  • Oxford HS
  • MSMS GSA
  • Batesville HS
  • Hattiesburg HS GSA
  • Jim Hill HS
  • Eta Episilon Gamma Sorority Inc.

Posted in Events, Media, Resources | 2 Comments »

MSSC Launches New Website!

Friday, April 9th, 2010

The Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition is proud to launch its re-designed website! Please let us know if you experience any problems by emailing us at info@mssafeschools.org or by using the contact us page.

Posted in Press Release | 4 Comments »