Rosenstein family
Sawyer Rosenstein with his father, Joel, and mother, Cheri, on a family vacation in Scottsdale, Ariz., in 2011.

When Sawyer Rosenstein was 12, a punch from a bully changed his life forever, leaving him paralyzed, and at times, near death from the complications of his condition.

Now, six years after the assault, the New Jersey school board in the district where he was a student has agreed to a $4.2 million settlement.

“It feels really great to finally have just a sense of closure … that this really difficult part of my life is behind me,” Rosenstein, an 18-year-old freshman majoring in communication at Syracuse University, told msnbc.com. “I can actually focus on all of the successful things that I am doing now and all of the successful plans that I have for my future.”

The Rosenstein’s lawyer, Jeffrey Youngman, said the settlement was “absolutely unique.”

“I see stories virtually, if not daily, every other day on bullying and … it’s one of the first stories where there actually was a result that’s positive and truly helps the family,” he told msnbc.com, noting that the Ramsey Board of Education does not admit liability.

“But the facts surrounding this case are unbelievable, I mean they’re dramatic in that you have a child who actually was pro-active” about dealing with the bullying, he said.

Youngman was referring to emails written by Rosenstein to officials at Eric Smith Middle School – a guidance counselor, an assistant principal – about the harassment.

“I would like to let you know that the bullying has increased,” he wrote to his guidance counselor three months before the assault that left him paralyzed, in an email that was reported by The Record. “I would like to figure out some coping mechanisms to deal with these situations, and I would just like to put this on file so if something happens again, we can show that there was past bullying situations.”

On May 16, 2006, a bully punched Rosenstein so hard that he fell to his knees. Two days later, he screamed out at home.

“We picked him up and called an ambulance,” his father told the newspaper. “He hasn’t walked since.”

Rosenstein was paralyzed from the waist down due to a clot that had formed after the blow in a major artery above his abdomen. When the clot moved down to his spine, it burst, leaving him paralyzed. Complications resulting from his paralysis, such as scoliosis, led to 19 surgeries and a complete spinal fusion. He almost died several times, Youngman said.

Rosenstein said he turned the corner during one of those hard days thinking “why me” after one of the many surgeries in which he considered his options.

“For me, I saw it as a challenge to say, ‘Okay, in your face, society. I’m going to take this and I’m going to hand it right back at you. You give me lemons, I’m going to throw a lemon tree in your face,’” he said.

He missed a year of school but still graduated on time and made the honor roll every semester, Youngman said.

“The way that he carries himself is just amazing, he’s an inspiration,” he said.

In 2009, the Rosensteins filed their lawsuit against the school board, various administrators, other individuals and the boy who punched Sawyer; the settlement was agreed to at the end of March. Part of the family’s case included claims that school officials knew or should have known that Sawyer’s attacker had violent tendencies, Youngman said, citing prior punching incidents with others. The family settled with that student two years ago. The terms are confidential.

“What the school was doing was just indicative of what the schools do in these instances: they just have policies and don’t know how to enforce them,” Youngman said. “You can have a written policy all you want, but if it is not put into effect and it’s not enforced effectively, you’ve got a policy in name only.”

In a statement, the Ramsey Board of Education said that after three years of depositions and pre-trial discovery, its insurance carriers agreed to the settlement.

“There has been no admission by the Board or by any of its employees of a violation of any law or duty owed to the Plaintiffs,” the statement said.

The board denied allegations that it or its employees had “failed or compromised its responsibility to develop and to implement effective policies and procedures to protect the safety and rights” of the school community, the statement continued, noting that the district “prides itself for the role which it has played in recognizing and developing an awareness of the dangers of bullying, intimidation and harassment in the school setting.”

Cheri Rosenstein
Rosenstein at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum where he met the crew of the final space shuttle mission, STS-135.

Sawyer Rosenstein only recently shared his story publicly after much long discussion with his family, deciding to do so to raise awareness. Otherwise, he doesn’t like telling his story.

“I don’t want it to be ‘woe is me’ and sympathy. I want it to be more of a story of success, that even with all this, I was still able to prevail,” he said. “I want people to root me on in whatever I’m doing and help me through it.”

He encouraged anyone suffering from bullying to document it as he had, believing it was a key factor in making his case. Though he was constantly bullied and remembered how much he wanted it to stop, he wanted others to know that it does end.

Today, Rosenstein, who wants to be a news reporter, hosts and edits a podcast he helped to co-found called Talking Space. He said he attended the final space shuttle launch as the youngest ever accredited reporter at 17.

What he hopes that people will get out of his story is that they understand “this is an issue, this is something that needs to be taken care of, and this kid has taken something terrible and made something great out of it. I can do the same.”

Check out our recent Press about opening Q High.

Awesome stories about QHigh in Republic. Repost!

Micheal Weakley on LGBTQ teens

CNN.com Video
Micheal Weakley has found over 50% of LGBTQ teens have not graduated high school or chose home-schooling due to bullying.

LGBT High School Opens in Phoenix

advocate.com
Phoenix, Ariz., opened the doors to the state’s first high schools targeted toward LGBT students last month, join a small group of other LGBT schools across the U.S.

“Q High” school in Phoenix gives safe alternative to LBGT teens

PHOENIX, ARIZ. (April 3, 2012) on April 13, 2012 Mayor Greg Stanton and Councilman Tom Simplot will cut the ribbon in a historical moment for Arizona. For the first time, Phoenix will have a functional LGBTQ facility that will include a youth programming facility and alternative high school.

one n ten provides a safe place for LGBTQ youth to gather, make friends and find empowering programs. While the youth demographics vary month to month, generally one-third of the youth served by this facility are high school dropouts and half are homeless.

This new 2900 sq. ft. facility enables one n ten to expand programming and accommodate more youth, including the addition of Q High, one n ten’s new learning center. Q High provides a high quality, accredited high school curriculum to enable LGBTQ youth who have dropped out of school the opportunity to earn a high school diploma. Most of these youth who have dropped out of school have done so because of bullying, so the availability of a safe and welcoming school is critical to their willingness to re-enroll in school.

“First and foremost, we have to put an end to bullying in our schools so our kids can feel safe as students,study hard to succeed in life and be productive in our community,” Mayor Greg Stanton said. “That’s going to take a lot of hard work, but I am dedicated, and I know we can make it happen. Until then, we also need to protect kids who are bullied. one n ten continues to do that with their programs, youth center and school because our kids deserve to live their lives no matter who they are. Diversity is our strength in Phoenix.”            

Other programs offered by one n ten include a suicide prevention program; OUTDoors Camp now in its 5^th year provided summer camp programs for over 150 LGBTQ youth last year; arts, culture and music programs and field trips; two softball teams, a volleyball team and the Fusion Dance Team.

The facility serves 60 to 80 LGBTQ youth per day. A daily meal is served, counseling is available 4 days a week, and a new shower at the facility is a welcome addition for homeless youth.

one n ten’s mission is to serve LGBTQ youth and young adults. It enhances their lives by providing empowering social and service programs that promote self-expression, self acceptance, leadership development and healthy life choices.

“This is not only an historic accomplishment for our youth and city, but most importantly it’s a victory that will give our youth in need a second chance. Being a former student that dropped out of high school due to bullying, I think the launch of an alternative high school is an incredible opportunity that will allow our youth to continue their education in a safe place.” Caleb Laieski, Youth and Diversity Liaison, Office of Mayor Greg Stanton.

For more information, please contact Linda Elliott, Executive Director of one n ten at Linda@onenten.org or 602-400-2601.

When: one n ten new facility Ribbon Cutting, April 13, 2012, 2:30pm

Where: 3660 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Some Facts about LGBTQ youth in Arizona:

• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in youth ages 15 – 24 in Arizona.
• Estimates suggest that 30% of these suicides are LGBTQ youth.
• Key risk factors among LGBTQ youth include harassment and bullying, discrimination, devaluation by society and family rejection.
• A study of LGBTQ youth who had experienced family rejection due to the their sexual orientation and/or gender expression were found to be 5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression and 8.4 times more likely to report having attempted  or committed suicide compared with peers who reported no or low levels of rejection.
• While LGBTQ youth are estimated to be 5-10% of the youth population, they make up 20-40% of homeless youth.  It is estimated that 60% of those LGBTQ homeless youth do not receive a high school diploma.

About one n ten

one n ten is a not-for-profit agency dedicated to serving and assisting LGBTQ youth and young adults ages 14-24. one n ten serves 800 unique youth per year at its facilities. During any given week, one n ten serves about 300 youth.  Some come sporadically, some come consistently, and the agency serves around 30 new youth per month. 60-70% of the youth served are Latino and 50% are homeless. one n ten provides participants with tools to improve self-esteem and acceptance of who they are and enhance their lives by providing empowering social and service programs that promote self‐expression, self‐acceptance, leadership development and healthy life choices. By creating a safe space, mentally and physically, for youth of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds one n ten covers a wide range of social, educational, health, and community issues. Youth with particular needs have the option to speak with peers or volunteers one-on-one, in a supervised setting. one n ten offers resources for healthy living and making healthy choices, as well as social networking opportunities appropriate for developing leadership skills and having fun.

Monday, March 19th marked the first day of one n ten’s new program; Q-High. The “Q High” program offers an onsite computer-based online alternative learning program with experienced instructors to guide and assist the students to achieve a high school diploma. one n ten offers ” Q High,” in collaboration with the accredited Arizona Virtual Academy, to all LGBTQ and Ally youth ages 13-20 throughout the Phoenix Metro Area. The curriculum aligns with all local and state academic standards and requirements – and is designed for students who need or prefer an alternative education.

Program Objective – identify, mentor, direct and serve at-risk LGBTQ youth through our one n ten “Q High” alternative learning program. The “Q High” program offers an onsite computer-based online alternative learning program with experienced instructors to guide and assist the students to achieve a high school diploma. one n ten offers “ Q High,” in collaboration with the accredited Arizona Virtual Academy, to all LGBTQ and Ally youth ages 13-20 throughout the Phoenix Metro Area. The curriculum aligns with all local and state academic standards and requirements – and is designed for students who need or prefer an alternative education.

With funding for LGBTQ youth specific outreach and support, one n ten enrolls and mentors youth through this holistic and life changing program. A high school diploma is a prerequisite for any level of success in our society and a necessity if these youth are to become productive adults. one n ten has a long and successful history of implementing LGBTQ specific youth empowerment programming; we include this alternative education program with the goal of at-risk LGBTQ and Ally youth earning a high school diploma.

one n ten has high accessibility to at-risk LGBTQ youth. one n ten serves 800 LGBTQ unique youth per year at its facilities. During any given week, one n ten serves about 300 youth. Some come to us sporadically, some come consistently, and we see around 30 new youth per month.

Through Q High, one n ten implements our LGBTQ youth specific recruitment and mentoring model for LGBTQ and Ally youth who have dropped out of school, are at-risk for dropping out of school, are at-risk for academic failure, and/or are not thriving in their current academic environment, due to: homelessness, poverty, bullying, harassment, family conflict, peer conflict, transportation issues, lack of support, issues with self-acceptance, and/or lack of cultural diversity and understanding. Often at-risk LGBTQ youth have not been identified and encouraged to enroll in existing alternative learning programs, or face barriers when attempting to change or improve their learning environment and learning experience. Traditional approaches of outreach have not been successful in reaching LGBTQ youth, particularly those who are homeless and/or at-risk. Through offering “Q High” as an alternative learning program, designed specifically to address the needs of at-risk LGBTQ and Ally youth, along with implementing culturally appropriate outreach, recruitment, and services, one n ten significantly reduces the risk our LGBTQ youth often face and endure, while increasing youth empowerment, life success, self-acceptance, achievement and leadership.

Q High is an official program of our one n ten youth center, an accredited high school completion program, where LGBTQ and Ally Youth can be accepted, be empowered; and earn their high school diploma through a required 25 hours per week in a diverse and supportive environment. Q High is free education, online, self-paced, offers flexible hours, and includes onsite mentors, bus passes for transportation, incentives, free meals, volunteer opportunities, holistic youth resources, and a variety of social programs.

Adam Lambert fans around the world are once again supporting the community – and this time their focus is on one of their favorite efforts: 1n10, a non-profit dedicated to helping Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Specifically, the focus of their volunteer efforts is now on the world’s largest LGBTQ youth leadership camp, called OUTdoors! Camp.

1n10 envisions a world where all LGBTQ youth and young adults are embraced for who they are, actively engaged in their communities, and empowered to lead. 1n10 is the sponsor of the 4th annual OUTdoors! Camp.

OUTdoors! Camp plays a significant role achieving 1n10’s mission. OUTdoors! Camp is dedicated to helping LGBTQ youth develop leadership skills, work in collaborative ways, and develop a strong sense of self and community!
Over Labor Day weekend, 150 LGBTQ youth, ages 12-24 will convene in the lush mountains of Prescott, AZ to learn team building techniques on high ropes courses, zip lines, and rock climbing walls. Campers will develop leadership skills through experiential education exercises in dozens of education workshops, facilitated by college professors, community organizers, and LGBTQ professionals. A few of the most popular workshops are: LGBTQ history, anti-bullying techniques, non-violent communication, and public speaking.

The 4th annual OUTdoors! Camp will accommodate 150 youth in total and 75 adult volunteers. 120 youth are from urban and rural areas of Arizona, and 30 youth will be attending from across the US and Mexico. Our volunteers come from across the country to help improve the lives of campers, including volunteers from Arizona, Texas, Utah, New York, California, and Canada. Volunteers play an integral role in facilitating a healthy camp environment and facilitate team building exercises, act as cabin counselors, and prepare nightly fire and s’mores.

Youth come to OUTdoors! Camp for many different reasons and with a variety of self-development goals. These reasons range from needing to heal from being bullied based on gender identity and sexual orientation to wanting to find a place that they can be accepted and loved for who they are. “The most empowering aspect of camp for me was learning about so many different people and ideas. I loved building our community and learning about LGBTQ History. My cabin group really bonded and became a family” said a 17 year old 2010 camper. A 15 year old camper from 2008 said “Camp helped me to realize that everything will be okay, everything happens for a reason, and no matter what I should never give up.”

One of OUTdoors! Camp’s newest programs is the Counselor’s In Training (CIT) program. The CIT program is an important catalyst for older campers between the ages of 19-24, who are getting close to aging out of youth programs. CIT’s are junior counselors at camp and act as peer leaders and bridge builders between camp participants and volunteers. CIT’s play an integral role in helping younger campers have fun in a safe and supportive environment. This year 14 CIT’s took part in a very successful “CIT Boot Camp”, a pre camp training where CITs have a chance to bond with one another, learn about speaking with love, and exploring their strengths and challenges as a developing leader.

“Camp was a gateway into the community for me. It’s given me friends I know will be lifelong. Camp has helped me to come out of my shell and come to terms with everything. It’s because of camp that I have been able to be open with myself and others!” said Matt Bantau, a 3rd year camp participant and 2011 CIT.

When we asked Matt why his role as a CIT is important he said “When you are coming out [as LGBTQ], it’s important that you feel safe and that you are surrounded by like-minded people. People who will talk with you and give you advice. Being a [CIT] leader helps set the road for others to become leaders, and that’s the big picture. I was in their place once, now look at me!”

Adam Lambert fans are passionate about spreading the word regarding Adam’s talents and his positive spirit – and they are also passionate about following in Adam’s community-oriented footsteps. We have been so fortunate at 1n10 to be the recipient of Adam’s fans’ generosity, including donations, FYE CDs, volunteer efforts and “Adam oriented”auction items for 1n10′s yearly brunch. And, the fans have been sending donations and “wish list” items for OUTdoors! Camp.

If you would like to donate to OUTdoors! or other 1n10 projects, you can contact 1n10 at the address below, or donate on the website at http://www.1n10.org/ . Please make a note if the donation is for OUTdoors! Camp or general 1n10 programming. 1n10 staff members encourage fans to write letters to the youth about why the youth are important to you. Some of the fans include notes that say “Adam Lambert sent me!”. And, we appreciate all of you!

You can also email Kado for more information about OUTdoors! Camp at kado@1n10.org and check out their website at www.outdoorsgaycamp.com
1n10
2700 N. 3rd Street #2011
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 400-2601
Article written by 1n10 staff member and OUTdoors! Camp Creator & Director Kado Stewart

(602) 200-9790
July 26, 2011

1N10, INC. HIRES LINDA ELLIOTT AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

1n10, Inc. is proud to announce that the Board of Directors has hired Linda Elliott as Executive Director. Linda has decades of experience in executive-level management, as well as extensive fundraising and board experience with local and national non-profits working in support of LGBTQ causes. She co-founded the Arizona Steering Committee for the Human Rights Campaign and has been one of the most visible and active members of the Phoenix LGBTQ community.

“We are thrilled that Linda has accepted the position of Executive Director of 1n10. From several candidates and two rounds of interviews, the 1n10 Board chose Linda based on her proven record of success,” said Toby Urvater, Board Chair. “We expect big things from her,” she added.

Linda received her Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Denver. Previously she was Vice President and Chief Information Officer for ING Security Life and has extensive executive-level management experience. She has also served on dozens of boards and committees, including for the Human Rights Campaign and the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, a critical 1n10 partner. Linda was recently awarded the 2011 Individual Equality Award at the 7th Annual Human Rights Campaign Arizona Gala Dinner for her pioneering efforts on behalf of the community and her tireless advocacy for LGBTQ causes.

“1n10 is in a unique position right now to really change lives in Arizona,” said Charlotte Adcock, Past Board Chair of 1n10, Inc. “Teens and young adults throughout the region need access to supportive, empowering programs that embrace their strengths. Linda will help the program staff and volunteers continue to serve more youth with even bigger and better programs. It’s an exciting time.”

Over the past 18 months, 1n10 served an increasing number of youth and added additional staff to meet growing demand for programs and services. In addition, a new weekly group meeting in the West Valley was established. 1n10 continues to experience sound financial management because of the generous contributions of community groups, individuals, and corporate partners.

“Linda is really in a position to take 1n10 to that next level,” said David Simmons, a 1n10 board member and member of the Executive Search Committee. “She can help 1n10 serve even more youth over the next 20 years and continue to responsibly grow the organization. With Linda, we know we have a fabulous future.”

1n10, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving and assisting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. 1n10 provides youth ages 14-22 with tools to improve their self-esteem and increase acceptance of who they are. 1n10 creates a safe space, mentally and physically, for youth of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Weekly discussion groups cover a wide range of social, educational, health, and community issues. Youth with particular needs have the option to speak with peers or volunteers one-on-one in a supervised setting. 1n10 offers resources for healthy living and making healthy choices, as well as social networking opportunities appropriate for developing leadership skills and having fun.
1n10, Inc. has been a proud member of the Phoenix community since 1993 and looks forward to many years of continuing to meet the needs of LGBTQ youth in Phoenix. For more information, please contact Toby Urvater, Board Chair.