Alberti conference to focus on allyship, support for LGBTQ+ students

Educators, mental health professionals and community leaders will explore ways to create safe and affirming environments for LGBTQ+ students at this year’s annual conference presented by UB’s Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention.

The conference, “Building Allyship and Support for LGBTQ+ Students,” will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 22 at Classics V Banquet Center, 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst.

The event will provide participants with timely, evidence-based insights on bullying, victimization and related issues that impact youth in school and community settings.

The morning program will feature keynote presentations by Todd A. Savage, professor of school psychology, University of Wisconsin–River Falls — “Now More than Ever: Understanding and Supporting Gender Diverse Students” — and V. Paul Poteat, professor of applied developmental and educational psychology, Boston College — “How Inclusive School Policies and GSAs Shape Schools and Empower LGBTQ+ Students.”

Afternoon breakout sessions will be presented by Free2Luv, GLYS WNY, the Human Rights Campaign’s Welcoming Schools Program and Niagara Pride.

The event will also include exhibitors, networking opportunities and raffle prizes.

Admission is $100 for faculty and professionals, and $50 for students, which includes a continental breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. and a buffet-style lunch at noon.

Attendees who take part in both morning keynotes will be eligible for three CE contact hours (1.5 for each session) for LMSW, LMHC, LCSW and licensed psychologists.

The Alberti Center promotes the well-being of youth by reducing bullying abuse and other forms of school violence through research, evidence-based tools and outreach to students, educators and communities.

For more information or to register, visit the conference website.