Frequently Asked Questions
- What is District 202?
- What kinds of people to District 202?
- What Programs Does District 202 Offer?
- I'm looking for resources. Can you guys help?
- Do you offer any help in getting a job or getting back in school?
- How do I get more involved with the LGBT community?
- I think my child is gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender, what do I do?
- How can I best support my gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender child?
- Where can I learn more or meet other parents of gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender children?
- I know an underage young person that is being harassed/abused. What should I do?
- My local school/church/community group is looking for LGBT training. What resources are there?
- An LGBT youth just came out to me, how can I best support them?
- How do I go to one of your programs or events?
- I have an idea for an activity. Can I Make a Program or Event?
- Can I Publish Something on your Queer and Ally Blog?
- Is there anything I can do with my child at District 202?
- How can I support your organization?
- If my child is being harassed in school, what can I do as a parent?
- I'd like to donate items to LGBT youth, can I give them to you?
- How can I get involved with your organization?
- How can I volunteer with your organization?
- I'd like to join your board, are you currently accepting applications?
- I don't have time to volunteer, is there another way I can donate to District 202?
- Where are you located?
- Are you a school?
- Where can I see a copy of your most recent 990?
- Did your organization close?
- Where can I see a list of your Board and Staff?
- Who goes to District 202?
What is District 202?
Through youth/adult partnerships, District 202’s mission is to create safe spaces for LGBT people and their allied friends ages 13-21. By partnering with local organizations District 202 helps secure spaces where people can build self-confidence, self-expression and the skills and resources they need to be successful. Through our programming we affirm identities, amplify voices and assemble community.
What kinds of people to District 202?
Every! District 202’s programs are open to anyone ages 13-21, regardless of their gender identity, sexual identity, social or economic class, race, or religion. All that we ask is that you are respectful to our cause and supportive of our mission.
What Programs Does District 202 Offer?
We have an exciting list of programs happening around the Twin Cities. To see a list of programs, including calendar and locations please visit here.
I'm looking for resources. Can you guys help?
Yes. District 202 has a large list of resources through our connections with our community partners. Each of our community partners is an organization we trust and you can view the complete resource list here. In addition to resources we also offer a variety of programs and events that offer opportunities to gain skills, meet new friends and build community. Soon, we will also have an online social network you can be a part of and a chat function that will allow you to speak to an operator one-on-one over a secure, anonymous internet connection.
Do you offer any help in getting a job or getting back in school?
District 202 offers a variety of programs that can help you build life skills such as financial management or resume writing, as well as make programs that help you express yourself and build connections with friends and community. To see our list of programs click here.
How do I get more involved with the LGBT community?
District 202 offers many ways in which you can connect with people your own age as well as get involved with a variety of community organizations. By taking part in one of our programs or events. You can also view a list of upcoming community events by looking at our calendar located on our home page.
I think my child is gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender, what do I do?
This is a very common question parents face. The first thing to do, is support your child and know that this is not a something they can change. Too often, people are not supported in their sexual or gender identity and too often relationships in friends and family are strained causing the people involved to feel isolated from each other. The other thing to know is that neither you or your child are alone in this and many families have gone through this change only to realize that they’re still your child and you are still their parents.
How can I best support my gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender child?
The best thing you can do is listen. Let them tell you what they’re going through and if you feel like you don’t have the answers, being a supportive ear is sometimes the best thing you can do for someone. Also, you’ll probably find that at some point you’ll want to tell the rest of your extended family. This can often be a hard or scary time (much like when your child came out to you!), but only you will know the best way to speak to the rest of your family. A supportive environment can be the best thing in combating feelings of isolation that are often associated with someone who first “comes out”.
Where can I learn more or meet other parents of gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender children?
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is an amazing, nationwide organization that supports parents of gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender children. They hold monthly meetings that offer an opportunity for parents to speak with other parents and gain support. They have an amazing Twin Cities’ chapter you can find here.
I know an underage young person that is being harassed/abused. What should I do?
Have a conversation with the person to get the background information on what is going on. Be supportive and listen to them, see if this is a situation where they would like your support. Offer to advocate for them to anybody who may be able to make a difference in the situation (i.e principle, teacher, parent, etc.).
My local school/church/community group is looking for LGBT training. What resources are there?
District 202 is home to an amazing Speakers Bureau Program that offers your local school/church/community group a safe, non-threatening way to educate your members on the day-to-day life of being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Our speakers are youth who authentically share their lives with your members. Often times, people’s stories are the best education when it comes to LGBT issues. There is also a time for Q&A after the presentation. For more information or to request a presentation, email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
An LGBT youth just came out to me, how can I best support them?
The best thing you can do is listen. Having a supportive ear can often make the difference in someone’s feelings of self-worth and prevent feelings of isolation often associated with “coming out”. You can also point them towards are programs and events as a way to meet people and get involved with peers, as well as looking at the calendar on our home page for community events.
How do I go to one of your programs or events?
Easy. Visit the Programs and Events Page to view our calendar of upcoming community opportunities. From there, you will be able to see of a list of what we’re offering, as well as a description, directions and ways to register.
I have an idea for an activity. Can I Make a Program or Event?
District 202 has always put an importance on youth voice. Because of this, District 202 offers one-day workshops on how to build a program or an event. Taking this workshop not only allows you the opportunity to create something for your friends and peers, but also teaches you valuable business and marketing skills. Visit our Program and Event page to learn more.
Can I Publish Something on your Queer and Ally Blog?
Yes! District 202 actively seeks submissions for the Q & A Blog. District 202’s website has a variety of ways you can express your voice whether it’s by creating videos, writing, spoken word, poetry and anything else you can dream up. To submit something to be published, please email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Is there anything I can do with my child at District 202?
While most programs and events are just for people ages 13-21, we do have some events that are for the whole family. You can check out our Event calendar or email us at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to be put on a mailing list to be notified about family events.
How can I support your organization?
Spread the word. Most people learn about District 202 through word-of-mouth. By volunteering, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or making a financial contribution, there are many ways people can support District 202.
If my child is being harassed in school, what can I do as a parent?
The best thing you can do is support your child. In addition, call the school and ask to speak to their Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) advisor. The GSA advisor will be able to connect you with the best person to speak with at the school. If you’re child’s school does not have a GSA, ask who the best faculty member to speak with would be. For further support, contact Out 4 Good (Mpls) or Out for Equity (St. Paul). If you are still experiencing difficulty or are outside of the metro-area, please call us at 651.340.6167 for assistance.
I'd like to donate items to LGBT youth, can I give them to you?
We love to get donations and often are able to give them to people who can benefit from them. If we’re not able to use the items, we’ll be able to direct you to an organization that can. The most useful donations to the District 202 community are clothes, items such as backpacks or phones and bus cards. If you have something you’d like to donate, give us a call at 651.340.6167. Please be considerate when donating to any organization and remember to only donate items that are not broken and are in good shape.
How can I get involved with your organization?
District 202 cannot survive without community support and there are many ways you can get involved.
Volunteer: We are actively seeking people who are looking to help with one-time events to people who would like to share their talents by running a program or becoming a mentor. Email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to begin the volunteer process.Join the Board: District 202 is currently looking to build its board and by joining, you will be able to take part in committees integral to the ongoing development of District 202. Contact (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information. Both youth and adult positions available.
Space: District 202 is currently looking to continue creating community partners to develop safe space for LGBT youth ages, 13-21. By housing one of our programs, events or support groups you show to people that your community is safe for LGBT people. Contact (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.
Financial Contribution: Many people want to support an organization, but don’t have the time to do so. By making a financial contribution, your support makes it possible to continue providing services and opportunities to LGBT people ages 13-21. Make a contribution.
How can I volunteer with your organization?
District 202 cannot survive without community support, and luckily, there are many ways to get involved.
Volunteer: We are actively seeking people who are looking to help with one-time events to people who would like to share their talents by running a program or becoming a mentor. Email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to begin the volunteer process.Join the Board: District 202 is currently looking to expand it board with a wide-variety of skilled people. By joining, you will be able to take part in committees integral to the ongoing development and success of District 202. Please, contact (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information. Both youth and adult positions are available.
I'd like to join your board, are you currently accepting applications?
District 202 is currently looking to expand it board with a wide-variety of skilled people. By joining, you will be able to take part in committees integral to the ongoing development and success of District 202. Please, contact (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information. Both youth and adult positions are available.
I don't have time to volunteer, is there another way I can donate to District 202?
There are many ways you can donate to District 202:
Financial Contribution: Many people want to support an organization, but don’t have the time to do so. By making a financial contribution, your support makes it possible to continue providing services and opportunities to LGBT people ages 13-21. Make a contribution.Space: District 202 is currently looking to continue creating community partners to develop safe space for LGBT youth ages, 13-21. By housing one of our programs, events or support groups you show to people that your community is safe for LGBT people.
Where are you located?
District 202 does not have a centralized location, but instead offers programs, events and support groups all around the Twin City Metro area. By looking at our calendar and clicking on pieces you are interested in attending you can pull up a map, find directions and learn bus routes. If you ever have any question about how to get to a program, event or support group, please email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Are you a school?
Nope. We are, however, a youth serving organization that focuses on creating opportunities for youth empowerment, as well as opportunities to build community.
Where can I see a copy of your most recent 990?
You can access our 990 here.
Did your organization close?
Nope. While it is true that District 202 no longer has a centralized location, we did not shut down as an organization. District 202 know offers a variety of programs around the Twin Cities, creating safe space for queer youth in multiple locations, as well as reaching a more geographically diverse population. To see the programs and event opportunities we offer, please visit our program page.
Where can I see a list of your Board and Staff?
You can see the complete list of our board and staff by clicking here.
Who goes to District 202?
We see many different people at District 202. Our programs are open to anyone ages 13-21, regardless of their gender identity, sexual identity, social or economic class, race, or religion. All that we ask is that they are respectful to our cause and supportive of our mission.