SMYAL Programs
Whether you are looking for a support group, a place to hang out with friends, or an internship to help your college application, we have something for you! Click below to learn more about some of our recurring programs, and be sure to check out our "Contact Us" page for information on how to get to SMYAL. Unless otherwise stated, all programs are held from 5-7pm at our Youth Center.
Youth Advocates Program
Do you want to be an advocate for LGBTQ youth issues and make a difference in the community? Apply for our Youth Advocates Program: you'll learn public speaking, conflict resolution, marketing and more! Participants are also eligible to receive community service hours. The program meets October through May each Monday night 6-8pm in our Youth Center.Rap Group
Sometimes we all get stressed out and need someone to talk to! Managing the pressures of school, dealing with bullying and harassment, coming out to friends and family, finding a job, getting into college: you can talk about all of it with our staff and volunteers or in our support group!THE PEER EDUCATION PROGRAM NEW!
Peer Educators are a select group of youth who are trained to educate other LGBTQ youth about HIV/AIDS prevention and safer sex methods. Join the program to help serve your peers as a source of information, role model, and trusted friend by providing workshops for schools, community-based-organizations, and the SMYAL community.
GSA Network Night
Are you involved in your school's Gay-Straight Alliance? Do you want to learn how to start one? Then join us to discuss effective outreach to and retention of GSA members and collaborate with your peers throughout the DC metro area to design and implement advocacy campaigns in your school!Women's Leadership Institute
Are you looking to make friends and talk about issues important to women? Every Thursday from 5-6:30 PM, the Women's Leadership Institute meets to cover issues critical to LBTQ women. Also, SMYAL hosts four day-long summits throughout the year that address different topics related to young women. The program culminates in a weekend get-away to explore your identity amongst the support of peers!Youth Advisory Board
SMYAL wants to know what YOU think! As a Youth Advisor, you get to help facilitate programs and make recommendations for how SMYAL can better serve its youth. Starting in April 2012 you get to have more input than ever -- the Youth Advisory Board will meet every Thursday from 4-5 PM.Recreational Night
There's always something fun going on at the SMYAL Youth Center on Fridays! Like Thursday, each Friday night is a little bit different to make sure that you're always having a good time! See the list below for what program is held each Friday of every month:Movie Night, First Fridays
What could be better than free snacks and a movie projected on a huge screen in our Youth Center?Vogue Night, Second Fridays
Compete against SMYAL's best vogue-ers and impress our panel of judges for the best score possible.Game Night, Third Fridays
Join or compete against SMYAL staff and volunteers with board games and interactive games.Grab Bag, Fourth Fridays
Check our Facebook page or calendar to find out what's happening this month!
HIV Testing, Counseling, and Referral
You should know your HIV status! Make an appointment or stop by during our drop-in testing times to get a free, rapid, and confidential test for HIV.COMMUNITY TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS
NEW PAGE!In addition to hosting programs for youth 6 days per week, SMYAL also goes out into the community to help educate students, teachers, youthworkers, police officers, and more about how best to work with and create safe spaces for LGBTQ youth. Follow the link above to learn more about our workshops -- including events for youth groups and assemblies -- and to request a training!