About Pizza Klatch
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Thurston County
Our mission is to foster resilience in LGBTQ+ youth and create a safe and positive school experience through support, education and empowerment.
LGBTQ+ youth will be empowered to self-advocate, build community, develop confidence, and easily access resources as they explore and develop their identities. School will be a positive and supportive space where LGBTQ+ youth are accepted and celebrated – free to learn without violence, harassment, discrimination, suicidal ideation or self-harm.
Pizza Klatch is a support group for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies that is held in classrooms during lunchtime at participating high schools. Each group is run by two trained adult co-facilitators who are members of the LGBTQ+ community or allies. Facilitators are mandatory reporters and are responsible for maintaining an inclusive, supportive, confidential environment safe from physical harm or emotional attacks for all participants. Groups are led by the needs of the youth participants, making each group unique.
A typical group begins with reviewing ground rules followed by “check-ins” where teens are encouraged to share a “high” — something going well in their life — as well as a “low” something they are currently struggling or being challenged with. This is an opportunity for everyone to share and be heard about their experiences, such as homophobic harassment, feelings of judgement or marginalization, or discrimination within their family or home. Our groups are a place where youth build community and friendships that extend outside of school grounds.
Locations
Primary Office Location
312 4th Ave. E. Olympia WA 98501
(360) 339-7574
