Meet WAGLY

“When I was approached by parents looking to find a safe haven for GLBTQ high school-age youth to get together, I knew we could create something unique in the MetroWest community,” says Rev. Jack Lewis, Coordinator. “But I had no idea that WAGLY, the West Suburban Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth, would grow as rapidly, and as meaningfully, as it has.”

A youth-run, charitable organization, WAGLY focuses on supporting the physical, social, and emotional well-being of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (GLBTQ) youth and allies. Launched in March 2011, Rev. Lewis, Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills, reports that WAGLY routinely attracts 30-40 young people, drawing from 23 communities to each weekly meeting.

“There is tremendous energy within this community, and a spirit of caring that is wonderful to witness and be part of, “says Marie Caradonna, an adult volunteer who serves as the Chair of Programming. “WAGLY enables GLBTQ youth to widen their social network beyond their immediate school or town, and take on leadership roles and accept responsibility in a comfortable and supportive environment.”

The rapid growth of WAGLY has created many challenges, as the all-volunteer organization sets direction, establishes sponsorships, and seeks funds. In addition to attending our free, nonprofit workshops, WAGLY reached-out to the Foundation for MetroWest and requested fiscal sponsorship, which was granted.

This has been very important to WAGLY. “With the Foundation holding and disbursing funds from any grants or donations we receive, we have the time we need to focus on strengthening the organization, applying for grants, and planning future programming,” states Rev. Lewis.

WAGLY invites the community to its upcoming educational forum, “Make it Better Now”, on Tuesday, October 18, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Free and open to the public, the session is especially designed for GLBTQ adolescents and the adults who care about them, including parents, teachers, coaches, therapists, EMT’s, police officers, and youth outreach workers. Visit the WAGLY website for more information about this forum and the upcoming weekly programs.

You can help WAGLY continue to provide a place for GLBTQ youth to meet, share common experiences, and support each other, as well as make the MetroWest community more affirming overall. Donations may be made through the Foundation for MetroWest. Contact Rev. Lewis at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 781-235-7423 X112 if you have a skill or expertise you would like to share, or wish to provide refreshments at one or more of the Monday evening meetings.

Encourage the GLBTQ youth you care about to be part of this program.