About Prism
Prism is a coalition of corps members, TFA alumni, non-TFA educators, civic and religious leaders, youth advocates, policymakers, and community members who collaborate to share strategies and resources to support LGBTQ+ students, educators, and youth of all identities.
The network operates nationally and as a local initiative in over thirty Teach For America regions. Members meet quarterly for ongoing learning and professional development on LGBTQ+ leadership and student support.
Our national Prism board includes members representing diverse and multiple intersecting identities within the LGBTQ+ community. The board oversees the strategy and direction of Teach For America’s Prism alliances and our LGBTQ+ support and programming.
Regional Prism Coalitions
Nationally, more than half of Teach For America regions have Prism coalitions. Members of each coalition advocate for and engage people who identify as LGBTQ+ in ways that best match their local communities' unique needs and complexities. Importantly, coalitions partner with both national and regional external partners who are sometimes better positioned and equipped to support queer and transgender youth leadership and development, or BIPOC intersectionality.
Regional Prism coalitions support LGBTQ+ students, educators, and community members through a variety of initiatives including:
- Providing localized learning and professional development for corps members and alumni
- Directing LGBTQ+ educators towards local resources regarding protections for LGBTQ+ employees
- Developing partnerships with local LGBTQ+ organizations and youth centers for collective action and support for LGBTQ+ students and educators in the region
- Hosting regional summits where capacity exists
