TIPS FOR THE LAST MINUTE ORGANIZER OR THOSE WHOSE ADMINISTRATIONS HAVE SAID "NO"

While students in countless schools across the country are organizing enormous events, many with hundreds of participants, others unfortunately may have a hard time getting the support needed to build a school-wide effort. Here's five alternative ways you may wish to participate if day-long silence isn't an option.

1. Ask some friends or school groups to join you and gather at a table or area for a silent lunch to recognize the Day of Silence. End this period by spending some time discussing how you feel LGBT students and their allies are silenced because of harassment, discrimination and abuse, and brainstorm ways you can help end the silence.

2. Ask a supportive teacher to let you talk for five minutes at the beginning of class about what the Day of Silence is, and why you think it's important.

3. Wear a ribbon, shirt, button, sticker or other graphic display of support for the Day of Silence. Each person you reach with the name and information about the project may be a supportive ally in organizing the project next year.

4. Write a letter to the editor for your school newspaper, explain your feelings about discrimination, harassment and abuse in your school, the Day of Silence, and why it's important to you.

5. Check out the Day of Silence Resource Section and start talking to your teachers, classmates and friends about what the Day of Silence is, and why you think it's important. While participation may not be possible this year, starting to build a base of support will help you better next year towards creating a truly awesome Day of Silence in your school.