This Week in Wizard Activism: Where in the World is GLA19?

By Daniel Lytle

Graphic of our This Week in Wizard Activism logo! It features the words “This Week in Wizard Activism” and our logo on a blue background.

Everybody’s favorite time of the week is here once again, and that means it’s time for This Week in Wizard Activism! We have a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in!

A gif of a person in a red swimsuit continually diving into a pool.

Where in the World is GLA 2019??

An image of the banner on the GLA website. The banner says “Granger Leadership Academy, where fans become heroes.” The image also features GLA-related knick-knacks such as wands, keys, wooden letters spelling out “GLA”, and our GLA patch!

You’ve seen the clues. You’ve formulated your theories. But the mystery remains: where will the Granger Leadership Academy apparate to next? Our GLA organizers are getting ready to make the announcement, so keep an eye on the HPA’s social media and the GLA website to be the first to know. In the meantime, share what you’re most excited to do at next year’s GLA in the comments. Wherever it is, I hope to see you there!

Be a Better Ally for Native Americans

Being a positive ally means constantly growing and learning. This week, we recommend reading “Changing the Narrative About Native Americans,” a guide for allies from Reclaiming Native Truth. We can all help change the narrative around American indigenous communities, and this is a great place to start.

What’s Happening in the Wider Wizarding World?

An image of Sharon Brackett, the first trans woman to be elected to public office in Maryland. After winning she said, “Tonight’s victory is a testament that with hard work, dedication and an ‘infectious optimism’ that regardless of gender identity one can serve the public in any capacity.”

Ok, so the HPA’s research team is incredible. I know I say this a lot, but they just keep proving me right. Here are some highlights from this week’s three rad reports:

• In environmental news, recent changes to China’s policies on importing waste are upending recycling programs worldwide and causing recyclables to end up in landfills.
• In fantastic LGBTQ+ news, Sharon Brackett became the first trans woman elected to public office in Maryland when she won a seat on the 46th District Democratic Central Committee!
• Last but not least, in mental health news, college students are successfully taking mental health into their own hands by forming on-campus organizations to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and provide support for mental health issues.

Volunteer!

Do you like keeping up with what the HPA is doing and want to get more involved yourself? Are you a seasoned activist or someone just looking to become more civically involved? Well, the HPA has just the opportunity for you! With 16 open positions and a broad range of responsibilities, this is the perfect time to take that next step by joining our HPA volunteer staff. Check out available positions and get in touch on our website.