Michigan Guide To Abstinence Resources
Michigan Guide To Abstinence Resources
Michigan Guide To Abstinence Resources
Introduction............................................................................. 2 Definitions. .............................................................................. 3 . Michigan.Law.Governing.Sex.Education.................................. 4 Questions.People.Ask.About.Sex.Education............................. 9 A.Sampling.of.Abstinence.Centered.Curricula.......................... 11 Abstinence.Groups.in.Michigan. .............................................. 16 . National.Abstinence.Organizations.......................................... 19 Government.Agencies.Promoting.Abstinence........................... 21 Speakers.Bureaus...................................................................... 22 Adolescent.Sexual.Behavior.Resources.and.Public.Opinion. .... 23 . Adolescent.Sexual.Behavior.Quick.Facts................................... 24 About.Michigan.Family.Forum. ............................................... 26 .
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Introduction
While the past decade has seen a gradual rise in the number of teens choosing to remain abstinent, the campaign to protect our children from experiencing the loss that accompanies pre-marital sex must continue. All too often our culture presents a diluted and ineffective message in regards to sexual education. To teach that risk avoidance (abstinence), and risk reduction (contraception), are equally acceptable alternatives, undermines the integrity of the abstinence message. In a time where positive role models are difficult to find and the media perpetuates the notion of a consequence-free sex life, it is imperative that we impart future generations with solid character and equip our youth with the tools necessary to make intelligent choices outside the home. This guide is intended to highlight valuable resources for use inside the classroom and out. The resources contained in this book are intended to portray the gift of sex in a positive, accurate and age appropriate manner. Your students will learn that abstinence is healthy and creates respect, not shame. One of the most important aims of the abstinence movement is to dispel the myth that restraint is fear-based. Educating adolescents to make prudent decisions will ultimately result in young men and women who honor their bodies and those of their peers. Abstinence is a message of integrity and esteem, to instruct our youth otherwise will be a great disservice. Abstinence education and character education go hand in hand. Teaching children to make honest value judgments will prepare them to handle difficult personal decisions in all aspects of life. Students who value others and are able to make true commitments will reap benefits in areas beyond their sexual lives. Communication skills and moral resolve are necessary traits of an upright citizen. We can equip our youth with these assets through the platform of sexual education. We here at Michigan Family Forum hope this guide proves to be a useful tool in providing your students with sound and thoughtful information. The future of a nation is shaped by its educators. We wish you the very best.
Definitions
Abstinence
Abstaining from sexual activity. Sexual activity is behavior which elicits or expresses strong sexual feelings, desires or physical responses. This would exclude hugging, kissing or holding hands, but it would include all genital contact as well as petting which includes fondling of genitals, buttocks or breasts and deep-throat (French) kissing. This definition of abstinence is not necessarily the definition used by other individuals or groups. However, to the best of our knowledge, none of the material described in this manual contradicts our definition. Many of the resources listed here have been personally previewed by our staff; however, some of them have not. Therefore, it is possible that some materials listed herein, if closely scrutinized, would not receive our unconditional approval. Hence, a disclaimer: inclusion of material in this manual does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by Michigan Family Forum. Additionally, we have attempted to ensure that all materials in this book are family-centered and age appropriate. We strongly believe that sexual intercourse and related activities are profound, wonderful and fulfilling when entered into during marriage. We also believe that parents are in the best position to communicate the depth of this relationship at the appropriate time for each of their children.
Abstinence-Based
Virtually every sex-education curriculum in the country claims to be abstinence-based, yet many of them view abstinence as only one possible course of action equal to all others. Contraceptives are promoted as safe, and each person is empowered to choose the course that is best for him. However, it is our belief that all decisions in this area are not equally valid.
Abstinence-Centered
Many who oppose abstinence education have attempted to label strong abstinence material as abstinenceonly. This gives the impression that abstinence-only materials fail to teach children the whole truth. The implication is that such an approach is inadequate because information is withheld. A more acceptable title, often used by advocates of abstinence, is abstinence-centered. Materials which convey the message that abstinence is the best choice for young people should have a title different from those that do not. The term abstinence-centered properly indicates that abstinence is the focal point around which everything else is built. In reviewing this manual, the reader will notice that the phrase abstinence-centered, rather than abstinence-based or abstinence-only, is used.
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prior opportunity to review the materials to be used in the course and is notified in advance of his or her right to have the pupil excused from the class. The state board shall determine the form and content of the notice required in this subsection. () Upon the written request of a pupil or the pupils parent or legal guardian, a pupil shall be excused, without penalty or loss of academic credit, from attending a class described in subsection (). (5) A school district that provides a class as permitted by subsection () shall offer the instruction by teachers qualified to teach health education. A. school. district. shall. not. offer. this.instruction.unless.a.sex.education.advisory.board.is.established.by.the.board.of.the. school.district..The.board.of.a.school.district. shall. determine. terms. of. service. for. the. sex. education. advisory. board,. the. number. of. members.to.serve.on.the.advisory.board,.and. a.membership.selection.process.that.reasonably. reflects. the. school. district. population,. and.shall.appoint.2.co-chairs.for.the.advisory. board,.at.least.1.of.whom.is.a.parent.of.a.child. attending. a. school. operated. by. the. school. district.. At. least. 1/2. of. the. members. of. the. sex.education.advisory.board.shall.be.parents. who.have.a.child.attending.a.school.operated. by.the.school.district,.and.a.majority.of.these. parent.members.shall.be.individuals.who.are. not.employed.by.a.school.district. The board of a school district shall include pupils of the school district, educators, local clergy, and community health professionals on the sex education advisory board. Written or electronic notice of a sex education advisory board meeting shall be sent to each member at least weeks before the date of the meeting. The advisory board shall do all of the following: (a) Establish program goals and objectives for pupil knowledge and skills that are likely to reduce the rates of sex, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. This subdivision does not prohibit a school district from establishing additional program goals and objectives that are not contrary to this section, section 69, or section 507b. (b) Review the materials and methods of instruction used and make recommendations to the board of the school district for implementation. The advisory board shall
take into consideration the school districts needs, demographics, and trends, including, but not limited to, teenage pregnancy rates, sexually transmitted disease rates, and incidents of student sexual violence and harassment. (c) At.least.once.every.2.years,.evaluate,. measure,. and. report. the. attainment. of. program.goals.and.objectives.established. under. subdivision. (a).. The. board. of. a. school. district. shall. make. the. resulting. report.available.to.parents.in.the.school. district. (6) Before adopting any revisions in the materials or methods used in instruction under this section, including, but not limited to, revisions to provide for the teaching of abstinence from sex as a method of preventing unplanned or outof-wedlock pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease, the board of a school district shall hold at least public hearings on the proposed revisions. The hearings shall be held at least week apart and public notice of the hearings shall be given in the manner required under section 0 for board meetings. A public hearing held pursuant to this section may be held in conjunction with a public hearing held pursuant to section 69. (7) A.person.shall.not.dispense.or.otherwise. distribute. in. a. public. school. or. on. public. school. property. a. family. planning. drug. or. device. (8) As used in this section, family planning means the use of a range of methods of fertility regulation to help individuals or couples avoid unplanned pregnancies; bring about wanted births; regulate the intervals between pregnancies; and plan the time at which births occur in relation to the age of parents. It may include the study of fetology. It may include marital and genetic information. Clinical.abortion.shall.not. be.considered.a.method.of.family.planning,. nor.shall.abortion.be.taught.as.a.method.of. reproductive.health. (9) As used in this section and sections 506 and 507a: (a) Class means an instructional period of limited duration within a course of instruction and includes an assembly or small group presentation. (b) Course means a series of classes linked by a common subject matter.
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80.507a If a parent or legal guardian of a pupil files with the public school in which the pupil is enrolled a continuing written notice that the pupil is to be excused from a class described in section 507, the pupil shall not be enrolled in a class described in section 507 unless the parent or legal guardian submits a written authorization for that enrollment. 80.507b () Instruction under section 507 in sex education and instruction under section 69 on human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome shall emphasize that abstinence from sex is a positive lifestyle for unmarried young people because abstinence is the only protection that is 00% effective against unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, and sexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. () Material and instruction in the sex education curriculum under section 507 that discusses sex shall be age-appropriate, shall not be medically inaccurate, and shall do at least all of the following: (a) Discuss.the.benefits.of.abstaining.from. sex. until. marriage. and. the. benefits. . of. ceasing.sex.if.a.pupil.is.sexually.active. (b) Include a discussion of the possible emotional, economic, and legal consequences of sex. (c) Stress that unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are serious possibilities of sex that are not fully preventable except by abstinence. (d) Advise pupils of the laws pertaining to their responsibility as parents to children born in and out of wedlock. (e) Ensure that pupils are not taught in a way that condones the violation of the laws of this state pertaining to sexual activity, including, but not limited to, sections 58, 5a, 8, 8a, 8b, and 50b to 50e of the Michigan penal code, 9 PA 8, MCL 750.58, 750.5a, 750.8, 750.8a, 750.8b, and 750.50b to 750.50e. (f ) Teach pupils how to say no to sexual advances and that it is wrong to take advantage of, harass, or exploit another person sexually. Page 6 Michigan Guide to Abstinence Resources
(g) Teach refusal skills and encourage pupils to resist pressure to engage in risky behavior. (h) Teach that the pupil has the power to control personal behavior. Pupils shall be taught to base their actions on reasoning, self-discipline, a sense of responsibility, selfcontrol, and ethical considerations such as respect for self and others. (i) Provide instruction on healthy dating relationships and on how to set limits and recognize a dangerous environment. (j) Provide information for pupils about how young parents can learn more about adoption services and about the provisions of the safe delivery of newborns law, chapter XII of the probate code of 99, 99 PA 88, MCL 7. to 7.0. (k) Include information clearly informing pupils that having sex or sexual contact with an individual under the age of 6 is a crime punishable by imprisonment and that of the other results of being convicted of this crime is to be listed on the sex offender registry on the internet for up to 5 years. () This section does not prohibit a public school from offering sex education with behavioral risk reduction strategies, as defined by law, that are not 00% effective against unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, and sexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. 88.766 A district in which a school official, member of a board, or other person dispenses or otherwise distributes a family planning drug or device in a public school in violation of section 507 of the revised school code, being section 80.507 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, dispenses prescriptions for any family planning drug, or makes referrals for abortions shall forfeit 5% of its total state aid appropriation. 88.766a () In order to avoid forfeiture of state aid under subsection (), the board of a district or intermediate district providing reproductive health or other sex education instruction under section 69, 506, or 507 of the revised school code, MCL 80.69, 80.506, and 80.507, or
under any other provision of law, shall ensure that all of the following are met: (a) That the district or intermediate district does not provide any of the instruction to a pupil who is less than 8 years of age unless the district or intermediate district notifies the pupils parent or legal guardian in advance of the instruction and the content of the instruction, gives.the.pupils.parent. or.legal.guardian.a.prior.opportunity.to. review. the. materials. to. be. used. in. the. instruction,.allows.the.pupils.parent.or. legal.guardian.to.observe.the.instruction,. and. notifies. the. pupils. parent. or. legal. guardian.in.advance.of.his.or.her.rights. to.observe.the.instruction.and.to.have.the. pupil.excused.from.the.instruction.. (b) That, upon the written request of a pupils parent or legal guardian or of a pupil if the pupil is at least age 8, the pupil shall be excused, without penalty or loss of academic credit, from attending class sessions in which the instruction is provided. (c) That the sex education instruction includes age-appropriate information clearly informing pupils at one or more age-appropriate grade levels that having sex or sexual contact with an individual under the age of 6 is a crime punishable by imprisonment, and that of the other results of being convicted of this crime is to be listed on the sex offender registry on the internet for up to 5 years. () If a parent or legal guardian of a pupil enrolled in a district or intermediate district believes that the district or intermediate district has violated this section or section 69, 506, or 507 of the revised school code, MCL 80.69, 80.506, and 80.507, he or she may file a complaint with the superintendent or chief administrator of the district or intermediate district in which the pupil is enrolled. Upon receipt of the complaint, the superintendent or chief administrator of the district or intermediate district shall investigate the complaint and, within 0 days after the date of the complaint, provide a written report of his or her findings to the parent or legal guardian who filed the complaint and to the superintendent of public instruction. If the investigation reveals that or more violations have occurred, the written report shall contain a description of each violation and
of corrective action the district or intermediate district will take to correct the situation to ensure that there is no further violation. The district or intermediate district shall take the corrective action described in the written report within 0 days after the date of the written report. () If a parent who has filed a complaint with a district under subsection () believes that the district is still not in compliance with law based on the findings made by the superintendent or chief administrator of the district, the parent may appeal the findings to the intermediate district in which the district is located. If there is an appeal to an intermediate district under this subsection, the intermediate superintendent of the intermediate district shall investigate the complaint and, within 0 days after the date of the appeal, provide a written report of his or her findings to the parent or legal guardian who filed the appeal and to the superintendent of public instruction. If the investigation by the intermediate superintendent reveals that or more violations have occurred, the intermediate superintendent in consultation with the local district shall develop a plan for corrective action for the district to take to correct the situation to ensure that there is no further violation, and shall include this plan for corrective action with the written report provided to the parent or legal guardian and the superintendent of public instruction. The district shall take the corrective action described in the plan within 0 days after the date of the written report. () If a parent who has filed a complaint with an intermediate district under subsection () or a parent who has filed an appeal with an intermediate district under subsection () believes that the district or intermediate district is still not in compliance with law based on the findings made by the intermediate superintendent of the intermediate district, the parent may appeal the findings to the department. If there is an appeal to the department under this subsection, the department shall investigate the complaint and, within 90 days after the date of the appeal, provide a written report of its findings to the parent or legal guardian who filed the appeal, to the superintendent of public instruction, and to the district and intermediate district. If the department finds or more violations as a result of its investigation, then all of the following apply: Michigan Guide to Abstinence Resources Page 7
(a) The department shall develop a plan for corrective action for the district or intermediate district to take to correct the situation to ensure that there is no further violation, and shall include this plan for corrective action with the written report provided to the parent or legal guardian, the superintendent of public instruction, and the district or intermediate district. The district or intermediate district shall take the corrective action described in the plan within 0 days after the date of the written report. (b) In addition to withholding the percentage of state school aid forfeited by the district or intermediate district under subsection (5), the department may assess a fee to the district or intermediate district that committed the violation in an amount not to exceed the actual cost to the department of conducting the investigation. (5) If an investigation conducted by the department under subsection () reveals that a district or intermediate district has committed or more violations of this section or section 69, 506, or 507 of the revised school code, MCL 80.69, 80.506, and 80.507, the district or intermediate district shall forfeit an amount equal to % of its total state school aid allocation under this act. (6) The department, with the approval of the superintendent of public instruction, shall establish a reasonable process for a complainant to appeal to the department under subsection (). The process shall not place an undue burden on the complainant, the district or intermediate district, or the department. (7) The department shall track the number of complaints and appeals it receives under this section for the 00-005 school year and, not later than the end of that school year, shall submit a report to the standing committees and appropriations subcommittees of the legislature having jurisdiction over education legislation and state school aid that details the number and nature of those complaints and appeals and the cost to the department of handling them.
on public school property. [See 80.507 (7)]. A school that violates this provision will forfeit 5% of its state aid. (See 88.766) What about those young people who are going to be sexually active regardless of our warnings? Dont we have an obligation to show them how to protect themselves? This question is perhaps one of the most widely used to promote a safe sex approach to sex education. It requires us to offer a faulty solution to young people so that they can continue to engage in unacceptable behavior. Those who ask this question are jumping over the problemteen sexand instead are addressing the symptompregnancy and disease. There are several good reasons why a faulty solution should not be promoted in the name of helping young people avoid the consequences of risky behavior. First, the lack of contraceptive information, skills and devices are not the problem with our young people. American youth today are more informed about contraceptives, they are better equipped with the skills to use contraceptives and they have greater access to contraceptives than ever before. Our problems are not the result of a decrease in protection efforts; the problems are the result of an increase in undesirable behavior. Second, contraceptive drugs and devices address only the physical consequences of teen sex, and even then insufficiently. No technology is able to protect young people whose emotions, mental well-being or reputation are damaged. By focusing on the physical consequences of sex, we reduce this wonderful, loving relationship to a physical act. The signal we send to young people is Avoid physical pitfalls and youll be OK. In reality, sexual intercourse is much more complex than a physical union, and the results can be much more than physical consequences. Third, while a realistic discussion of the limits of contraceptives is not necessarily inappropriate, schools must refrain from emphasizing the success rates of contraceptives and thereby mislead students to believe that these methods will ensure protection. In school, a 90 percent effective rate compares with an A on a report cardnear perfection. Instead, we must let young people know that these devices are relatively risky and likely to fail in time. The emphasis should be on the failure rate, rather than the effective rate. Fourth, by advocating the use of contraceptives, we are sending the strong signal that we do not believe our students have the ability to succeed. Page 0 Michigan Guide to Abstinence Resources
Rather than preparing students for failure, our efforts should be geared toward motivating and equipping students to succeed in the desired outcomes. Our abstinence message in sex education, like our messages on drugs, alcohol and tobacco, should be the same: We want you to win in these critical areas of life. Winning, while hard, will be well worth it! Are school districts required to open the health advisory committee meetings to the public? Health advisory committees are not subject to the Open Meetings Act because the committee does not set policy, it only advises the school board on policy. Therefore, while most school districts make health advisory committee meetings open to the public, some do not. Most often, districts that close meetings to the public do so because of pitched battles over a districts sex education program. It is generally not advisable to close meetings as this fosters frustration and suspicion. Are schools required to teach about criminal sexual conduct? Several sexual activities are misdemeanors or felonies in the state of Michigan. The School Code requires districts to ensure that students are not taught in a way that condones the violation of the laws of this state pertaining to sexual activity. In general, a teacher will need to know what the laws are in order to avoid teaching anything contrary to them, but they do not need to actually teach the laws to the students. However, the School Code does require districts to inform students that it is illegal to engage in sex with an individual under the age of 6 and that conviction of such an act can result in imprisonment and inclusion on the states sex offender registry. How can I monitor what is being taught to my child? Michigan law requires that school districts inform parents before human sexuality material is taught to their children. The law also requires the school districts to give the parents reasonable opportunity to preview all material prior to its use [See 80.507 ()]. Parents are also able to observe the actual instruction [See 88.766a ()]. If a parent objects to the material or the instruction in writing, the child shall be excused without penalty from the class.
A Sampling of Curricula
The Art of Loving Well: A Character-Education Curriculum
Through reading and discussion of classical and contemporary literary selections, this curriculum promotes character development, abstinence from premarital sexual activity, and the value of committed, faithful love and friendship. Extended activities encourage critical thinking, decision-making and conflict resolution. The program is designed to enrich a standard curriculum; it is suitable for use in public school settings as well as community-based programs. The curriculum promotes the standard language arts skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking for the eighth grade level. Teacher training workshops are also available. 0 selections (flexible) Grade 8 Curriculum: $.95 each Teacher guide: $.00 Introduction video: $.00
The Loving Well Project Boston University School of Education Sherborn St. Boston, MA 05 Phone: 67-5-088 Fax: 67-5-909 www.bu.edu/sed/lovingwell/
Choosing the Best 65 Cumberland Pkwy. Suite 00 Atlanta, GA 09 Phone: -800-77-78 / 770-80-00 Fax: 770-80-0 www.choosingthebest.org
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Connections
The Connections: Dating and Emotions course helps younger teens understand early relationships and helps establish a strong foundation for later life. A variety of appealing exercises teach teens how relationships develop, effective ways to communicate, how to recognize destructive patterns, how to deal with emotions, and other essential skills. Content also integrates material from the highly-respected PREP program. The Connections: Relationships and Marriage program gives students practical tools for understanding, managing, and making wise decisions about these relationships. The 8 lessons cover self-awareness, relationships, communication, and conflict, plus the engaging Marriage Game that is a big favorite with boys and girls alike! Material from the highly-respected PREP trainings is also included. Dating and Emotions Relationships and Marriage The Dibble Fund PO Box 788 Berkeley, CA 9707-088 Phone: -800-695-7975 Fax: 50-58-956 www.dibblefund.com Grades 8- Grades - Instructors Kit: $5.00 Student Manuals (0): $65.00 Spanish versions available
Facts
FACTS is a highly successful abstinence project developed through a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (Title XX). The FACTS abstinence curricula include 5th and 6th grades, Middle School, Senior High, Parent Materials, and a Parent-Teen Workshop. More than a just say no program, FACTS (Family Accountability Communicating Teen Sexuality) covers a wide range of topics. Facts About Me Facts and Friends Im in Charge of the Facts Facts and Reasons Grades 5 Grades 6 Grades 7-8* Grades 9-* Individual Grade: $.95 All-inclusive Set: $85.00
*Curriculum can be purchased all-inclusive or for separate grades. Northwest Family Services (NWFS) 805 N.E. Glisan Street Portland, OR 97 Phone: 50-5-677 Email: [email protected] www.nwfs.org
Love U2
Love U2 is a series of units that help young people acquire practical skills for emotionally healthy and ethically sound relationships. Relationship Smarts offers lessons of practical guidance for building relationships that are not based on sex. It covers subjects such as infatuation, rejection, falling in love, emotions, gauging relationship health, a low-risk relationship strategy, and breaking up. Becoming Sex Smart includes lessons about the emotional and social aspects of sexuality that are too often ignored in sexuality discussions. A powerful motivational approach to help teens craft a North Star, set boundaries, and more confidently navigate romantic relationships. Love U programs are designed for schools, youth agencies, clubs and faith-based organizations. Relationship Smarts Sex Smarts The Dibble Fund PO Box 788 Berkeley, CA 9707-088 Phone: -800-695-7975 Fax: 50-58-956 www.dibblefund.com Grades 8- Grades 8- Complete Course: $97 each (includes dvds, instructors guide & reproducible student activity sheets.)
Project Reality
Game Plan, developed in cooperation with NBA Basketball star A.C. Green, uses a sports-themed approach to understanding the benefits of abstinence until marriage. Navigator is a high school text designed to help teens develop their goals and dreams and to resist negative pressure to engage in sexual activity and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Game Plan Navigator Project Reality 70 E. Lake Ave. Glenview, IL 6005 Phone: 87-79-98 Fax: 87-79-97 www.projectreality.org Grades 6-8 Grades 9- Teachers manual: $8.00 Student workbook: $.00 Bulk rates available
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Project Taking Charge Association of Family and Consumer Sciences 00 N. Columbus St. Alexandria, VA Phone: 800--8080 Fax: 70-706-66 www.aafcs.org/products/publications_catalog.html
Abstinence the Better Choice 85 West Market St. Suite 0 Akron, OH Phone: 0-86-59 Fax: 0-86-50 www.abstinencebetterchoice.com
Respect, Inc. P.O. Box 9 Bradley, IL 6095-09 Phone: 85-9-889 Fax: 85-9-999 www.sexrespect.com Page Michigan Guide to Abstinence Resources
Teen-Aid
Me, My World, My Future, designed for middle school students, lasts from three to six weeks. Activities stress abstinence from sexual activity, drugs, alcohol and tobacco in order to achieve future goals. Modules are available with information on HIV, STDs and sexual harassment. Materials for promoting teen-parent communication are also available. Sexuality, Commitment and Family is a -6 week course for high school students featuring themes such as friendship and dating relationships as foundations for lasting marriages, the importance of strong family ties and the importance of teen-parent communication. It provides information on HIV and STDs, teaches decision-making and refusal skills, and stresses marriage as the proper context for sexuality. AIDS: You Can Live Without It is designed to be used independently, or in conjunction with the above programs. HIV: You Can Live Without It Me, My World, My Future Sexuality, Commitment and Family Teen-Aid 7 E. Jackson Spokane, WA 9907 Phone: 800-57-868 Fax: 509-8-799 www.teen-aid.org Grades 5- Grades 6-8 Grade 9 HIV Teachers Manual: $.95 Teachers manual: $9.5
WAIT Training
This Title V, A-H compliant curriculum is designed to serve middle and high school students with the reasons, skills and support to choose abstinence until, and in preparation for, marriage. With a focus on the benefits of healthy relationships, boundaries and behaviors, WAIT Training provides medically accurate, research-based, culturally sensitive and relevant information to youth at a critical time in their development. This curriculum teaches toward something positive rather than away from something negative which teens seem to appreciate and enjoy. A student manual/journal is also available. WAIT Training Curriculum Grades 6- Trainers Guide: $5.00 Student Manual: $0.00
WAIT Training 07 East Dorado Place Greenwood Village, Colorado 80 Phone: 70-88-8888 Fax: 0--770 Email: [email protected] www.waittraining.com
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Choose Freedom
Choose Freedom is composed of approximately 5-0 high school leaders who perform a drama presentation to middle school students. The presentation aims to show that sexual abstinence will lead to more freedoms both now and in the future. The group also demonstrates skills that will help the younger students remain abstinent. Choose Freedom is currently faith based and performs in youth groups. Michigan Family Forum PO Box 56 Lansing, MI 890 Phone: 57-7-7 Fax: 57-7-6 www.choosefreedommichigan.org
H.E.A.R.T.S.
The Pregnancy Resource Center has a group of 0 teenagers who are committed to personal purity. They promote abstinence and healthy relationships using skits, dramatic monologues, and peer discussions. The teams message is exclusively abstinence until marriage. H.E.A.R.T.S. works in public and private schools as well as religious and community events. Pregnancy Resource Center 5 Cherry St. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 950 Phone: 66-776-80 ext. 07 www.pregres.org
S.T.A.T.S
Straight Talk About Tough Stuff is composed of approximately 50 high school students who creatively share information on sexual abstinence. Targeting middle school children, they use skits, music and personal testimony to communicate the message that not everyone is doing it. 505 Lake Harbor Rd. Muskegon, MI 9 Phone: -7-86 Fax: -7-79 email: jansport@aol.com www.statsworks.info
Teen H.E.A.R.T.
Composed of approximately sixty high school students,Teen HEART, a peer education program, is a nonprofit organization that seeks to educate and empower adolescents with knowledge and skills necessary to abstain from sexual activity, drugs and alcohol. A resource list is available. 00 W. Michigan Suite 0 Kalamazoo, MI 9006 Phone: 69--86 Fax: 69- 5-5788 www.teenheart.org
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Whos In Charge?
The Whos in Charge team uses drama, dance, testimonies and statistics to testify that abstinence from drugs, alcohol, tobacco and pre-marital sexual activity IS the right and healthy lifestyle choice for young people! Teen presenters give a relative message of abstinence in schools and community organizations. P.O. Box 0 Howard Suite # Petoskey, MI 9770 Phone: -8-87 Fax: -8-8587 www.whosincharge.org
Yes Coalition
Our mission is to promote abstinence from risky behavior to youth and facilitate meaningful connections between them and their parents or other supportive adults. The YES! Club is an abstinence-only program, meeting both after shool, as well as during the summer. The club has also had a presence in school and has hosted weekend retreats with parents and teens, utilizing a three-tiered mentoring and peer education system. Youth acquire skills necessary to choose abstinence from sex and other related risky behaviors. 560 Plank Rd. Gladwin, MI 86 Phone: 989-98-560 www.yescoalition.org
Abstinence Clearinghouse
The Clearinghouse was founded to provide a central location where character, relationship, and abstinence programs, curricula, speakers, merchandise and materials could be accessed. The Clearinghouse serves agencies on a national, state and local level, as well as international organizations. 80 East st Street Sioux Falls, SD 5705 Phone: 605-5-6 www.abstinence.net
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Friends First
Provides ongoing support to teens to reach the goal of abstaining from high risk behaviors and to encourage character development. This program includes a comprehensive model with a variety of components and resources including WAIT Training, parent education workshops, an education library, and the Friends First Network. P.O. Box 56 Longmont, CO 8050 Phone: 800-909-98 Fax: 0-776-0705 www.friendsfirst.org
Speakers Bureaus
Ambassador Agency
07 Battlewood Street Franklin, TN 7069 Phone: 65-70-700 www.ambassadoragency.com
Nashville Speakers
P.O. Box 0909 Nashville, TN, 7-0909 Phone: 65-6- Fax: 65-6-6 Email: [email protected] www.nashspeakers.com
Premier Speakers
000 Corporate Centre, Ste 0 Franklin, TN 7067 Phone: 65-6-000 Fax: 65-6-08 www.premierspeakers.com
Mathematica Report
On June , 005, the Department of Health and Human Services released the first-year findings of this longitudinal study of abstinence education programs, confirming the benefits of abstinence education in public schools. http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/publications/pdfs/firstyearabstinence.pdf
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2005 Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Michigan Department of Education, www.michigan.gov/yrbs.
6% of all teenagers who have not had sexual intercourse have had oral sex.
Trends and Recent Estimates: Sexual Activity Among U.S. Teens, Child Trends, http://www.childtrends.org/Files/SexualActivityRB.pdf
6% of the kids having sex waited - months before having sex with their partner.
Child Trends, The First Time: Characteristics of Teens First Sexual Relationships. http://www.childtrends.org/Files/FirstTimeRB.pdf
5% of sexually active girls had a partner who was + years older than they were at time of intercourse. 5% of sexually active students in Michigan had a partner who was + years older than they were.
2005 Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Michigan Department of Education, www.michigan.gov/yrbs
Child Trends, The First Time: Characteristics of Teens First Sexual Relationships. http://www.childtrends.org/Files/FirstTimeRB.pdf
Relationships between a young adolescent (aged -) and a partner, who is older by two or more years, are much more likely to include sexual intercourse. The percentage doubles if the partner is years older, and triples if the partner is years older.
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, Science Says: The Sexual Behavior of Young Adolescents. September 2003. http://www.teenpregnancy.org/works/pdf/sciencesaysSexual%20BehaviorYoungAdolescents.pdf
% said that verbal abuse occurred during their first sexual relationship (name calling, insults, swearing, disrespectful treatment in front of others or threats of violence).
Child Trends, The First Time: Characteristics of Teens First Sexual Relationships. http://www.childtrends.org/Files/FirstTimeRB.pdf
% of Michigan students who had sexual intercourse drank alcohol or used drugs before their last sexual intercourse experience.
2005 Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Michigan Department of Education, www.michigan.gov/yrbs
68% of 6 8 year olds report that they first had sexual intercourse in the family home, their partners family home, or a friends house.
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, Science Says: Where and When Teens First Have Sex. June 2003. http://www. teenpregnancy.org/works/pdf/sciencesayswherewhen.pdf
Each year, million teens contract and STD; overall, one-fourth of sexually active teens have been afflicted.
Alan Guttmacher Institute, Sex and Americas Teenagers (New York: Alan Guttmacher Institute, 1994), pp. 19-20
5% of sexually active teenage women are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), an incurable virus that is present in nearly all cervical cancers.
Kaiser Family Foundation, HPV and Cervical Cancer, Fact Sheet, July 2001
Engaging in sex and drug behavior places adolescents, and especially girls, at risk for future depression.
D. Hallfors PhD, M. Waller PhD, D. Bauer PhD, C. Ford MD, C. Halpern PhD. Which comes first in Adolescence sex and drugs or depression? American Journal of Preventative Medicine, October 2005, Vol. 29, Issue 3, pp 163-246
6% of all teens regret their decision and wish they had waited longer before having intercourse.
National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, Teens Talk About Sex, Regret, and the Influence of Their Parents. June 30, 2000, http://www.teenpregnancy.org/resources/data/pdf/teenwant.pdf.
Individuals who engage in premarital sexual activity are 50 percent more likely to divorce later in life than those who do not.
Joan R. Kahn and Kathryn A. London, Premarital Sex and the Risk of Divorce, Journal of marriage and the family, November 1991, pp 845-855
Contributing Factors:
87% of teens said it would be easier to delay sex and prevent teen pregnancy if teens were able to have more open, honest conversations about these topics with their parents. 7% report they have not had such a conversation with their parents.
B. Albert, Americas Adults and Teens Sound off About Teen Pregnancy, The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. December 2004, http://www.teenpregnancy.org/resources/data/pdf/WOV2004.pdf.
High levels of parent-family connectedness, parental disapproval of their adolescent being sexually active, and parental disapproval of their adolescents using contraception were significant factors associated with delaying sexual debut in teens.
Resnick, M., et. al. Protecting Adolescents from harm: Findings from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health. Journal of the American Medical Association, September 10, 1997, Vol. 278 pp 823-832.
% of high school students say they have been at an evening party where there are no adults in the house.
B. Albert, Americas Adults and Teens Sound off About Teen Pregnancy, The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. December 2004, http://www.teenpregnancy.org/resources/data/pdf/WOV2004.pdf.
90% of teens said it would be a lot easier to delay sex if other teens spoke positively about not having sex.
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, Science Says: The Case for the Cautious Generation, June 2003. http://www. teenpregnancy.org/works/pdf/Cautious%20Generation%20FINAL.pdf.
A teen who believes his or her friends are sexually active is more likely to initiate sex, and is less likely to do so if he or she believes that peers are not sexually active.
Brown, B., Theobald, W. (1999), How Peers Matter: A Research Synthesis of Peer Influences in Adolescent Pregnancy. (pp. 2880). Washington DC: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
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