Too often, attempts to provide young people with the valuable information they need to make responsible decisions about sex and relationships are stymied by conflict over what type of curriculum to institute. More problematic is that this conflict frequently leads to an abandonment of doing any sexuality education.
Research can direct us in our programming and curriculum choices and implementation, but in real life, it does not have the final say. Community norms and values, as well as adopted ideologies and faith traditions, have a strong impact on what types of sexuality education programming we provide to young people.
The question remains, how do we balance those interests, particularly in the absence of clear, widely held and respected studies on what types of sexuality education work best? Further, if the research at present is unable to provide clear direction, what do we do in the iterim to help young people?
This presentation will provide several case studies intended to illustrate that moving forward in the case of conflict is possible. The author has worked on several common ground building projects around the country on these precise issues, as well as co-authoring a chapter on reducing conflict and moving forward in "Get Organized: A Guide to Preventing Teen Pregnancy."
Learning Objectives: Provide case studies and examples of how communities embroiled in conflict over sexuality education can move forward, find common ground, or agree to disagree over precise strategies while meeting the needs of young people. Knowledge of strategies to move forward will also be presented
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.