Adolescence is often a time of growth, confusion, and change. For many youth, sexual experimentation becomes part of this equation as well. In 1997-98 the district health department in Pocatello, Idaho conducted an APEXPH assets and needs assessment of the community. One of the areas of concern identified was teen pregnancy. As a result, a community task force was assembled to develop a comprehensive strategy to help combat the ever increasing number of pregnancies. A major facet of the plan involved surveying faith communities to determine how many of them conducted sexuality education for their youth, and if they did, what topics were covered. As predicted, few churches conducted any sort of sexuality training for members who were children and adolescents (or for their parents for that matter). However, the survey did pique the interest of a variety of religious leaders in the community who were willing to consider initiating programs in their churches if they had some up-to-date information and training to increase their comfort level. With this in mind, several members of the task force then decided to organize and conduct a sexuality training for faith community leaders. A literature review was conducted to obtain best practices sexuality curricula and curricular ideas. Based on the findings, a curriculum was authored and piloted. After revision, the training, which consisted of four two hour sessions, was conducted in the summer of 1999. Faith community leaders from over 20 churches attended. Evaluations were positive.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: Articulate a procedure for identifying components included in a sexuality training for faith community leaders. Identify methods to achieve "common ground" in sexuality education curricular components among a variety of faith communities. Develop a template for a sexuality training for faith community leaders. Discuss methods to evaluate the process and impact of the training
Keywords: Sexuality, Faith Community
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.