MOAPPP February 2008 E-Monthly

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MOAPPP Welcomes New Staff Member

Julie Schultz Brown has joined the MOAPPP staff as Development Director, bringing with her a strong background in grant writing and donor relations. Julie has worked with a number of non-profits, and has many connections in the youth development field. Please join us in welcoming her to MOAPPP.

Call for Exhibitors for MOAPPP’s 17th Annual Conference, May 1-2, 2008

Join us as an exhibitor for the 17th Annual MOAPPP Conference, “Broadening Our Perspective: Refining Our Approach,” May 1-2, 2008 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center. The MOAPPP Conference convenes approximately 400 social service and health care providers, educators, advocates, program directors and youth who work to prevent adolescent pregnancy and support pregnant and parenting teens in Minnesota. Visit the conference page of the MOAPPP website for more information and an application.

Other Announcements

February 4-8 is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week

This week is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week. See an informative toolkit focused on this sensitive issue created by the American Bar Association at www.abanet.org.

February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS-more than any other racial/ethnic group in the United States. Learn more about HIV among young African Americans/blacks by visiting:

  • From Research to Practice-Young African American Women and HIV
  • The Facts: Youth of Color-At Disproportionate Risk of Negative Sexual Health Outcomes
  • Transitions: Information about Issues Faced by Youth of Color
  • Kaiser Foundation Black Americans HIV/AIDS Fact Sheet (PDF)

To get involved, please visit www.blackaidsday.org. For local resources on HIV testing and advocacy, visit www.mnaidsproject.org.

February 14th is National Condom Day

February 14th, more widely known as Valentine’s Day, is also National Condom Day. This day is observed to raise awareness and educate people about condoms. According to the CDC, condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV, and effective in preventing pregnancy and a number of sexually transmitted infections. For more information about condoms, visit www.advocatesforyouth.org. To order condom calendars, postcards and posters, visit the Advocates for Youth’s Posters and Postcards page.

Youth Essay Contest

Young advocates ages 16-24 are invited to enter an essay contest sponsored by Advocates for Youth, the Feminist Majority Foundation, SIECUS and the Sierra Club. Essays should focus on the potential roles youth can play in advocating for a more just and sustainable world, where all people have access to sexual and reproductive health services and a healthy environment. For more information about this essay contest, see the event flyer. (PDF)

Q Health Services

Southside Community Health Services in Minneapolis recently announced a new affiliate called Q Health Services. This new organization was created for the purpose of improving and stabilizing community health. Through identifying the needs of the community and developing healthy solutions, their goal is to provide access to quality health care for all people, thereby ensuring a better quality of life. To find out more about Q Health Services, visit www.qhealthservices.org. Questions? Contact [email protected].

In the News

Arizona Becomes 16th State to Reject Federal Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Money

Arizona recently became the 16th state to reject federal abstinence-only-until-marriage funds. Governor Janet Napolitano said she believes in education that “strongly promotes abstinence” but only will accept federal funding again if it can be used for a “curriculum that provides comprehensive and medically accurate sexuality education.” For more information, visit the Daily Women’s Health Policy Report.

San Francisco Chronicle Examines Use of Technology for Sex Education

Educators are looking at ways to use technology to reach device-savvy teens with sexual health information. To read more, visit the Daily Women’s Health Policy Report

STIGMA: The Silent Killer Premieres on Thursday, February 7 to Honor Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

This BET News Special Examines stigma’s role in the spread of HIV/AIDS among Blacks in the U.S. and the Caribbean. Watch it on Thursday, February 7 at 8:00 p.m. EST/PST. For more details and information, visit www.kff.org.

New Resources

New Guide: Violence Against Women and HIV and AIDS

This guide examines the links between violence against women (VAW) and HIV and AIDS, highlighting key issues, research and resources. Read more at www.eldis.org.

How to Keep Pregnant and Parenting Students from Dropping Out: A Primer for Schools

This fact sheet is part of a series of tools designed by the National Women’s Law Center to help schools address the issue of student dropouts. While girls drop out for many reasons, it is clear that pregnancy and parenting responsibilities are a significant factor. For the complete fact sheet, visit www.nwlc.org. (PDF)

New Research

New Study Examines Unplanned Sexual Activity as a Consequence of Alcohol Use

This study’s findings highlight the role that risk perceptions regarding sexual activity may play in college students’ alcohol use. Read the abstract at pubmed.gov.

Recently Homeless Youth More Likely To Engage in Risky Sex

According to this study in the Journal of Adolescent Health, youth who have recently become homeless are more likely than other youth to engage in risky sexual behavior that can lead to the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. An abstract of the study is available online.

One-Third of Women With Only One Sexual Partner Contract HPV Within a Year

According to a study published recently in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, nearly one-third of college-aged women who have had just one sexual partner contracted human papillomavirus within one year of becoming sexually active. These findings show the importance of offering an HPV vaccine to girls and young women before they begin having sex. For more information, visit the Daily Women’s Health Policy Report

Routine HIV Testing May Benefit Teenagers

According to a study in the Journal of Adolescent Health, students who had previously had an HIV test were three times more likely to seek testing again during the study period. Getting young people into the habit of routine testing could positively affect their behavior into adulthood. An abstract of the study is also available.

Childhood Lead Poisoning, Adolescent Pregnancy and Smoking

This paper in the January 2008 issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health suggests that higher lead levels affect developing brains for many years. The authors found that the odds of having a second pregnancy among adolescent participants with elevated childhood blood-lead levels were higher than those with acceptable blood-lead levels.

Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth

This study was designed to provide a comprehensive picture of how youth make the transition from foster care to adulthood. Relevant findings include less access to family planning services, high teen pregnancy and birth rates and a high number of subsequent pregnancies. The full report is available at www.chapinhall.org.

Native Teen Voices: Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Recommendations

This article in the Journal of Adolescent Health identifies pregnancy prevention strategies from the perspectives of both male and female urban Native youth. Read the abstract at pubmed.gov. To find out more about the Native Teen Voices Project, visit www.ntv.umn.edu.

MOAPPP Events

February 27, 2008
Teen Pregnancy Prevention 101

9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Temple Israel
2324 Emerson Avenue South, Minneapolis

This training is intended for professionals new to the field of teen pregnancy prevention. Participants will review the basics of teen pregnancy prevention including pregnancy, STI and birth statistics; trends in teen pregnancy and sexual behaviors; basics of adolescent growth and development; risk and protective factors associated with teen pregnancy; and prevention strategies that work. Each participant will leave with a basic understanding of current research and resources in teen pregnancy prevention, what to do to promote adolescent sexual health and where to go for more information and support. For more information, see the flyer and registration form. (PDF) Questions? Contact Jill Farris at 651-644-1447 x18 or [email protected].

March 13, 2008
Diversity Not Adversity: An Honest Dialogue about Differences and Working with Diverse Populations

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Center for Families
3333 North 4th Street, Minneapolis

Led by Clarence Jones of Southside Community Health Services, this open dialogue will engage participants in candid conversations on how we can effectively embrace diversity without losing our souls (sense of self, history, traditions, values, etc.). This session will explore how providers can successfully and sensitively address the health, economic and social needs of adolescents and families of different cultures. For more information, see the event flyer (PDF) and the register here.

May 1 – 2, 2008
MOAPPP’s 17th Annual Conference
Broadening Our Perspective: Refining Our Approach

MOAPPP Annual Conference

Earle Brown Heritage Center
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

This year’s conference will challenge us to Broaden Our Perspective-to reflect on old assumptions and conventional wisdom about the youth we serve and the work we do-and Refine Our Approach to better match the realities and opportunities that exist today. Join more than 400 colleagues for two days of dynamic speakers, challenging workshops and countless opportunities for networking and conversation. For a sample of keynotes and workshops, visit the conference webpage. Look for the conference brochure on the website and in your mailboxes in late February.

Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed Trainings

MOAPPP is a founding member of the Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed. The Coalition advocates for policies on sex education and access to confidential health care for minors. Here is a list of Coalition events for 2008. For additional information, visit www.coalitionforsexed.org.

February 13, 2008
Advocacy Skills Building Workshop

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Church Center, 122 West Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis

This year’s member meeting will be an advocacy skills building event. Hear updates on the status of state and federal sexuality education and learn how to lobby decision makers about the importance of effective programs. To RSVP for this free event, contact Amy Kodet at MOAPPP at 651-644-1447 x17 or [email protected].

February 19, 2008
Capitol Lab

9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
State Office Building 346

Get comfortable finding your way around the Minnesota State Capitol. This event will familiarize Coalition members with the State Capitol and the legislative process. Join us for an inside look at how the political process works. This event is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP by contacting Amy Kodet, MOAPPP Public Policy Intern at [email protected] or 651-644-1447 x17.

April 8, 2008
Youth Lobby Day

12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
State Capitol Great Hall and Rotunda

Youth and their parents will learn about the legislative process and issues surrounding comprehensive sexuality education and minors’ consent. Please join us for this opportunity to learn about SEFL issues, hear from advocates and legislators, and if schedules permit, meet with the legislators from your district. For more information, contact Amy Kodet at MOAPPP at 651-644-1447 x17 or [email protected].

Other Events

February 8, 2008
Every Student Connected: Working to Create Equitable Schools by Challenging Class Stereotypes and Classism

8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Brooklyn Center Community Center, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center

Social class differences between teachers and students, if left unexamined, can disconnect students and their families from schools. School staff can build their awareness, challenge existing assumptions and adopt practices that build solid connections with students and families from all social classes. For more information, contact Jeannette Raymond at [email protected], 612-728-2084. Registration is due by January 11, 2008.

February 8, 2008
Sexy Without Sex

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
North Community High School
1500 James Avenue North at door #13, Minneapolis

A premiere showing and panel discussion of the new DVD produced by Twin Cities Public Television and U Care on sexually transmitted infections. Sponsored in Conjunction with Girls In Action and North Community High School.

February 13 and 20, 2008
Healthy Sexuality, Healthy Youth

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
UCR Heintz Center
1926 Collegeview Drive SE, Rochester

Attend this training to explore ways in which adults can more effectively partner with youth to help them learn the facts around sexual health. To register, visit www.extension.umn.edu or call 612-624-1999.

February 18-September 29, 2008
Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) 2008 Online Courses

CEED is offering a variety of online courses that may be of interest to those working with adolescent parents and their children. Examples include: Parent-Infant Pathways: An Educator’s Guide to Providing Information and Support to New Parents; Introduction to Infant Mental Health; Addressing Needs of Young Children Who Engage in Challenging Behavior; and Relationship-based Teaching With Young Children. Go to the CEED website to print a 2008 schedule and informational flyer. (PDF)

February 27, 2008
Teen Leadership Summit to End Dating and Sexual Violence

4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The Kelly Inn
161 St. Anthony Avenue, St. Paul

Participants will have the opportunity to access resources about dating and sexual violence and how to help keep yourself and your friends safe. You’ll also learn how to engage your peers and your community to prevent violence. Dinner will be provided. For more information and to register, see the registration flyer. (PDF)

February 28, 2008
Girls Rock! The Capitol

8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church on the Capitol
150 University Avenue West, St. Paul then to the State Capitol

Gather in the morning for breakfast and to be greeted by a Minnesota woman legislator. Participate in interactive workshops on issues that affect teens and women. Then head to the Capitol to participate in the Violence Against Women Action Day Rally. You’ll also get to be a senator in a mock legislative committee; meet with your legislators; and end the day at a reception with inspiring women legislators. Lunch will be provided. For more information and to register please see the registration flyer. (PDF)

March 12 and 19, 2008
Healthy Sexuality, Healthy Youth

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
American Red Cross
1301 West St. Germain, St. Cloud

Attend this training to explore ways in which adults can more effectively partner with youth to help them learn the facts around sexual health. To register, visit www.extension.umn.edu or call 612-624-1999.

March 15, 2008
Q-Quest Youth Fest!

A Conference Exploring and Celebrating the Voices of Queer Youth & Allies

9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Webster Community School
425 Fifth Street NE, Minneapolis

This conference will offer young people the opportunity to explore personal identity and voice within the context of a diverse queer community, consider options for education, career and family, and think, create and celebrate with other youth from diverse backgrounds. Visit the Minneapolis Public Schools Calendar to register online.

April 1, 2008
Breaking Cycles, Building Circle

Best Western Marshall Inn, Marshall

This conference will focus on breaking cycles of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, community violence, school failure, etc., while healing youth and families in order to build strong circles of support, resiliency and development. For registration fee information and registration forms, visit mnyipa.org.

April 15-16, 2008
18thAnnual Minnesota Conference on Adolescent Females

University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Conference Center, St. Paul

This conference offers a variety of educational and creative learning opportunities for women and men who work with adolescent girls featuring workshops, panels of girls speaking for themselves, creative arts performances and a book and resource fair. For questions about presenting in workshops or becoming a vendor or sponsor, contact Sue Weyer at 651-295-8216.

April 19, 2008
Walk A Mile In Her Shoes

A Walk to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence

Registration starts at 7:00 a.m., Walk begins at 8:30 a.m.
Burnsville Center, Burnsville

This nationwide event gives men the opportunity to stand up and “walk-the-walk” to raise awareness about sexual violence and educate the community about support services. Participants are asked to submit their registration forms by March 28, 2008. For more information, contact the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program (SAFE): Fairview Ridges Hospital Attn: SAFE, 201 East Nicollet Blvd., Burnsville, MN 55337 or 952-892-2714.

Funding Opportunities

There are no new funding opportunities at this time.