MOAPPP February 2011 E-Monthly

MOAPPP February 2011 E-Monthly

Conference Preview

This year, MOAPPP reaches the 20-year anniversary of bringing inspiring and relevant content to the field of youth-serving professionals at its annual conference. Save the date now to join us on May 5-6, 2011 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, MN. The ever-amazing Conference Planning Committee has confirmed three respected and charismatic keynote speakers: Michael Resnick, Jessica Yee and Lateefah Simon. Speakers, workshops and exhibitors will create an atmosphere that supports you in becoming teen-wise—ready to facilitate young people’s journey to adulthood. Visit the conference page for more information.


Call for Exhibitors for MOAPPP’s 20th Annual Conference, May 5-6, 2011

Please join us as an exhibitor for the 20th Annual MOAPPP Conference, May 5-6, 2011 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 promote adolescent sexual health, prevent adolescent pregnancy, HIV and STIs, and support pregnant and parenting teens in Minnesota. Visit the conference page of the MOAPPP website for more information and an application.


MOAPPP Annual Awards

MOAPPP Annual Awards MOAPPP will confer awards in the following categories at its annual conference:

  • Advocate of the Year
  • Outstanding Individual of the Year
  • Program of the Year
  • Teen of the Year
  • Judy Ojeda Community Partner of the Year (this award is dedicated to Judy Ojeda, MOAPPP’s former Outreach Coordinator who died unexpectedly in 2009).

To nominate a person or organization in any of these categories, please submit a complete nomination form (PDF) to Brigid Riley, MOAPPP Executive Director at [email protected].


MOAPPP is Hiring!

MOAPPP seeks a dynamic individual to lead the organization’s development and communications functions in support of its work to ensure that young people have the tools they need to grow into sexually healthy adults, and that young parents have the support they need to succeed. Visit the Job Opportunities page for a full job description and application details.


MOAPPP February 2011 E-Monthly

New Resource on It’s That Easy! (ITE) Initiative Website – Find ITE Parent Educator Link

We are excited to announce a new resource: the Find ITE Parent Educator button, on the ITE Initiative website. Consider using this resource when looking for professionals to present to parents/clients of children ages zero-18 years. ITE Parent Educators are able to present on a variety of topics around raising sexually healthy children. To find an ITE Parent Educator in your area, enter your zip code—it’s just that easy! Have you attended an ITE Parent Educator training, but aren’t able to locate your information on the Find ITE Educator page? To be included, contact Jocelyn Broyles at [email protected].


National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is May 4, 2011. Start planning how to engage your young people and encourage them to take the National Day Quiz. For details about the day, check out the National Day website.


May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

It’s not too early to start planning how your organization can promote May as National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (NTPPM). Observed each May by states and communities throughout the country, NTPPM seeks to involve communities in promoting and supporting effective teen pregnancy prevention initiatives. A great resource is a publication by Advocates for Youth: National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (NTPPM) Planning Guidebook (PDF). This guidebook provides strategic tips and examples to help local communities plan and implement activities for NTPPM. It also includes fact sheets, guidance for involving youth and working with the media and sample forms.

Other Announcements

Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month

In honor of Teen Dating Violence prevention month, the sexual violence prevention program at the Minnesota Department of Health has created a friendly game of weekly quizzes to test people’s knowledge on the intersections of Teen Dating Violence with other areas in public health. Click here to take the quiz and enter a drawing to win a prize!


National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – Tuesday, March 10, 2011

March 10, 2011 will mark the fifth annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day which seeks to raise awareness of the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on the lives of women and girls. For more information about the 2011 observance or to download posters and other resources, visit www.aids.gov. Watch the Minnesota Department of Health website for local fact sheets, updates and activities.


National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – Friday, March 20, 2011

March 20, 2011 will mark the fifth annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This day is an opportunity to increase awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS on American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. For more information about National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and for downloadable resources, visit www.nnaapc.org, www.happ.colostate.edu and www.itcaonline.com. Watch the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) website for local fact sheets, updates and activities here. A Governor’s Proclamation and corresponding news release will be developed by MDH on behalf of the observance.


Performance Management Leadership Institute

To help nonprofit leaders in areas of management and leadership, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) is currently recruiting participants specifically from Northern/Central Minnesota for our newest leadership program, the Performance Management Leadership Institute. MCN’s nine-month Performance Management Leadership Institute has been created for nonprofit staff and board members who are passionate about leading their organizations to higher levels of effectiveness and community impact. Interested professionals can apply for this unique opportunity to gain information and skills to become a more effective leader and create a more dynamic organization.

Sign up for a free, informational webinar on February 22, 12:00-1:00 p.m. RSVP at www.mncn.org or by calling Paul Masiarchin at [email protected], 651-757-3087 (RSVP is required).


Sexuality Education Residency

The Sexuality Education Residency is a unique opportunity for pre-service and licensed teachers to gain extensive training in delivering sexuality education for school aged youth. Participants earn a $1,000 stipend upon completion, and may arrange for academic credit through their university. The Sexuality Education Residency includes:

  • A 4-day intensive training in summer 2011 (meals included)
  • A 30-hour field experience paired with a health educator based on your schedule
  • Participation in three half-day seminars

The ideal candidate will be one of the following:

  • A Pre-Licensed Teacher in any subject area
  • A Licensed Teacher seeking a dual Licensure in Health
  • A Licensed Teacher outside of Health

Applications are being accepted through March. Visit the Birds & Bees Project’s website for more information.


West Suburban Teen Clinic – in Hopkins!

Congratulation to the West Suburban Teen Clinic which recently opened its second health clinic in the city of Hopkins, MN. Visit the clinic’s website for information about services and hours.

For Youth

A Thin Line Campaign: Street Team Recruiting

Created by MTV, “A Thin Line” campaign is focused on stopping the spread of abuse in the form of sexting, cyberbullying and digital dating abuse. The campaign hopes to empower America’s youth to identify, respond to and stop the spread of the various forms of digital harassment. MTV hopes to spark a conversation and deliver information that helps young people everywhere draw their own digital line.

To move this mission forward, MTV is looking for young people between the ages of 14 and 29 with experience in social media to be members of its “A Thin Line” Street Team. For more information about the Street Team and how to apply, visit www.athinline.org.

New Resources

New Fact Sheet on Sexual Health of Adolescents and Young Adults

The Kaiser Family Foundation has recently published a new fact sheet (PDF) with helpful statistics and facts on the sexual health of American adolescents and young adults.


Before It’s Too Late: What Parents Need to Know About Teen Pregnancy and STD Prevention

This newly published book, written by a board certified OB/GYN and medical writer is aimed at parents of teens. Created as a comprehensive guide for parents, the book includes medically accurate facts, interactive tips and specific advice for interacting with teens as they consider sexual activity. It also includes information about trends in sexual behavior, best birth control methods for teens and suggestions for improving communication.


Bedsider.org

Bedsider.org is a free support network for birth control operated by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. Launched in 2010, the website’s goal is to help women find the method of birth control that’s right for them and learn how to use it consistently and effectively.


National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was February 7. Resources are still available online, including fact sheets, tip sheets and promotional materials at these links:

  • Healthy Black Communities, Inc.
  • Minnesota Department of Health

New Research

Comparison of Teenagers’ Early Same-Sex and Heterosexual Behavior

This study in the Journal of Adolescent Health from the UK found a greater reported level of sexual risk-taking among teenagers with same sex partners compared to those with opposite sex partners. Boys reported more pressure to have unwanted sex than girls.


Adolescent Girls’ Attitudes About, and Engagement in, Sexual Behaviors

This study in the Journal of Adolescent Health examined both sexual attitudes and behaviors of 358 urban girls between 1999 and 2006 and found that their personal attitudes toward abstinence were the strongest predictor of engagement in a variety of sexual behaviors.


Adolescent Pregnancy and Childbirth – United States, 1991-2008

Giving birth to a child during the adolescent years frequently is associated with long-term adverse consequences for the mother and her child that often are attributable in part to fragile family structure and limited social support and financial resources. Compared with infants born to adult women, infants born to adolescent females are at elevated risk for preterm birth, low birth weight, or death during infancy. This report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzes trends and variations in adolescent pregnancy and birth rates.


Guttmacher Institute State Policies in Brief


American Perceptions of Sexual Violence: A FrameWorks Research Report

This report (PDF) illustrates the results of a cross-national study based on in-depth interviews from both experts and average Americans on sexual violence. This study includes the following three components: 1) an analysis of the discourse on sexual violence from expert interviews, 2) one-on-one cognitive interviews with Americans, and 3) a comparative analysis that “maps the gaps” between expert and lay understandings of this topic. The report concludes with a set of recommendations that will improve communications practice around this issue and inform the next phase of research.


Child Trend Research Brief
Characteristics of Young Adult Sexual Relationships: Diverse, Sometimes Violent, Often Loving

The types of sexual relationships that young adults form and the choices that they make within these relationships can have a long-lasting impact on their lives. In recent years, these relationships have become increasingly diverse, in terms of the types of unions formed, partner age and racial/ethnic differences, and levels of love and commitment. Moreover, young adults’ relatively high rates of nonmarital and unintended childbearing—combined with high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) within this population—have attracted the attention of the research community, social service providers, policy makers and the media. Some research has linked characteristics of relationships and partners to reproductive health and childbearing behaviors and decisions, including contraceptive use. Yet limited information exists on characteristics of young adult relationships and partners. This research brief (PDF) seeks to fill this knowledge gap by focusing on these characteristics.


CDC Releases First Periodic Health Disparities and Inequalities Report

The CDC Health Disparities and Inequalities report is the first in a series of periodic, consolidated assessments that highlight health disparities by sex, race and ethnicity, income, education, disability status and other social characteristics in the U.S.


Sex Trafficking and the Exploitation of Adolescents

This article in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing discusses the problem of sex trafficking of adolescents which affects a surprisingly large number of adolescents around the globe. Women and girls make up the majority of sex trafficking victims. Nurses can play a role in identifying, intervening and advocating for victims of human trafficking as they currently do for patients that are the victims of other types of violent crimes.


The Lasting Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse

This paper (PDF) in Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences presents the effects of childhood sexual abuse of children (male and female) on their lives using data collected from secondary sources. The effects of childhood sexual abuse are many; however, this paper particularly looks at the relationship between two effects e.g., psychological and work.


The Sexual Safety of Adolescents

In this article from the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing, the authors review issues that affect the sexual safety of adolescents. First and foremost, these issues include risks for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Clinicians also need to understand other critical issues that affect sexual safety. These include adolescent dating patterns, decision making, communication and negotiation skills, social and environmental influences and risks related to violence. Suggestions for clinical interventions to promote sexual safety are discussed.


Implications of Violence in Adolescent Dating Experiences

In this article from the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing, the author focuses on the public health issue of adolescent dating violence. Issues associated with violence in adolescent dating experiences are explored, including the definition of dating violence, forms of violence and associated health consequences. Assessment tools and techniques useful for nurses in the clinical setting are provided to use when discussing violence with adolescents and parents of adolescents. Finally, strategies for intervening in situations of adolescent dating violence are offered.

MOAPPP Events

February 24, 2011
Meeting the Unique Needs of Adolescent Mothers and Fathers

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville

Adolescent parent programs strive to facilitate long-term self-sufficiency, build parenting capacity and ensure the healthy growth and development of the children born to young parents. This workshop examines adolescent development; national and state data related to adolescent parents; systems that impact adolescent parents; strengths, opportunities and challenges young parents bring to their new role; and current research on best practices for working with adolescent parents. Participants will also learn practical tips for helping adolescent parents understand their children’s perspective, fun ways to communicate parenting concepts and other activities for use with young families.

For more information, see the flyer and registration form (PDF). Click here to register online. Questions? Contact Sue at 651.644.1447 x 15, [email protected].


March 14-15, 2011
It’s That Easy! Parent Educator Training

8:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Plato Conference Center
90 West Plato Blvd., Saint Paul

If you work with parents/caregivers of children aged birth to 18, you are in a unique position to support them in their critical role as sexuality educators for their children. However, sexuality is not always easy to discuss. Come learn tools and techniques to engage parents/caregivers in developmentally appropriate approaches to raising sexually healthy children. Participants receive the It’s That Easy! resource manual, a comprehensive guide designed to help you work with parents in your community.

For more information and to register, see the flyer and registration form (PDF). Click here to register online. Questions? Contact Jocelyn at 651-644-1447 x 19, [email protected].

Other Events

Winter/Spring 2011
Understanding Adolescent Risk-Taking Behavior

This short term professional development opportunity is designed to: define risk-taking, present a multi-dimensional framework for understanding risk-taking, introduce a model of adolescent decision making, reframe risk-taking and offer a systems approach to risk-taking with an emphasis on family influences. Participants will have opportunities to apply current research on risk-taking through online activities and in threaded discussions. Participants will also be encouraged to discuss topics with other colleagues. The workshop is geared to professionals who work in schools, extension, court systems, treatment programs, faith based organizations, and public health; also counselors, social workers, youth workers, parent educators, prevention specialists, and others who work with teens and their families in community organizations and agencies. For more information and to register, visit www.parenting.umn.edu. Questions? Contact Colleen Gengler, Extension Family Relations Educator, at [email protected], 507-372-3907.


February 14, 16, 18, 22, 28 and March 25, 2011
Moving Upstream: Creating Champion Communities to Prevent Sexual Violence

February 14-Pelican Rapids
February 16-Bemidji
February 18-Duluth
February 22-Mankato
February 28-Rochester
March 25-St. Paul

The Sexual Violence Prevention Network invites you to attend this day-long session on how to organize in your community. This workshop will offer both an animated conversation about preventing violence before it happens AND strategies to help engage leaders in your community to step up and become change agents along with you. For more information, contact Amy Kenzie at 651-201-5410, [email protected].


February 15, 17, 23, 24 and March 2, 8, 9, 2011
Minnesota Student Survey 2011 Regional Trainings

February 15-St. Cloud
February 17-Rochester
February 23-Redwood Falls
February 24-Roseville
March 2-Apple Valley
March 8-Grand Rapids
March 9-Thief River Falls

The Minnesota Department of Education in collaboration with the Minnesota Institute of Public Health (MIPH) will be sponsoring several training opportunities throughout the state focusing on the results of the Minnesota Student Survey. These presentations will not only include the most recent findings, but also how to best learn from your local results and ways to present your local data. Pre-Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.emprc.org or contact Lynne Gosselin at 763-427-5310 x 155.


February 23, 2011
Exploring the Impact of Deployment on Youth and Families: Recent Research Findings

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Al Johnson Great Room, McNamara Alumni Center
200 Oak St SE, Minneapolis

This event is part of an ongoing series bridging research and practice in youth development and features Angela Huebner, Associate Professor in human development at Virginia Tech. Ms. Huebner will present findings from several studies of both adolescents and parents and their experience of parental/spousal deployment since 9/11. To register, visit www.extension.umn.edu.


March 5 and April 9, 2011
Upcoming Mother-Child Retreats

Planned Parenthood offers one-day retreats for mothers (or female mentors) and their 10-12 year old daughters or sons. Each retreat day focuses on enhancing connection and communication while learning more about puberty, adolescence and emerging sexuality. The upcoming schedule includes retreats offered in the Twin Cities:

  • Mother Daughter Retreat: March 5, 2011
  • Mother Son Retreat: April 9, 2011 – a few spots left
  • Mother Daughter Retreat: October 8, 2011

For more information and to register, visit www.plannedparenthood.org.


March 9 and May 11, 2011
Youth Development Brown Bag Webinar Series

  • “The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development: What have we learned?,” Dr. Sharon Query
    Wednesday, March 9, 2011
  • “Communicating with the Net Generation,” Kari Robideau, M.S. & Karyn Santi, M.Ed.
    Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Extension Services of North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota are partnering to offer a series of six webinars on youth development topics. Each webinar will provide live, interactive learning experiences that you can participate in at your own computer over the lunch hour. Participants are able to ask the instructor questions and get answers in real time while the presenter conducts discussions, questions and polls. For more information and to register, visit www.ndsu.edu.


March 14-30, 2011
Adopting Culturally Competent Best Practices
Minnesota Institute of Public Health

Crookston – March 14
Bemidji – March 15
Mountain Iron – March 16
St. Cloud – March 18
St. Paul – March 25
Albert Lea – March 28
Granite Falls – March 30

Disparities in chemical dependency (CD) treatment delivery and access are often stark and point out inequities across gender and cultural/ethnic communities. Minnesota Department of Human Services (MNDHS) wants to help in reducing these disparities, particularly as it relates in the provision of chemical health services to diverse populations. The ACCBP training session will help provide professionals working in the field of CD treatment tools to help combat some of these disparities. For more information and to register, visit www.miph.org.


March 29-30, 2011
Building Brighter Futures
Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota’s Annual Conference

Crowne Plaza Hotel, St. Paul

This year’s conference will focus on preventing neglect, ending racial disparities and understanding brain development. Keynote speakers include Dr. L. Read Sulik, MN Department of Human Services and Dr. Alvin Poussaint, Harvard Medical School. Conference workshops focus on a variety of topics including promoting resilience in children, emotional intelligence and addiction. For more information and to register, visit www.pcamn.org.