MOAPPP October 2010 E-Monthly

Let’s Talk Month…There’s Still Time…

MOAPPP October 2010 E-Monthly

  • To plan an event or workshop for October’s Let’s Talk Month. Visit MOAPPP’s website to find ideas.
  • To publicize Let’s Talk Month events on our state-wide calendar.
  • To encourage parents/caregivers to begin the conversation with the young person in their life.

Workplace Giving – Designate MOAPPP!

If you participate in a giving campaign at your workplace that operates in partnership with one of the following “charitable federations,” you may designate all or part of your donation to MOAPPP!

  • The Minnesota State Employees’ Combined Charities Campaign
  • Community Health Charities Minnesota
  • Community Shares of Minnesota
  • United Way – Greater Twin Cities; Becker County; Carlton County; Caring Rivers; Crow Wing; Faribault; Hastings; Heart of the Lakes; Hibbing; Morrison County; New Ulm; Northeast Minnesota; Olmsted County; Red Wing; St. Croix

MOAPPP’s Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 41-1722338. Questions? Contact the charitable federation your workplace uses and ask how you can “designate” the charity of your choice. Thank you!


Federal Funding Update

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced $155 million in grants for evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs to states, non-profit organizations, school districts, universities, and others across the country.

Congratulations to Hennepin County’s Research, Planning and Development Department for their award of $3.3 million a year for five years to replicate evidence-based programs in several cities across the county. Hennepin County was the only Minnesota organization to receive funding. See all federal awards here.

MOAPPP applied for two separate projects within this funding opportunity, and a third for work on teen parent support, but none of our proposals were selected for funding.

As we move into our new fiscal year this month, these funding decisions give us cause for reflection and planning. We have been very fortunate in the past to have strong federal support of our work to support teen pregnancy prevention programs in Minnesota. We remain committed to that work, and look forward to finding ever-more creative ways to partner with you on behalf of Minnesota teens’ success. Thank you for your important work, and for all your support of MOAPPP.

Other Announcements

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), October 15, 2010

The national sponsor for the observance, Latino Commission on AIDS, has announced the theme for NLAAD 2010: Save a Life, It May be your Own. Get Tested for HIV—speaks to the critical role HIV testing and prevention education plays due to the late testing realities faced by Hispanic/Latino communities. For questions about the national activities and resources, contact Melissa Faith Ramírez, Latino Commission on AIDS, 212.584.9315, [email protected], or visit the NLAAD website at www.nlaad.com.

New Resources

Teen Dating Violence Prevention Resource

The Injury and Violence Prevention Unit of the Minnesota Department of Health recently launched the Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program website. The page includes links to a Minnesota-specific environmental scan regarding existing prevention programming, the national Violence Against Women online resource center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


New Film on Native Youth Teenage Pregnancy Available Online

The Cherokee Youth Council’s teen members have produced a 13 minute film about adolescent pregnancy, from both a youth and Native perspective. Click here to view online.

New Research

The Odyssey Years: Preventing Teen Pregnancy Among Older Teens

Pregnancy rates for older teens (those 18-19) are more than three times the rate for younger teens. In fact, about two-thirds of all teen pregnancies and births are to older teens. Why might this be and what can be done to help? A new report from The National Campaign explores these two questions in detail by providing data on older teens, exposing some commonly-held myths about older teens and how to reach them, and provides some real-world examples of how groups are reaching older teens.


Partner Age Differences, Educational Contexts and Adolescent Female Sexual Activity

This study examined whether female teens who date substantially older males are at increased risk for negative health outcomes. Researchers determined that females whose partners were three or more years older had higher odds of engaging in sexual intercourse than female students with partners closer to their age. However, the association between having an older partner and the risk of sexual intercourse was not significant for females older than 16. Moreover, when male partners’ school status was taken into account, the relationship was no longer significant. The authors note that these findings challenge statutory rape laws’ focus on age, given that the association between educational context and sexual risk overrides the association between partner age and sexual risk.


Men’s Sexual Orientation and Suicide: Evidence for Adolescent-Specific Risk

This study provides the first prospective examination of adolescent-specific risk for suicidality based on adolescent same-sex sexual orientation using data from the United States, the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Tracing suicide ideation and attempts, it documented that the risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts for adolescent same-sex attracted males is developmental in nature. Specifically, the risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts for males with same-sex attractions is largely limited to the adolescent years. These results offer new insights for suicide prevention and intervention for male adolescents and adults with same-sex sexual orientations.


Promotion of Maternal Parenting Competencies

Results of this randomized control study indicate that Healthy Families New York (HFNY), a home visiting program is effective in fostering positive parenting, such as maternal responsivity and cognitive engagement. With respect to negative parenting, HFNY mothers in the High Prevention Opportunity subgroup (young first time mothers) were less likely than their counterparts in the control group to use harsh parenting, while no differences were detected for the Limited Prevention Opportunity subgroup (those who were not first time mothers). HFNY was successful in promoting positive parenting among mothers at risk for child abuse and neglect, which may reflect the program’s strength-based approach.


New Data Brief Discusses Communicating with Teens About Sex

Released by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, Educating Teenagers About Sex in the United States (PDF) is based on findings from the 2006-08 National Survey of Family Growth. Key findings include:

  • Most young people received formal sex education before they were 18
  • Only about two-thirds of youth received instruction about birth control methods
  • Young women were more likely than young men to report first receiving instruction on birth control methods in high school
  • Young women were more likely than young men to have talked to their parents about sex and birth control

Asking About Pregnancy Coercion and Partner Violence Can Reduce Both

This new study (PDF) identifies the first-ever clinical strategy to help victims of partner violence avoid unintended pregnancy and further abuse. Researchers found that asking young women during family planning clinic visits if they experienced reproductive coercion was associated with a 70 percent reduction in the odds of male partner pregnancy coercion among women who recently had experienced intimate partner violence. In addition, those asked about reproductive coercion and then counseled about harm-reduction strategies were also 60 percent more likely to report ending a relationship because it felt unsafe or unhealthy.


Family Discussions About Contraception And Family Planning: A Qualitative Exploration Of Black Parent and Adolescent Perspectives

This study (PDF) addressed whether increased parent-adolescent communication is associated with increased contraceptive use with a specific focus on black families. Key themes emerged among both parents and adolescents: 1) discussions about contraception were indirect and framed in terms of the need to avoid negative consequences of sex; 2) contraceptive knowledge was low; 3) parents more often reported helping male adolescents get condoms than helping females get contraceptives; 4) discussions emphasized planning for the future over contraception; 5) negative attitudes toward abortion were prevalent. Researchers conclude that parent-adolescent communication interventions should improve contraceptive knowledge, help parents understand the harmful effects of gender biases in information dissemination, and provide mothers and fathers with communication skills tailored to enhance the role they play in their adolescents’ sexual development.


Does the Media Glamorize Teen Pregnancy? New Research Says No

Teen pregnancy has garnered significant attention in the entertainment media. Some have criticized these efforts for glamorizing teen pregnancy. New research suggests that teens do not share that view.

According to a new public opinion poll of young people commissioned by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, most teens (79 percent of girls and 67 percent of boys) agree that when a TV show deals with teen pregnancy, it makes them think more about their own risk of getting pregnant or causing a pregnancy and how to avoid it.

Other findings from the poll include:

  • Among those young people who have watched MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, 82 percent think the show helps teens better understand the challenges of teen pregnancy and parenthood and how to avoid it.
  • 76 percent of young people say that what they see in the media about sex, love, and relationships can be a good way to start conversations with adults.
  • About half (48 percent) say they have discussed these topics with their parents because of something they have seen in the media.

Get more information about this topic from the National Campaign’s Fast Facts (PDF) and Science Says (PDF) briefs.

MOAPPP Events

November 8-10
Teen Outreach Program (TOP) – Facilitator Training

Minnesota Department of Health
1645 Energy Park Drive, Saint Paul

The Teen Outreach Program (TOP) is a nationally acclaimed, science-based program that has been shown to prevent adolescent pregnancy and help youth succeed in school. Designed for youth ages 12-19, TOP incorporates a strong service-learning component based on principles of youth development. TOP has been successfully implemented in a variety of settings and with diverse populations. In addition to the two and a half days of highly interactive training, one participant from each agency receives a copy of the TOP curriculum. For more information and to register, contact Jocelyn at 651.644.1447 x 19, [email protected].

Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed Events

 Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed

MOAPPP is a founding member of the Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed. The Coalition advocates for policies on sexuality education and access to confidential health care for minors. Here is a list of Coalition events for 2010. For additional information, visit www.coalitionforsexed.org.

No Coalition events in October.

Other Events

October – December 1, 2010
Online Workshop: Understanding Teen Risk-Taking – Online Research Update for Professionals

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. To register or learn more, visit www.parenting.umn.edu. Questions? Contact Colleen Gengler, Extension Family Relations Educator, at [email protected], 888.241.4635 or 507.372.3907, or Jodi Dworkin, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, at [email protected] or 612.624.3732.


October 9 & November 6, 2010
Mother-Daughter Retreat, Making Connections, A Day of Discovery for Mothers and Daughters

Twin Cities

Planned Parenthood offers annual one-day retreats for mothers (or grandmother, aunt, female mentor, etc.) and their 10-12 year old daughters. Each retreat day focuses on enhancing connection and communication while learning more about puberty, adolescence and emerging sexuality.

In addition, Planned Parenthood is also accepting registration for our next Mother-Son RetreatBuilding Foundations, A Day of Connection for Mothers and Sons on Saturday April 9, 2011.

For more information and to register, email [email protected] or call 612.821.6198.


October 12, 13, 14, 19, 29 & November 9, 2010
How the Economy is Changing Fathers, Families and Future Expectations

October 12-Fergus Falls
October 13-Minneapolis
October 14-Owatonna
October 19-Cloquet
October 29-Crookston
November 9-Brainerd

Register today for one of eight training seminars on the topic of “Navigating the New Normal: How the Economy is Changing Fathers, Families, and Future Expectations.” Sessions will address research and practice related to the ways that married, unmarried and noncustodial families can access government services, how the economy is changing family format and father involvement, and how family service/ educational professionals are impacted in our daily work.

Full details and registration are available at www.mnfathers.org. Questions? Call 651.222.7432 or email [email protected].


October 12, 2010
Sexual Health Empowerment (SHE) Clinic Open House

6:00-8:00 p.m.
Midwest Health Center for Women
33 South 5th Street, 4th Floor, Minneapolis

The SHE Clinic is a program of Midwest Health Center for Women that provides culturally competent sexual health care for women who have sex with women, genderqueer people and all others who are female-bodied and LGBTQ-identified. Attendees can consult with a Nurse Practitioner to discuss sexual health concerns, receive STI testing/treatment or pap smears. There will also be spoken word performances, a safer-sex/STI risk reduction workshop by Smitten Kitten, feminist books for sale from True Colors Bookstore, refreshments and a free prize drawing.


October 13-14, 2010
36th Annual Program Sharing Conference

Saint Cloud Civic Center, St. Cloud

This conference provides learning, networking and skill-building opportunities to those who work to prevent alcohol and other drug misuse and the recreational use of tobacco, as well as violence prevention as it relates to ATOD use. For more information and to register, visit www.emprc.org.


Youth Development “Brown Bag” Webinar Series

2010-2011 Dates and Topics:
October 13: Sexting: What Every Caring Adult Should Know
November 10: Underage Drinking: Implications for Communities
December 8: Understanding Youth Development: A Guide to Program Design
January 12: Being an Ally to LGBTQ Youth
March 9: The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development: What Have We Learned?
May 11: Communicating with the “Net Generation”

NDSU and U of M Extension are partnering to offer a series of six webinars in 2010-2011. The Youth Development Webinar Series provides 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 interactive discussions, questions and polls. For more information and to register, visit www.ndsu.edu.


October 14 & 21, 2010 (2 consecutive sessions)
Healthy Sexuality, Healthy Youth!

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Urban Research Outreach Center (UROC)
2001 Plymouth Avenue North, Room 107, Minneapolis

Sexuality can be a difficult topic for adults to discuss with young people. Learn how to play an important role in helping youth better understand healthy relationships and sexuality. Explore ways in which adults can effectively communicate with youth to help them learn the facts and components of human sexuality. Those who work with and on behalf of youth should attend. Facilitated by Brooke Stelzer, Annex Teen Clinic and brought to you by the Youth Work Institute. To register, visit www1.extension.umn.edu.


October 23, 2010
UJIMA’s 6th Annual Healthy Relationship Summit

This 6th Annual Healthy Relationship Summit is for youth grades 7-12 and adults who care about them. This is an exciting opportunity for young people as well as parents and other caring adults to participate in open and honest dialogue, and interactive workshops on issues facing young people and their families. For more details, see the flyer and registration form (PDF). Questions? Contact Juliet Mitchell, 651.330.1050, [email protected].


October 26-29, 2010
Healthy Teen Network 31st Annual Conference

The theme of HTN’s 31st Annual National Conference is A Time of Opportunity: Engaging Communities in Supporting Healthy Youth and Young Families. For more information about the conference, held this year in Austin, TX, click here.


iWhat? Webinar Series

Answer at Rutgers University has announced a new training initiative that will be running from October 2010-April 2011. The iWhat? Webinar Series provides busy professionals with the most up-to-date information on youth and technology trends. The webinar will explain how technology is changing the face of adolescent sexuality, and each one hour session will cover a different topic including: social networking, internet safety, cyber-bullying and integrating technology when teaching sex ed. Click here for more information.