MOAPPP September 2008 E-Monthly

Another Teen Pregnancy Makes Headlines

Another high profile teen pregnancy has captured our collective attention. While the eyes of the nation are on the Palin family, let’s keep in mind that Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston’s story is repeated almost 750,000 times every year in the United States.

Teen pregnancy occurs in all corners of society—young people from every race, class and family structure are represented in the U.S. teen pregnancy and birth ratesrates that exceed other developed countries by four to 11 times.

Bristol Palin is fortunate to have her family’s support, which can make all the difference in a teen parent’s life. When teen parent families succeed—when teen parents stay in school and make the transition to the work world, when their children are in good quality childcare and are ready to learn when they start school—we all succeed. Unfortunately, we don’t focus enough attention on public policies that support these families.

But this story demands another look at the federally subsidized “abstinence-until-marriage” industry—more than $200 million more will be spent again this year on programs that show NO evidence of working. Federal support for “abstinence” programs has created an ill-prepared sub-culture of young people who lack the tools needed to build healthy relationships, or navigate our sex-obsessed popular culture.

Join MOAPPP in our efforts to advocate for stronger policies to support teen parent families, and for evidence-based approaches to sex education by joining the MOAPPP Advocacy Network and by making a tax deductible donation to support our work.


New Pages on MOAPPP’s Website

Be sure to visit the newly launched Community Connections section of MOAPPP’s website. MOAPPP worked with members of each community to review the content for these pages, hoping that the resources there will be useful for community members and anyone providing services to young people from these communities.

We recognize that this part of our website is a work in progress, and welcome your feedback and recommendations for content. To offer suggestions or other resources not included here, please contact MOAPPP at , 651-644-1447 x10.


Need to Make a Donation to a Workplace Giving Campaign?  Designate MOAPPP to Receive the Gift!

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.  Thank you!

QUESTIONS? Contact Julie Schultz Brown at , 651-644-1447 x16 or contact the charitable federation your workplace uses and ask how you can “designate” the charity of your choice.


October is “Let’s Talk Month”

MOAPPP September 2008 E-MonthlyLet’s Talk Month is a community campaign that supports parents in their efforts to talk to their children openly and honestly about sexuality and relationships. Let’s Talk Month is an excellent opportunity for you to involve parents in your sexual health education work with youth. What will your agency do to promote LTM’s key message that parents must be their children’s primary sexual health educators? We invite you to become a LTM partner. For more information about what it means to be a LTM partner, about what other agencies are doing across the state and to sign up, visit the LTM section of MOAPPP’s website or contact Jocelyn at 651-644-1447 x19, .

Let’s Talk Month Events Scheduled for October:

For Parents
October 6, 2008
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Right from the Start: Parents as Sexuality Educator-an Evening with Deborah Roffman
Co-sponsored by West Metro Parent Education Collaborative and MOAPPP.

For Professionals
October 7, 2008
9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Right from the Start: Parents as Sexuality Educator-a Day for Professionals with Deborah Roffman
Co-sponsored by Hennepin County Public Health Promotion, Planned Parenthood and MOAPPP.

Hennepin County Public Health Promotion Planned Parenthood of Minnesota

For more information and to register, visit the Let’s Talk Month page.


MOAPPP Seeks Interns

MOAPPP is hiring two interns for September 2008 to June 2009. For more information and an application, link to our job opportunities page.

  • Information and Resource Management Intern
    The primary function of this internship is to increase dissemination and use of science-based information and resources regarding adolescent reproductive health.
  • Adolescent Parent Intern
    The primary function of this internship is to increase understanding and use of evidence-based strategies in support of adolescent parents and develop a grassroots MOAPPP network of individuals concerned with adolescent parent issues.

MSERRP Spotlight

The Minnesota Sexuality Resource Review Panel (MSERRP) reviews sexuality education and HIV prevention resources. Here are three new reviews available this month on the MOAPPP website:

For detailed summaries and a complete list of MSERRP reviewed materials, visit the MSERRP webpage. For more information, contact Jocelyn at 651-644-1447 x19, .

Other Announcements

Sex Education “Language Lab”—An Opportunity to Contribute to Research

The ACLU and Real Reason—a non-profit applying the tools of cognitive linguistics to social issues—are both looking for practicing sexuality education teachers to inform our research. We will hold a one-day 2.5 to 3 hour “language lab” between September 14th and 20th to solicit your candid reactions to new ways to talk about sexuality and, by extension, make arguments for responsible sex education in schools. Interested? Please contact Anat Shenker-Osorio, Alliance Director at Real Reason, for more details at [email protected], 510-444-5377.


Free One-Year Subscriptions to Youth Today

Youth Today is offering free one-year subscriptions to youth-serving professionals in Minnesota ($29.50 value) thanks to a grant from The McKnight Foundation. Youth Today is the national trade newspaper for the youth work field and provides youth-serving organizations with feature stories on program models, research, funding, policy, editorials from leaders in the field, and resources including book reviews, conference listings, and grants available and awarded. Visit Youth Today to sign up for a free subscription.

In the News

Minnesota Youth Journalism Workshop Explores Link Between Teen Pregnancy and Violence

The recent ThreeSixty journalism workshop for high school students explored the issue of violence in young people’s lives. One article focused on the link between teen pregnancy and violence. Read the full newspaper they produced at www.threesixtyjournalism.org.


Another Year of Federal Funds for State-level Abstinence-Until-Marriage Programs

On July 15, the Title V abstinence-only-until-marriage program was granted a one-year funding extension by Congress. Originally authorized for five years, 1998-2002, the reauthorization directs another $50 million in federal funds to states for fiscal year 2009. Read more at www.siecus.org.


Fewer States Participating in Federal Abstinence-Until-Marriage Initiative

Despite the $50 million reauthorization of state funding, 25 states—including Minnesota—have declined to participate in the initiative as of August 2008. Read more at www.siecus.org.


Sex Education Should Go Beyond Focus on Risky Behavior

At the recent XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, experts called for sex ed programs to go beyond discussing unsafe sex practices and  work with youth to develop lifelong decision-making skills. Read more at www.nationalpartnership.org.

New Resources

SIECUS State Profiles

The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States annually publishes a report of sexuality education and abstinence-until-marriage programs in the United States. Read the SIECUS press release and report.


Beyond Ideology, Politics and Guesswork: The Case for Evidence-Based Policy

This brief from the Urban Institute makes the case that good data analysis can answer a fundamental question: Will proposed policies work? To view the brief, visit www.urban.org.

New Research

Violence Involvement, Substance Use and Sexual Activity among Mexican-American and European-American Adolescents

This study examined longitudinal associations between violence involvement, substance use and sexual activity. The authors conclude that adolescents involved with violence are at risk for increases in substance use and sexual behavior over time. Adolescents who engage in substance use and sexual behavior with multiple partners are also at risk for later violence involvement.


Social and Emotional Consequences of Sexual Decision-Making Across 9th and 10th Grade

New research examines the social and emotional consequences among adolescents refraining from sexual activity, and whether these consequences differ over time and by gender and sexual experience. The percentage of adolescents who reported only positive consequences (e.g., they felt responsible, friends were proud) dramatically decreased over time, whereas the percentage that reported negative consequences (e.g., they felt left out, partners became angry) steadily increased.


Adolescent Experiences with the Vaginal Ring

Researchers conducted in-depth interviews to understand racial/ethnic minority adolescent females’ experiences with the vaginal ring. Analysis revealed that adolescents undergo a multi-stage process when trying the ring and adopting ring use. The article offers some specific recommendations for providers. Read the abstract.


Social Marketing Campaign Promotes Condoms

This study evaluated the effects of a six-month social marketing campaign on awareness of, attitudes toward and use of female as well as male condoms for 15-25 year-old-women. The researchers found no differences between neighborhoods with and without the POWER campaign with regard to primary outcomes, but provide possible explanation for this outcome.


Runaway and Pregnant: Risk Factors Associated with Pregnancy in Runaway/Homeless Female Adolescents

This study investigated predictors of teen pregnancy among runaway/homeless youth in order to better understand the needs of this vulnerable population. Read the abstract.


Using Sibling Differences to Estimate Effects of Parenting on Adolescent Sexual Risk Behaviors

The purpose of this study was to estimate effects of positive and involved parenting during mid-adolescence on sexual risk behaviors in adolescence. Researchers found that more regular family activities and less negative and hostile parenting during mid-adolescence predicted lower sexual risk behaviors during late adolescence.


Female Adolescents’ Perceptions of Male Partners’ Pregnancy Desire

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between pregnancy desire among female adolescents and their perception of desire for pregnancy in their male partners. Researchers conclude that male partners may impact adolescent pregnancy desire and that male-focused adolescent pregnancy interventions should be developed. Read the article.

MOAPPP Events

September 18, 2008
Overcoming Health Barriers in Somali and East African Communities of Minnesota

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Center for Families
3333 North 4th Street, Minneapolis

A comprehensive understanding of the needs, knowledge, religious and cultural beliefs about general and sexual health is critical to improving the health and wellness of refugee youth and families in the Somali and East African communities of Minnesota. This training, led by Dr. Osman M. Ahmed, will cover health promotion and education, disease prevention, religious and economic barriers, myths and facts about contraceptive use and sexual health issues. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of what is needed to engage these communities, overcome barriers and provide culturally responsive services and support. For more information, see the flyer and registration form. Questions? Contact Jocelyn Broyles at 651-644-1447 x19, [email protected]. Registration deadline is September 15.


September 24, 2008
Teen Pregnancy Prevention 101

9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
American Red Cross
1301 West Saint Germain, St. Cloud

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 and to register for this training, see the flyer and registration form.  Registration deadline is September 17. For questions, contact Lorie Alveshere at 651-644-1447 x12, [email protected].


October 1, 23 & 29, 2008
Relationship Matters: Promoting Secure Attachment in Young Families

Three Locations – St. Paul, Bemidji and Mankato
October 1, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.—Rondo Community Library, St. Paul
October 23, 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.—First Lutheran Church, Bemidji
October 29, 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.—Blue Earth Public Library, Mankato

Relationship drives many aspects of infant development, including cognitive, emotional and social development. This workshop focuses on the importance of relationship—between parents and children and between adolescent parents and the professionals who work with them—and how these relationships foster the healthy development of children. It also highlights the strengths and challenges experienced by adolescent parents and their children, and the role every provider can play in enhancing the lives of these young families. For more information, see the flyer and event registration form. Questions? Contact Marilyn Colby Rivkin at 651-644-1447 x15, [email protected].


October 6, 2008
Right from the Start: Parents as Sexuality Educators
An Evening Event with Deborah Roffman, Author and Family Life Educator
For parents (and caring adults) with children from preschool to grade 12

7:00–8:30 p.m.
Hopkins Center for the Arts
1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins

Even in today’s media-saturated world, research demonstrates that parents and caregivers are the most significant influence in the lives of young people and are their most effective buffer against risk-taking behaviors. Deborah Roffman, nationally known author and family life educator, will explore effective strategies for parents and caregivers as primary sexuality educators of their children from birth to the teen years. Cost is $10/person; $15/household. Free CEUs are available. Register online or call 952-401-6812 .

Co-Sponsored by the West Metro Parent Education Collaborative and MOAPPP.


October 7, 2008
Right from the Start: Parents as Sexuality Educators
A Day for Professionals with Deborah Roffman

9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Hopkins Center for the Arts
1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins

Deborah Roffman is a powerful advocate for children, understanding that in a society that gives confusing and exploitative messages about sexuality, children are desperate for communication with the caring adults in their lives. Parents and caregivers are the most significant influence in the lives of young people and are their most effective buffer against risk-taking behaviors. Ms. Roffman will share her insights, humor and practical applications based on decades of experience working in the classroom and with parents and professionals.

For more information, see the event flyer and registration form. Questions? Contact Jocelyn Broyles at 651-644-1447 x19, .

Co-sponsored by Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department, Public Health Promotion; Planned Parenthood MN, ND, SD; and MOAPPP.

Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department Planned Parenthood of Minnesota


October 28-29 & November 12-13, 2008
It’s That Easy! Helping Parents Learn to Raise Sexually Healthy Children

Two Locations
October 28-29, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.—AmericInn Lodge & Suites, Fergus Falls
November 12-13, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.—Ramsey County Public Works, Arden Hills

Looking for tools to encourage parents/caregivers that you work with to embrace their role as the primary sexuality educator of their children? The It’s That Easy! training is designed for professionals who work with parents/caregivers of children birth to 18 and offers tools and techniques to engage parents/caregivers in developmentally appropriate approaches to raising sexually healthy children. Topics include attachment and parent-child connectedness, stages of sexual development, sharing family values on sexuality and healthy relationships, and influences of media and popular culture. Participants receive the It’s That Easy manual for implementation in their communities.

For more information, see the event flyer and registration form. Questions? Contact Jocelyn Broyles at 651-644-1447 x19, [email protected].

Special acknowledgements to our partners for their dedication to this project: Healthy Youth Development–Prevention Research Center-U of MN, Health Start/West Side Community Health Services, Saint Paul-Ramsey County Department of Public Health, Sexual Violence Prevention Program-MN Dept. of Health, Teen Age Medical Service, West Suburban Teen Clinic, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota International Health Volunteers.

Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed Events

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 2008. For additional information, visit www.coalitionforsexed.org.

October 21, 2008
Save the Date!
Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed Annual Meeting

9:00-11:00 a.m.

Please join us for our annual fall event and hear highlights of local and state initiatives to bring sex education to classrooms across the state. More details to follow. Mark your calendars today!

Other Events

September 16, 2008
Allan Spear Forum: Regan Hofmann, Editor of POZ Magazine

7:00 p.m.
Westminster Presbyterian Church
1200 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis

Regan Hofmann worked in media and communications for years before being diagnosed with HIV. In 2006, Hofmann decided to disclose her HIV status publicly for the first time. Since then, Hofmann has told her compelling story to viewers of the Oprah Winfrey Show and Good Morning America and has been featured in publications as diverse as The New York Times, VogueThe London Daily Telegraph and The China Post. Come hear Hofmann describe the devastating impact stigma still has on the lives of those living with HIV and how it hampers education and prevention efforts worldwide. This promises to be an inspiring evening of how personal story telling can change the world. View the event flyer for more information.


September 17, 2008
Safe Baby Month–Using Infant Development Knowledge to Prevent Maltreatment

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
21 locations across MN

Renowned experts on child development and parenting techniques will share information and tools for use with parents. Sponsored by Prevent Child Abuse MN, this free video-conference will be offered in 21 counties around the state. Link here for more information or call PCAM at 651-523-0099.


September 17, 2008
Working With GLBTQ Youth

12:00-4:00 p.m.
Scandia Community Center, Scandia

Gain a better understanding of the alphabet soup; learn basic information about sexual orientation and gender identification; hear why many GLBTQ youth would rather be on the streets than in the system that often fails to meet their needs; identify ways to better serve these youth. For more information or to register, call 651-464-3685, or download the training flyer.


September 18-19, 2008
MN Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA) Annual Meeting and Training Symposium
Influencing Community and Policy: Organizing as Leaders

Riverwood Inn and Conference Center
10990 NE 95th Street, Otsego

MNCASA’s annual conference will feature policy-focused workshops on leadership development; working with faith communities; basic legal issues for advocates serving immigrant victim/survivors; effective sexual assault awareness month campaigns and more. Join Cordelia Anderson from Sensibilities, Inc. for a pre-conference institute about understanding and talking with communities about the social supports for sexual violence as important steps in preventing sexual violence and creating the most victim-centered response to victims/survivors. For more information and to register, see the brochure.


September 22, 2008
5th Annual Women’s Health Research Conference

The 2008 conference will highlight developments in women’s reproductive health as well as research on other women’s health topics including breast cancer, mental health, cardiovascular disease and teen pregnancy. To register online, visit register.cce.umn.edu.


September 23-24 & December 2-3, 2008
Fundamentals of HIV Prevention Counseling  (1-1/2 day course)

Snelling Office Park
1645 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul

This 1½ day workshop has been designed to improve the ability of providers in a variety of settings to support individuals in making behavior changes that will reduce their risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV. It is based on a CDC developed curriculum. Cost is $25.00 and 7 CEUs are offered. To register, contact Angela Kotrba, 651-201-4031, [email protected].


September 29, 2008
Helping 21st Century Children Succeed in a Media Culture

9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Continuing Education and Conference Center
University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus

Join the National Institute on Media and the Family for its second annual MediaWise® Conference. For more information, visit www.mediafamily.org.


October 3-November 21, 2008
Engaging Fathers in Supporting Healthy Development of Young Children

7 locations
October 3-Bemidji
October 7-Little Falls
October 10-Albert Lea
October 21-Litchfield
October 28-Metro/Twin Cities
November 7-Duluth
November 21-Alexandria

This workshop series addresses research and theory about parent-child mental health birth-to-three; mental health community support for parents; principles for engaging men as clients and colleagues; and community resources for promoting parent engagement in early childhood development. The series is offered by the Minnesota Fathers & Families Network, Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota, DHS Children’s Trust Fund, the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and St. Cloud State University. For more details and registration, visit www.pcamn.org.


October 15-16, 2008
FutureNet Annual Conference: (Sex Ed) Policy Matters

Drake University, Des Moines, IA

The 2008 FutureNet conference will address various intersections of policy and practice in sexuality education in Iowa and provide direction as we move towards our shared goals of reduced adolescent pregnancy and STIs in the state as well as improved services and support for teen parent families.

For more information, see the brochure or contact Joy Esposito at 255-515-4000.


October 15, 2008
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD)

”United We Can: HIV/AIDS Stops Here. Prevention Starts With Us” (“Unidos Podemos: Detengamos al VIH/SIDA. La Prevención Empieza Con Nosotros”) is the theme for this year’s National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. Local planning efforts are under way for the observance and more information will be forwarded as details are finalized. To coordinate efforts or join the local planning committee in Minnesota, contact, Sara Khalfa, Q Health Connections, 612-238-2391, [email protected]. For more information, visit www.nlaad.org.


October 29-November 1, 2008
Healthy Teen Network’s 2008 National Conference

Albuquerque, NM

This year’s conference theme is “Speaking Many Languages: Respecting Diversity, Believing in Equality.”  For more information and to register online, visit www.healthyteennetwork.org.


January 12–13, 2009
Minnesota Fatherhood Summit

St. Cloud Civic Center, St. Cloud

Join MFFN for their 6th annual winter conference for professionals working in fatherhood programs, early childhood settings, public health, government agencies and related family/social service organizations. For more information, visit www.mnfathers.org or call 651-222-7432.