MOAPPP Welcomes Two New Staff Members
Please join us in welcoming Sue Fust to the MOAPPP staff. Sue started in January as the Adolescent Parent Program Manager. She is a developmental psychologist, and has worked with infants, young children, adolescents, parents and families for many years. In addition, she brings non-profit management and advocacy experience to her role with MOAPPP.
Christy Bischoff has joined the MOAPPP staff as Project Coordinator. She will be coordinating the Minneapolis Urban Initiative, a collaborative effort to implement evidence based sex education in all Minneapolis middle schools. Originally from the United States, Christy is newly relocated from England, and brings several years experience coordinating projects pertaining to complex social issues including but not limited to poverty reduction, interfaith relationships, race relations and the promotion of nonviolent movements. Please join us in welcoming Christy!
2009 MOAPPP Annual Awards Nominations – Friday Deadline
Each year, MOAPPP honors individuals, agencies, policy makers and programs that make outstanding contributions toward the promotion of adolescent sexual health, the prevention of adolescent pregnancy and the support of adolescent parents in Minnesota. Please let us know about the people you know who deserve to be recognized by their peers. With your help, we can honor the remarkable efforts going on throughout the state. Nominations are due on February 6, 2009. Please download the nomination form (PDF).
Call for Exhibitors for MOAPPP’s 18th Annual Conference, May 7-8, 2009
Please join us as an exhibitor for the 18th Annual MOAPPP Conference, May 7-8, 2009 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.
Spotlight on Community Connections
Be sure to visit the Community Connections section of the MOAPPP website to discover the community-specific resources we’ve put together. This month, we’d like to shine a spotlight on Minnesota African Women’s Association. MAWA promotes the health and well-being of African refugee and immigrant women and their families in the Twin Cities through research, education, advocacy and programming.
Other Announcements
RFP for Family Planning Special Projects Grants
The Community and Family Health Division of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announces that the Request for Proposal documents for the Family Planning Special Projects grant program for the next grant cycle, July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011 are now available on the MDH Family Planning web page. The deadline for submission of all application materials is Wednesday, March 18, 2009.
Reviewers Needed
The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking individuals to serve as community reviewers for Family Planning Special Projects (FPSP) grant proposals. More details can be found on the Request for Proposals (PDF).
If you are interested in being a reviewer, contact Gary Greenfield, FPSP Grants Coordinator at [email protected] or 651-201-3743 for an application.
Recruiting Sex Educators
Have you ever taught sex education? How did it go? The University of Minnesota’s Healthy Youth Development-Prevention Research Center and the Birds and Bees Project are interested in hearing about your experiences teaching sex education to middle or high school students. If you are interested in participating in a discussion group this February, see the information page. Your participation in this discussion will contribute to important research happening in Minnesota.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), Saturday, February 7, 2009
“Black Life is Worth Saving” is the theme for NBHAAD 2009. Downloadable materials are available online on the NBHAAD website at www.blackaidsday.org. For more information, contact Lamont Evans, 1-888-259-9534, or by e-mail at . Visit the Minnesota Department of Health website for local fact sheets, updates and activities.
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Tuesday, March 10, 2009
March 10, 2009 marks the fourth 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 2009 observance or to download posters and other resources, visit www.hhs.gov. Go to the Minnesota Department of Health website for local fact sheets, updates and activities.
National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Friday, March 20, 2009
March 20, 2009 marks the third annual National Native (American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian) 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. Go to the Minnesota Department of Health website for local fact sheets, updates and activities.
For Youth
- Answer Launches New Sex Ed Advocacy Portal for Teens
- 2009 Young Woman’s Political Leadership Retreat
- New Youth Activist Website
- Summer Journalism Camps
Answer Launches New Sex Ed Advocacy Portal for Teens
Answer at Rutgers University has launched “Your Voice, Your Rights” — the new advocacy portal on its award-winning Sex Etc. website. The “Your Voice, Your Rights” portal allows teens to create profiles where they can upload photos and video, tell their sex ed stories and talk about the sexual health issues that matter to them.
2009 Young Woman’s Political Leadership Retreat
Running Start is accepting applications for their 2009 Young Woman’s Political Leadership Retreat. The program encourages high school girls from across the country to channel their leadership into politics. Participants will meet extraordinary women leaders of diverse backgrounds and learn the importance of having more women in political leadership and running for office. The program, held at American University in Washington D.C. on July 15-19, 2009, is FREE of charge and travel scholarships are available. Application deadline is February 16, 2009. Visit www.runningstartonline.org to learn more.
New Youth Activist Website
Amplify, a project of Advocates for Youth, is an interactive, online community dedicated to sexual health, reproductive justice and youth-led grassroots movement building.
Summer Journalism Camps
Students completing grades 9 through 12 in spring 2009 are eligible to apply for an introductory or intermediate journalism camp through ThreeSixty, a project of St. Thomas University. These camps cover the basics of journalism, and students practice what they learn to produce written and video reports. Application deadline is April 24. For more information, visit www.threesixtyjournalism.org, e-mail or call 651-962-5282
In the News
- Future of Abstinence-Only Funding
- CDC Reports Rise in STIs
- Federal Stimulus Bill Includes STI Prevention Funding; Family Planning Provision Removed
Future of Abstinence-Only Funding
With the exit of the Bush administration, critics of abstinence-only programs will be advocating an end to millions in federal funding for these programs. President Obama is considered an advocate of responsible sex education, which—unlike abstinence-only programs—includes advice to young people about using condoms and contraceptives if they do engage in sexual activity. However, Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor declined to elaborate on what the new president would propose in his own budget plan. Read more at www.nationalpartnership.org.
CDC Reports Rise in STIs
The CDC recently reported increased rates of chlamydia and syphilis in the U.S. in 2007, with chlamydia rates reaching a record high. STIs continue to disproportionately affect adolescents, particularly youth of color. Read more at www.nationalpartnership.org.
Federal Stimulus Bill Includes STI Prevention Funding; Family Planning Provision Removed
Both the House and Senate versions of the economic stimulus bill include funding for prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, with $355 million and $400 million provided respectively. A provision to allow states to expand eligibility for Medicaid family planning services was removed from the House stimulus bill. Read more at www.nationalpartnership.org.
New Resources
Contraception 101: Videos Available
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy recently hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill, Contraception 101: More than Just Pills and Condoms. The briefing brought together a panel of experts to discuss the latest information about an array of contraceptive options. Video from the event is now available online:
- IUDs (6m58s)
- the Pill (7m34s)
- the Ring (1m18s)
- Contraception – the International Perspective (4m30s)
- What is the Best Method for You? (8m28s)
New Research
New Report: The Influence of Media on Teen Sexual Behavior and Attitudes
Managing the Media Monster: The Influence of Media (from Television to Text Messages) on Teen Sexual Behavior and Attitudes (PDF) is intended to inform practitioners and programs about what research says about adolescents and media influence. The report, published by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, examines how the media influences sexual knowledge, attitudes and behavior—both positively and negatively.
Study Finds Young People May Overestimate Condom Use
A study published recently in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine finds that some teenagers and young adults might overestimate how often they use condoms during sex. The authors suggest that studies using both self reports and objective measures of condom use might provide a more accurate understanding of young people’s sexual behavior and their STI risk.
MOAPPP Events
February 17-19, 2009
Teen Outreach Program (TOP) – Facilitator Training
Center for Families
3333 North 4th Street, Minneapolis
The Teen Outreach Program (TOP) is a nationally acclaimed, science-based curriculum 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 2 ½ 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 Broyles at 651-644-1447 x19, [email protected]. Registration closes February 10, 2009.
February 24, 2009
Service Learning Standards for Quality Practice – Part 1
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
As MOAPPP continues to promote the benefits of service learning as an effective strategy for adolescent pregnancy prevention, we are offering a two part web-based series examining the service learning standards for quality practice. This webinar is offered in partnership with the National Youth Leadership Council. Log in and take an in-depth look at the eight distinct evidence-based standards and accompanying indicators that practitioners can use to ensure high-quality service-learning practice. This training is FREE. For more information and to link to the webinar, contact Jocelyn Broyles at 651-644-1447 x19, [email protected].
February 25, 2009
Teen Pregnancy Prevention 101
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
451 Lexington Parkway North, St. Paul
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 (PDF). Registration deadline is February 18. Questions? Contact Jill Farris at 651-644-1447 x18 or [email protected].
March 10, 2009
Meeting the Unique Needs of Adolescent Parents
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Temple Israel
2324 Emerson Avenue South, Minneapolis
Three common goals of adolescent parent programs are 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 for professionals new to adolescent parent work, examines national and state data related to adolescent parents; the strengths and opportunities, as well as the challenges young parents bring to their new role; current research on best practices for working with adolescent parents; and the role every provider can play in enhancing the lives of these young families. For more information and to register for this training, see the flyer and registration form (PDF). Registration deadline is March 3. Questions? Contact Sue Fust at 651-644-1447 x15 or [email protected].
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.
No Coalition events in February.
Other Events
February 7, 2009
Planned Parenthood Mother/Daughter Retreat
Making the Connections, A Day of Discovery for Mothers and Daughters
Duluth
This one-day retreat is for mothers (or female mentors) and their 10-12 year old daughters. The retreat day focuses on enhancing connection and communication while learning more about puberty, adolescence and emerging sexuality. For more information, see the Mother/Daughter retreat brochure (PDF) or call the Planned Parenthood information line at 612-821-6198.
February 11, 2009
27th Annual Konopka Institute Lectureship
10:00 a.m.
Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center/Neighborhood House
179 Robie Street East, St. Paul
This year’s lectureship will feature keynote speaker Mike Males, senior researcher for the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice in San Francisco, a columnist for Youth Today and the principal investigator/content director for the online information service www.YouthFacts.org. Following his lecture, there will be a reception honoring Gisela Konopka. For more information, call 612-626-2820 or email [email protected].
February 20, 2009
Every Student Connected: Engaging Parents to Support Student Success in School
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Brookdale Library
6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Brooklyn Center
Research shows family or parent involvement has a significant impact on students’ well-being and success in school. This workshop, sponsored by the Initiative for Violence-Free Families at Family and Children’s Service, the Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office explores examples of how to build strong connections between family and schools. For more information, see the flyer (PDF), or contact Jeannette Raymond at .
February 27-28, 2009
Our Whole Lives Curriculum Training
Metro Area
Offered by the Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, this training is for adults who want to teach the Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality curriculum in their congregations or other settings. It will focus on using the OWL curriculum with elementary school students (Kindergarten-1st grade and 4th-6th grade). For more information and to register, email [email protected].
February 28, 2009
Making Proud Choices Training
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Minneapolis Urban League
2100 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis
Looking for a great curriculum to use with middle school students? Consider attending the Making Proud Choices! training. The curriculum has four major components focusing on goals and dreams; knowledge about the etiology, transmission and prevention of STDs, HIV and teenage pregnancy; beliefs and attitudes that abstinence is the most effective way to eliminate sexual risks and safer sex and condom use are essential for sexually experienced youth; and skills and self-efficacy for sexual responsibility and accountability. The cost is $25. Contact Makeda Norris at 612-302-3164 for more information and to register. Space is limited.
April 2-3, 2009
Wise Guys®: A Male Responsibility Program National Training
Myrtle Beach, SC
The Wise Guys® program is an award-winning adolescent pregnancy prevention program for young men between the ages of 11 and 17. This training is designed for those who would like to develop and implement prevention programs for males on adolescent pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and STIs, and/or dating violence. For more information, visit www.wiseguysnc.org.
April 21, 2009
From Dr. Seuss to Porn: Countering Normalization of Sexual Harm
12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Schwan’s Center at National Sports Center
1700 NE 105th Avenue, Blaine
Living in a sexually toxic society means we’re all affected and desensitized, to varying degrees, in both our personal and professional lives. To be effective, prevention requires recognition of these problems, as both a public health and public safety concern, as well as engaging others who care about children’s and society’s health. This session presented by Cordelia Anderson, includes activities for discussion and action planning. Attend this workshop and learn:
- To understand the normalization of sexual harm and its relevance to prevention
- To identify four factors that normalize sexual harm
- To identify three actions for prevention
Cost is $25. Certificates of attendance are available. For more information contact, Donna McDonald, Violence Prevention Coordinator, Anoka County Community Health Department 763-422-7047, . Workshop sponsored by the Anoka County Child Abuse Prevention Council and Connexus Energy