MOAPPP January 2009 E-Monthly

MOAPPP Welcomes New Staff Member

Meghan Barp has joined the MOAPPP staff as Training Coordinator. She will be managing details for all MOAPPP training events, including our annual conference. Meghan is newly relocated from New York, and brings several years’ experience in out-of-school-time program development and oversight as well as curriculum design and instruction. Please join us in welcoming Meghan!

Correction: Last month we told you that Marilyn Colby Rivkin had been with MOAPPP since 2002, but Marilyn actually started with us in 2001. Thank you, Marilyn, for 7.5 years of service!


2009 MOAPPP Annual Awards Nominations – Deadline Approaching

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).


MOAPPP’s 2009 Legislative Agenda

MOAPPP will be keeping the issues of support for adolescent parents and prevention of teen pregnancy on the agenda at the Capitol this session. To learn more about MOAPPP’s advocacy focus in 2009, view our legislative agenda (PDF). Stay connected to the issues through action alerts and e-mails during session by signing up for the MOAPPP Advocacy Network.


Request for Proposals – Evaluation Services

MOAPPP is seeking proposals to provide technical assistance on evaluation for up to eight (8) community-based, youth-serving organizations, to build these organizations’ capacity to carry out basic process and outcome evaluation activities.

Applications are due Friday, February 13, 2009!

If you are interested, please see the request for proposals (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 new 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 PHYTT for Life – Preparing Healthy Youth to Transform Tomorrow, a program of Q Health Services in Minneapolis. PHYTT for Life assists young people on their journey towards success in higher education by offering a variety of programming and services.


Final 2006 Teen Birth Numbers Released

On January 7, 2009, the federal government released final birth data for 2006. These data confirm the information in MOAPPP’s April 2008 release of the Minnesota Adolescent Sexual Health Report—that the national teen birth rate increased 3% between 2005 and 2006. During the same time period the teen pregnancy rate increased by 6% and the teen birth rate increased by 7% in Minnesota.

Also troubling is the news that Minnesota slipped from having the nation’s seventh lowest teen birth rate in 2005 to the tenth-lowest ranking in 2006.

These numbers underscore the importance of MOAPPP’s continued work on behalf of young people in Minnesota. While it is impossible to pinpoint exactly why this increase occurred, it is critical that we invest in cost-effective efforts to reducing adolescent pregnancy and birth. Read the full CDC report (PDF).

Other Announcements

Recruiting Sex Educators – Have you ever taught sex ed? 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 in January or February, learn more here. Your participation in this discussion will contribute to important research happening in Minnesota.


MN SAFPLAN Coalition Now Recruiting Individuals and Organizations

Are you concerned about state family planning policy and funding? If so, consider joining the Minnesota State Association of Family Planning Coalition (SAFPLAN). As we begin this challenging 2009 legislative session, it will be important to have our collective voices making the case for preservation of Family Planning Special Projects grant dollars. To join and for more information, visit www.safplan.org.


Information to Help You Advocate – Minnesota Budget Bites Blog

Do you want to be in the know about the Minnesota budget process this legislative session, but don’t have a lot of time or financial expertise? Sign up to receive Minnesota Budget Bites from the Minnesota Budget Project at MinnesotaBudgetBites.org. You will receive concise, real-time—and easy to understand—analysis on crucial tax and budget issues.


The Lost Decade – Public Investment in Areas of Concern for Adolescent Parents and Teen Pregnancy Prevention

Minnesota budget decisions over the last decade raise questions about whether the state has maintained its commitment to public investment. In particular, the four target areas of child care assistance, affordable housing and homelessness prevention, E-12 education and higher education are evaluated in this report. Read this new report (PDF) from the Minnesota Budget Project, an initiative of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.


Smart Investments

Higher education attainment is a public investment and proven strategy for teen pregnancy prevention and supporting the success of adolescent parents. Read Growth and Justice’s report Smart Investments in Minnesota’s Students to learn more about how Minnesota should invest in higher education for shared prosperity.

For Youth

Minnesota Teens for AIDS Prevention Member Recruitment

Minnesota Teens for AIDS Prevention (MN-TAP) is a teen advocacy program through the Minnesota AIDS Project. MN-TAP is currently accepting applications for 2009 members, ages 15-19 (sophomore to senior). For more information and to apply, visit www.mnaidsproject.org.

In the News

New HHS Rule Threatens Access to Health Care Information and Options

In one of its last decisions, the Bush administration has implemented a rule that could force any organizations receiving federal funds to hire employees that conscientiously object to contraception and other forms of sexual health care.

Read the National Women’s Law Center’s Analysis of the new HHS rule at www.nwlc.org.

Tell President-Elect Obama to reject this harmful rule immediately upon assuming office. Take action today!


FDA Panel Recommends Approval of New Female Condom

This new, less expensive version of the female condom gives women access to one more method of preventing pregnancy, STIs and HIV. Female condoms previously available in the US market have not achieved large sales, in part because they have been more expensive than male condoms. Read more at www.nationalpartnership.org.


Obama Urged to Restore Birth Control Discount to Colleges

Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) recently sent a letter to President-elect Obama asking him to restore birth control discounts for college and university health clinics and private clinics. These institutions became ineligible for reduced pricing in 2006 deficit reduction legislation. Since that time, patients have seen prices for birth control increase dramatically, resulting in decreased access for many women. Read more at www.nationalpartnership.org.


Sex and Tech Survey: Many Teens Posting/Sending Nude/Semi Nude Images

According to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.com, one in five teen girls (22%)—and 11% of teen girls ages 13-16 years old—say they have electronically sent, or posted online, nude or semi-nude images of themselves. Read the full report.


SIECUS Releases New Reviews of Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Curricula

As part of its sixth annual “Back to School” briefing, the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS) released its latest reviews of three abstinence-only-until-marriage curricula used in federally funded programs. The National Education Association and the Health Information Network cosponsored this year’s briefing. The full reviews can be found on SIECUS’ website.

New Resources

Core Competencies for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

These competencies are specifically intended for adult providers and educators of adolescent sexual and reproductive health. They represent the foundation of professional capabilities that all providers might strive to possess in order to deliver effective, sensitive and appropriate sexual and reproductive health programs and services to adolescents. Download a free copy at californiateenhealth.org.


BDI Logic Model for Working with Young Families Resource Kit

In response to a need voiced by professionals working with young families, Healthy Teen Network designed a Behavior-Determinant-Intervention (BDI) logic model for working with young families in collaboration with various professionals in the field, including MOAPPP. Read the full report.


FAQs about Science-Based Approaches

Healthy Teen Network in partnership with ETR Associates developed this set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about science-based approaches as part of their Weaving Science and Practice Project. This resource is intended to help you better understand, learn more about and eventually use these approaches in your work.


Adolescent Sexual Health in Europe and the U.S. – Why the Difference?

Advocates for Youth has updated their fact sheet (PDF) comparing the United States and several European countries on teen pregnancy, birth, abortion, HIV, STI and contraceptive use rates. The fact sheet also explores lessons learned from a decade of study tours in which a number of Minnesota professionals have participated.


Teen Births: Examining the Recent Increase

In this report (PDF) from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and Child Trends, the author considers available evidence on whether and why the teen birth rate rose between 2005 and 2006. It also raises data and research issues that should be explored to sharpen the discussion and strengthen public and private prevention efforts.


CDC 2008 Compendium Available Online

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released online the 2008 Compendium of Evidence-based HIV Prevention Interventions. The 2008 Compendium includes eight additional evidence-based behavioral interventions that have been scientifically proven to significantly reduce HIV risk. Read the 2008 Compendium.

New Research

Another Study Confirms that Virginity Pledges Do Not Work

Teens who take “virginity pledges” are just as likely to have sex as those who do not, and they are less likely to use condoms or other forms of contraception when they become sexually active, according to an analysis in the January 2009 issue Pediatrics. The authors conclude that because virginity pledge programs do not reduce the number of young people becoming sexually active, the number of pledgers they enlist should not be used to measure the effectiveness of programs that promote only abstinence. Read the full article (PDF).


Science Says #38: Say What? Defining and Understanding Key Outcomes and Measures Related to Births and Pregnancies

Consider the following headline: In 2006 there were more than 430,000 teen births in the U.S. In 2004 there were 729,000 teen pregnancies in America. What do all these numbers mean? How do they differ? Can they be compared? This publication from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy presents definitions, examples and step-by-step guidance on how to interpret rates, proportions and the percent change in numbers over time.


Adolescent Sexual Risk: Factors Predicting Condom Use Across the Stages of Change

Researchers studied adolescent condom use consistency using the Stages of Change model. This article, published in AIDS and Behavior, suggests that interventions which target positive attitudes about condom use and that build skills around condom communication are likely to promote consistent condom use among adolescents.


Low-Income Latina Mothers’ Expectations for Their Pregnant Daughters’ Autonomy and Interdependence

A new study published in the November Journal of Research on Adolescence examines communication among Latina mothers and their daughters. Increased interdependence appeared to indicate positive family relations among the Spanish-speakers.


Urban Institute Report: Kids Having Kids

This report identifies the consequences of teen childbearing for mothers, fathers, children and our society. This updated second edition features a new chapter evaluating teen pregnancy interventions, along with revised and updated versions of most first edition chapters. For more information, visit www.urban.org.


Changes in Sexual Risk Behavior as Young Men Transition to Adulthood

The authors of this article suggest that effective strategies to reduce young men’s risk of HIV and other STDs must take into account barriers to adopting consistent condom use and to reducing the number of sexual partners, ways in which these barriers differ among groups of men and strategies to overcome them.


Methamphetamine Use Independently Associated With Recent Risky Sexual Behaviors and Adolescent Pregnancy

Youth substance use in general is known to be associated with risky sexual behaviors, but the effect of methamphetamine use on recent risky sexual behaviors and adolescent pregnancy has received little attention. Findings suggest that there is such a correlation and that prevention strategies for adolescents should integrate education on substance abuse, pregnancy, STIs and HIV. Read the abstract.

MOAPPP Events

January 21, 2009
Youth Engagement: The Power of Service Learning (formerly Service Learning 101)

9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
1667 Snelling Avenue North, St. Paul

What is Service Learning? Why is it a beneficial strategy? How can organizations implement this strategy with young people in their organizations? Who should participate in Service Learning? If you or anyone in your organization are interested in learning more about Service Learning, this workshop is for you!

Service learning is gaining recognition as a powerful approach to adolescent pregnancy prevention. Come learn from the National Youth Leadership Council about the principles of service learning and how to implement them with excellence.

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


January 27-28, 2009
It’s That Easy: Helping Parents Raise Sexually Healthy Children
(Formerly called PASE – Parents Are Sexuality Educators)

8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Center for Families
3333 North 4th Street, Minneapolis

If you work with parents/caregivers of children 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 manual, a comprehensive guide designed to help you work with parents in your community.

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

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.


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 2½ 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].


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. Registration deadline is February 18. Questions? Contact Jill Farris at 651-644-1447 x18 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 for January 2009.

Other Events

January 30-31, 2009
February 27-28, 2009
Our Whole Lives Curriculum Training

Metro Area

These trainings, offered by the Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, are for adults who want to teach the Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality curriculum in their congregations or other settings. The January training will focus on the curriculum for young adults (ages 18-35) and adults (ages 35+). The February training 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 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 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].


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.