Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto

Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education
Grades 7 through 9

BEGINS IN JANUARY 2007  at First Unitarian Church of San Jose 

Our Whole Lives offers:

• up-to-date information and candid answers to all participants' questions
• activities to help participants clarify values and improve decision-making skills
• effective group building to create a safe and supportive peer group
• education about sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment
• opportunities to critique media messages about gender and sexuality
• acceptance of diversity
• encouragement to act for justice
• trained leaders
• required parent orientation programs that engage parents in the sexuality education of their children
• UU materials that incorporate worship and religious values

Youth who sign-up for this program must agree to attend all sessions. Our Whole Lives depends on the consistency of youth attendance because so much of the program is based on the trust that grows with improved communication skills. Irregular attendance erodes trust and the formation of community that enables youth to get the most out of the program.

OUR WHOLE LIVES (7TH-9TH Grades) REQUIRED PARENT ORIENTATION

There will be a required parent orientation on Sunday, January 13 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Ramsden Fireside Room of the First Unitarian Church of San Jose (a few blocks off Highway 87 in downtown San Jose) for families who are considering having their son or daughter participate in the Unitarian Universalist Sexuality Program, Our Whole Lives (OWL). This program is for youth in 7th-9th grades, and UUCPA youth have been invited to join the San Jose and Fremont youth.   The course begins Sunday, January 27 and finishes on May 25.  The class schedule is going through its final revision and will be published soon.  The total cost per participant is $80, and includes all books and materials.

The volunteer teachers for the class will be Elisabeth McKenna, Rick Morris, Liz Shivell and Steven Wallcave.

Preference will be given to San José families.  Other participating congregations will be registered on a first come basis.

There will also be a parent support group that will meet at the same time as the youth class.  Liz Shivell and Steven Wallcave will be leading the adult class.  Adults will follow the curriculum and learn what the youth are learning.

Elisabeth McKenna is serving as the OWL Class Coordinator.  She encourages you to contact her with any questions at the San Jose Church.

Please contact Rev. Eva in her office for further information, including carpooling.