Sexuality Education for Life - Minnesota is a coalition of educational, religious, health, social service and advocacy organizations, as well as concerned individuals that promotes lifelong healthy sexuality by advocating for policies on comprehensive sexuality education and access to confidential health care services.
A New Name for the Coalition
Thank you to all who provided feedback regarding a new name for the coalition! We are currently working on the details of this updated identity, including a new logo. Stay tuned for more information in the near future.
National Update – Federal Abstinence Only Until Marriage Funding
Rejecting Federal Dollars
In a growing trend to send a message to Congress, New Mexico has become the 15th state to reject federal abstinence only until marriage funding. The New Mexico Department of Health cited their commitment to using evidence-based programs as the reason for the refusal. Minnesota rejected the funds earlier this year. To read a press release from SIECUS, please visit www.siecus.org.
Sexuality Education for Life Events
February 5, 2008
Youth Advisory Group Meeting – Planning Youth Lobby Day
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Help plan the 2008 SEFL Youth Lobby Day at the Capitol!
Youth who have previously attended a lobby day and newly interested youth are invited to participate in planning this year’s event. Youth and young adults interested in participating in this year’s Youth Advisory Group meeting should contact Amy Kodet at MOAPPP at 651-644-1447 x17 or publicpolicyintern@moappp.org.
February 13, 2008
Sex Ed for Life – Advocacy Skills Building Workshop
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Church Center, 122 West Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis
This year's member meeting will be an advocacy skills building event. Hear updates on the status of state and federal sexuality education and learn how to lobby decision makers about the importance of effective programs. To RSVP to this free event, contact Amy Kodet at MOAPPP at 651-644-1447 x17 or publicpolicyintern@moappp.org.
February 19, 2008
Sex Ed for Life – Capitol Lab
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
State Office Building 346
Get comfortable finding your way around the Minnesota State Capitol. This event will familiarize Coalition members with the State Capitol and the legislative process. Join us for an inside look at how the political process works. This event is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP by contacting Amy Kodet, MOAPPP Public Policy Intern at publicpolicyintern@moappp.org or 651-644-1447 x17.
April 8, 2008
Sex Ed for Life - Youth Lobby Day
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
State Capitol Great Hall and Rotunda
Youth and their parents will learn about the legislative process and issues surrounding comprehensive sexuality education and minors' consent. Please join us for this opportunity to learn about SEFL issues, hear from advocates and legislators, and if schedules permit to meet with the legislators from your district. For more information, contact Amy Kodet at MOAPPP at 651-644-1447 x17 or publicpolicyintern@moappp.org.
In the News
US Teen Births Rise for First Time in 15 Years
In what some experts point to as failure of government-funded abstinence programs, new figures show the US teen birth rate has risen for the first time in 15 years. For more information, visit www.siecus.org.
Study Finds Sex Education Before Age 15 Discourages Teens from Becoming Sexually Active
The study, published in the January issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health, found that teenage boys and girls who had received some type of sex education were 71% and 59% less likely, respectively, to have sex before age 15. For more information, visit National Partnership for Women and Families.
New York Times Editorial - Congress Should Eliminate Spending Bill's Increase for Abstinence-Only Program
The New York Times published an article, Sex, Science and Savings, on reducing the budget for Abstinence-Only Programs.
Star Tribune Editorial- Congress Should Cut Restrictive Sex Ed Funding from Budget
A Star Tribune editorial, Just say no to abstinence-only, on funding as well as the effectiveness of abstinence-only education.
Resources
Science-Based Approaches: A Year in Review (2006-2007)
The Year in Review brochure (PDF) identifies the most notable and innovative research, resources, programs and policy from the past year that employ a science-based approach in making a difference in the lives of teens and young families.
Research
Births: Preliminary Data for 2006
According to this National Vital Statistics Report, (PDF) the preliminary estimate of births in 2006 was 4,265,996, an increase of 3 percent from 2005, the largest single-year increase in the number of births since 1989 and the largest number of births since 1961.
Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report, 2006
Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2006 presents statistics and trends for STDs in the United States through 2006. This annual publication is intended as a reference document for policy makers, program managers, health planners, researchers and others who are concerned with the public health implications of these diseases.