OWL

Our Whole Lives

Offered by the University Unitarian Universalist Society of Orlando

A comprehensive sexuality education curriculum for middle schoolers based on liberal values and common sense.

OWL SCHEDULE:

Our Whole Life, a comprehensive sexuality education program (OWL) for 10th to12th graders is scheduled for April and May 2008. This program is open to non-UU's and non-member's with students in those grades listed. Students who have completed the 7-9th grade OWL classes can attend this series anytime in high school. A mandatory parent orientation is scheduled for Sunday, March 30th from 4-6 PM to cover content and answer any questions. Additional orientation can be scheduled if you cannot attend. The classes will generally be taught on Sundays from 4-6 PM. A complete schedule will be provided at the orientation. If you are interested please call Kim Williams at (407) 314-4226. Coming in January 2009: OWL for 7th-9th graders. Dates TBA

Our Whole Lives is a sexuality education program designed for middle school students. It is part of a series of sexuality education curricula jointly developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ. Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas:

• human development
• relationships
• personal skills
• sexual behavior
• sexual health
• society and culture

Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.

Is this one of those abstinence-only church based programs?

No. This program definitely encourages abstinence with regard to sexual activity for teens, but OWL is a comprehensive sexuality education program. Participants will also be learning about vital topics such as relationships, birth control, and how to avoid contracting diseases such as HIV.

Woven within this curriculum is how sexuality is expressed in our culture. Participants will learn how the media affects their feelings about their own bodies. Social issues relating to gay and lesbian concerns will be addressed. How sex and power can become linked in relationships is another important topic. They will be discussing in a mature way how to relate to the opposite sex as they grow and change.

How can I be sure that I’m comfortable with your curriculum?

These are tricky topics and we agree that parents are the most important source of values and information for their children. That is why we require that you meet with us and review the curriculum before enrolling your child. We will be holding several orientation meetings during the month of December for this purpose.

There is no religious dogma attached to this curriculum. It is appropriate for participants of any religious background.

What kind of commitment would my family be making in terms of time and money?

This is a 26-week program offered Sunday afternoons beginning in January, 2006. We ask that participates attend as consistently as possible. Parents are not required to stay for the class, although you will be provided a place to read or visit with other parents.

There is no charge for this class. The University Unitarian Universalist Society considers this program to be an important gift that we give to the community.

Who will be teaching this class?

We are extremely proud of our facilitators. They are:

Kim Williams is a Victim Advocate at the University of Central Florida where she has presented to college students about healthy dating, communications and boundary setting skills, as well as respect based sexuality for the past ten years. She is a YRUU (Young Religious Universalist) Advisor and a Religious Education teacher. Kim says she loves teaching OWL as an opportunity to enhance respect and responsible decision making in dating situations. Kim is happily married and the mother of two girls age 6 & 12.

 

Eric Christensen is 53 yrs old, married 31 years (to the same person!), He is the father of 3 boys all of whom took the OWL course. For 10 years Eric has been the lead advisor for UUUS youth group, and holds several leadership roles within the statewide Unitarian Universalist community. Eric’s favorite quotes are "I'm old and things were different when I was your age" and "I have a strange sense of humor and I'm not afraid of using it."

 

Keri Nola is a Sexual Health Educator at the University of Central Florida where she is also in the process of completing her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. She has over 8 years of experience developing, implementing, and facilitating both large and small scale health promotion programs for youth to adults, dealing with issues ranging from sexuality, drugs/alcohol, body image, and diversity.

 

Where are you located, and how can I get in touch with you?

To learn more, visit our website at: OWL@universityuus.org. We are located at 11648 McCulloch Rd in Orlando near the University of Central Florida, for directions see- http://www.universityuus.org/uuus_findus.htm.