Our Whole Lives
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Offered by the University Unitarian Universalist Society of Orlando |
A comprehensive sexuality education curriculum for students in grades 7 through 9, ages 12-14, based on liberal religious values and common sense.
OWL CLASSES COMING SOON
A second Parent Meeting will be on January 21st at the home of Rachel Christensen at 4:30PM. Call 407-365-6262 for location information. You may also email: contact Rachel or Eric Christensen. This course is open to any interested families, not just members of UUUS. If you have a friend or neighbor who might be interested, please invite them to attend the parent orientation meeting and/or contact Rachel or Eric for more information. The first session for youth is January 22nd from 3 to 6PM at UUUS
Our Whole Lives is a sexuality education program designed for students in grades 7-9. 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 also 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.
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?
The program is being offered Sundays from 4-6pm and at some longer Friday-Saturday sessions. We ask that participates attend as consistently as possible. Parents who wish to stay during class will be provided a place in the church 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 Mental Health Counselor at the University of Central Florida. Prior to completing her masters degree she was a Victim Advocate at the UCF Police Department for 12 years where she has presented to college students about healthy dating, communications and boundary setting skills, as well as respect-based sexuality. Her roles at the UUUS have included being a Youth Group Advisor, a Religious Education teacher and a Board member. Kim says she loves teaching OWL as an opportunity to enhance respect in friendship and dating situations. Kim is happily married and the mother of three girls ages 18, 12 & 4 Eric Christensen is 59 years old and married 37 years (to the same person!) He is the father of 3 boys all of whom took the OWL course. For 16 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." Rachel Christensenis a civil engineer in private practice, and is enrolled as a Divinity Student at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, IL. She is 58, and is the current President of the Florida District of the UUA. She is an active youth adviser and has taught both Middle School OWL and High School OWL at UUUS. Her 3 boys are now being adult in the world. OWL provided good information and grounding in sexuality for her kids as they have navigated dating, peer conversations and decision making. Yay OWL!
Where are you located, and how can I get in touch with you?
For more information call us at (407) 737-4018 or
email us at: info@universityuus.org.
We are located at 11648 McCulloch Rd in Orlando
near the University of Central Florida.Keep an eye open for upcoming parent orientations and schedules.
