MOAPPP January 2006 E-Monthly

MOAPPP Completes New Strategic Plan

MOAPPP’s Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan in December that will guide the organization through 2008. A strategic planning committee met throughout 2005, conducting key informant interviews and constituent listening sessions as part of the process. Thanks to all who contributed in some way to the new plan. To access the plan, visit our copy online. (PDF)


Support MOAPPP and become a member today!

MOAPPP is a member-supported organization that relies in part on modest annual membership dues from individuals and organizations so that we may provide the many programs and services that you, and others who work with and care about youth, have come to depend on. Additionally, the larger MOAPPP’s membership, the louder our collective voice will be on behalf of Minnesota’s youth. To join online, go to www.charitybox.com/MOAPPP. To print a membership form that can be mailed or faxed back, go to MOAPPP.org. Questions? [email protected].


Policy Intern Wanted!

The primary function of this internship is provide support to MOAPPP’s Policy Coordinator, the MOAPPP Public Policy Committee and the Sexuality Education for Life Coalition – Minnesota in the development of advocacy efforts during the 2006 Minnesota Legislative session. The Public Policy intern works directly with the Policy Coordinator. Current undergraduate or graduate student progressing toward a degree in public policy, public health, education, or social work preferred. Basic understanding of the legislative process a plus, motivation and desire to understand the political system a must. Application deadline is January 16, 2006. To apply, contact Leah Sweet at 651-644-1447, x 12 or [email protected].

 

In the News

Minnesota Men’s Action Network: Alliance for the Prevention of Sexual Violence

The Minnesota Men’s Action Network is part of the Minnesota Department of Health’s effort to make the prevention of sexual violence a priority and to build a prevention effort that promotes male leadership. This network will largely focus on organizational practices and policy changes that can influence the social norms that contribute to sexual violence. To join this effort, or for more information, visit the website at www.menaspeacemakers.org, or contact either Frank Jewell at: – 218-727-1939 or Chuck Derry at: – 320-558-4510.


Three New Fact Sheets on HIV and AIDS for Education Professionals

The Council of Chief State School Officers, School Health Project announces the availability of three new fact sheets on HIV and AIDS:

  • What Education Leaders Should Know about HIV and AIDS
  • What Education Leaders Should Know about HIV and AIDS and School-Aged Youth
  • What Education Leaders Should Know about Forming Partnerships to Prevent Sexual-Risk Behaviors in School-Aged Youth

To download the fact sheets visit www.ccsso.org. For additional information contact Nora Howley at 202-336-7033 or .


Parent-Child Communication about Sexual Health

According to “Parent-Child Relations Among Minor Females Attending U.S. Family Planning Clinics,” in a recent national survey of more than 1,500 teens at family planning clinics, a majority of women younger than 18 reported good relationships with their parents and said that they had talked with their parents about sex and birth control. Substantial proportions of teens had talked with their parents extensively about such topics as how to say no to sex (42%), where to get prescription birth control (32%) and how to prevent STIs (33%). Only 7% reported that they had not talked with their parents about any of these or several other sexual health issues.


An Evaluation of a Parent Education Intervention

The article, “Saving Sex for Later: An Evaluation of a Parent Education Intervention,” evaluates one program that aims to help parents guide their children through puberty. Parents who participated in Saving Sex for Later (a program whose participation requires only that parents listen to three CDs, when and where they can) felt better able to communicate with their children about risky behavior and pubertal development, and thought that they had greater influence over their children’s behavior than parents in the study’s control group.


What Works: Programs and Interventions that May Influence Outcomes for Children and Youth

“What Works: Programs and Interventions that May Influence Outcomes for Youth and Young Children,” is a list of all of the indicators on the Child Trends DataBank that currently include links to What Works tables, by type of table. Topics include: Reproductive Health, Sexual Activity, and Childbearing; Family Environment; and other issues related to youth and young children.


Foster Care and Teen Pregnancy

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and UCAN (Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network) report, “Fostering Hope: Preventing Teen Pregnancy Among Youth in Foster Care,” (PDF) provides quantitative research on the high rates of teen pregnancy among foster care youth, important new qualitative research presenting findings from Chicago-area focus groups in which foster care youth (some who are already teen parents) and foster parents were asked about their perspective on teen pregnancy, and results of an online survey of Chicago-area child welfare service providers.


Consistency of Condom Use Among Low-Income Hormonal Contraceptive Users

According to “Consistency of Condom Use Among Low-Income Hormonal Contraceptive Users,” many women in a clinic-based sample (54%) who had used condoms consistently before starting on injectable contraceptives or the pill discontinued condom use after beginning a hormonal method. The likelihood of consistent condom use increased when women’s partners had a positive opinion of condoms and when women had a positive attitude toward dual method use. The authors recommend improving women’s understanding of the importance of simultaneous pregnancy and STI prevention efforts.


Relationship Between Adolescents’ Evening Activities and Involvement in Problem Behaviors

The study, “Peer Activity in the Evenings and Participation in Aggressive and Problem Behaviors,” suggests that low adult supervision during the after-school hours is associated with early initiation of sexual activity, substance use, risk taking, lower academic performance, and vulnerability to peer pressure among adolescents. The purpose of the study described in this article was to determine whether time spent away from family during evening hours also puts adolescents at greater risk for involvement in problem behaviors.


Teens, Religion, and Teen Pregnancy

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy recently released two new items on teens, religion and teen pregnancy.

  • Science Says research brief (PDF) – Research has long connected teens’ own religious beliefs with their sexual attitudes and behavior. New research released by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, and developed by Child Trends, indicates that teens from religious families and those with friends who regularly attend religious services tend to have sex at later ages compared to teens whose parents have religious beliefs that are not as strong and whose peers don’t attend services as regularly.
  • Faith, Hope, and Love: How Latino Faith Communities Can Help Prevent Teen Pregnancy (PDF) – Created in partnership with a distinguished group of advisors, the guide provides faith leaders serving Latino families with ideas to help young people avoid too-early pregnancy and parenthood.

A Health Profile of Adolescent and Young Adult Males

The brief, “A Health Profile of Adolescent and Young Adult Males,” (PDF) from the National Adolescent Health Information Center highlights priority health issues for young men and identifies key racial and ethnic disparities. Health topics include violence, substance use, mental health, reproductive health and health care access.


Advocates for Youth Monthly Monitor Features Young Men of Color Health Outcomes

The monthly monitor features a summary on inequities in health outcomes for young men of color, including resources and culturally specific programs to promote the health needs of young men of color. To address these inequities in health outcomes, young men of color need culturally specific programs that:

  • Provide culturally appropriate, gender-specific sexual and reproductive information
  • Promote a positive self-concept, including self-esteem, self-efficacy, self-respect, and life skills
  • Build skills in communication, negotiation, and refusal
  • Provide confidential clinical care and health services
  • Involve young men as equals in the implementation and evaluation of programs for men.

For more information visit the Youth of Color website.

 

MOAPPP Events

January 24, 2006
Sexuality Education for Life Coalition – Minnesota Gathering

Open Book
1011 Washington Ave South, Minneapolis
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Sexuality Education for Life Coalition – Minnesota, co-facilitated by MOAPPP and the Minnesota AIDS Project, is made up of educational, religious, health, social service, advocacy organizations and concerned individuals to promote lifelong healthy sexuality by advocating for policies on comprehensive sexual health education and access to confidential health care services. We are hosting a coalition meeting to look back at our six-year history and look forward to new horizons for 2006. To register, e-mail: [email protected].


February 8, 2006
Making Sense of Abstinence Training

Minnesota Department of Education
Conference Center B
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This workshop introduces participants to Making Sense of Abstinence, a curriculum that takes abstinence beyond a one-dimensional scope of “just say no.” It utilizes positive and engaging activities to help young people think about abstinence in a way that values their ability to make decisions. Bill Taverner from the Center for Family Life Education will be the trainer for this workshop. For more information and registration, see the Making Sense of Abstinence flyer and registration form. (PDF)


March 6, 2006
Girls Rock the Capitol

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This event is for girls age 13-18 and it will be held at the Minnesota Women’s Consortium. Space is limited so register early! For more information, contact Bonnie Watkins at .


March 17, 2006
Sexuality Education for Life Coalition – Minnesota
Capitol Lab

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Minnesota – it’s time to listen, learn and get active. Come for an interactive session on the legislative process, take a tour of the capitol and state office building and find out how you can make a difference. Parents and professionals are invited to attend. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register or for more information contact Leah Sweet, [email protected], 651-644-1447 x 12.


May 4-5, 2006
MOAPPPs 15th Annual Conference “15 Years of Bringing the Pieces Together”

Earle Brown Heritage Center
Brooklyn Center, MN

Join us for two days of dynamic speakers, challenging workshops and many opportunities to network with Minnesota professionals committed to teen pregnancy prevention and support for pregnant and parenting teens.

Keynote Speakers

  • Douglas Kirby, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, ETR Associates
    “25 Years of Pregnancy Prevention: Reflections on Lessons Learned, Progress Made, and the Promise for the Future”
  • Sharon Cooper, M.D., FAAP, University of North Carolina
    “The Normalization of Sexual Violence and Its Impact on Prevention”
  • Shelby Knox, Student, University of Texas, and youth activist highlighted in the film The Education of Shelby Knox
    “Youth Activism and Engagement: The Fight for Comprehensive Sexuality Education”

For more information, please contact [email protected].


Thursday, May 11, 2006
MOAPPP’s Annual Benefit Event

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

MOAPPP will be recognizing its 15 year history as Minnesota’s resource for teen pregnancy information. This is a MOAPPP event you will not want to miss! Watch for more information at MOAPPP’s web site.

Other Events

January – February 14, 2006
Respect Yourself. Protect Yourself. Condom Campaign Contest

To get the word out that condoms do protect against HIV and many other sexually transmitted infections, Advocates for Youth and Sex Etc. have created a Condom Campaign Contest with awards up to $500 and have developed an online creative tool that young people can use in the contest. Contest entrants must be between the ages of 15 and 24. For more information, visit www.advocatesforyouth.org.


January 13, 2006
Q-Quest Youth Fest

Perpich Center for Arts Education, Golden Valley, MN.
12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The first annual Q-Quest Youth Fest conference, planned by and designed for GLBTQ youth and their allies, will explore personal identity and voice within a diverse culture, plan for the future, make connections with other youth to think and create and celebrate ‘being young’. The conference is free. There will be entertainment, a dance, art space, an open mike and workshops devoted to youth empowerment. Please register in advance. For details and a registration form visit www.mnschoolhealth.com.


January 23-24, 2006
Minnesota Fatherhood & Family Services Summit

St. Cloud Civic Center
St. Cloud, Minnesota

MFFN’s 2006 Annual Winter Conference is geared toward fatherhood and family-services practitioners and advocates. Whether you work with children, mothers, fathers or other family members, this conference will have something for you. Details are available at www.mnfathers.org.


January 24, 2006
Minnesota Confidential Documentary To Be Shown at University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota
Coffman Memorial Union theater
5:45 p.m

In Minnesota, minors have the right to access confidential health services, including sexual health services. This legal protection is associated with reductions in risky sexual behavior, particularly those that can lead to pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

A new documentary, Minnesota Confidential, about Minnesota’s Minor’s Consent statute will be shown at the University’s Coffman Memorial Union theater on Tuesday, January 24 at 5:45 p.m., followed by a guided discussion. The film explores differing perspectives regarding the statute and includes interviews with opponents and proponents. The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Public Health Association.


January 26, 2006
“How are the Children?” Community Based Dialogue

5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Shoreview Community Center

The community dialogue will provide an opportunity for families and community leaders to learn from each other and work together to develop plans for mitigating the impact of funding cuts for children, youth and families. For more information please see the flyer online. (PDF)

This event is sponsored by the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative and the Ramsey County League of Local Government.


February 7, 2006
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

February 7th is recognized annually as the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) – a nation-wide community mobilization initiative that leads to capacity building to increase awareness, participation, and support for HIV prevention among African Americans. To register and order supplies for event(s) visit www.blackaidsday.org.


March 27-28, 2006
Minnesota Conference on Adolescent Females (MCAF)

Save the date for the 16th Annual Minnesota Conference on Adolescent Females, hosted by the Girls Coalition of Minnesota. For more details, visit www.mngirls.org.


May 3, 2006
5th Annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Sponsored by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and National Day founding partners Teen People magazine and TeenPeople.com, the National Day is designed to focus the attention of teens on the importance of avoiding teen pregnancy and other consequences of sex. For more information, visit www.teenpregnancy.org.