Invitation: Sex Ed Training in Dallas!

I am writing with an invitation to all of our Religious Institute friends in Texas.

Next month, the Religious Institute is co-sponsoring a one-day, sexuality education training for young people (ages 15-24), with a specific track for clergy and other adults who serve youth in congregations. If you live in or near the Dallas area, I encourage you (and others in your faith community) to attend. Because the event is on a Saturday, those of you from other parts of the state might consider spending your weekend in Dallas. No matter where you reside, I hope you will pass the word to friends and colleagues who may be interested. Scroll down for details …

Break the Silence: Speak Up for Sex Ed!

Saturday, April 17, 9:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

Cathedral of Hope

5910 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas, TX

Background: This one-day training will provide information and advocacy training for young people who support a responsible, honest approach to sex education. To say that most Texas schools do not provide comprehensive sexuality education programs is to understate the case considerably. The strict, abstinence-only approach most public schools employ is creating a generation of illiterate young people when it comes to sexual health. Such programs commonly propagate false or misleading information about pregnancy and disease prevention, putting young people at real risk. In addition to addressing the general failure of this approach to sex ed, the training in Dallas will include a focus on LGBTQ issues as well. Research from the Texas Freedom Network has shown that, in most Texas schools, gay and lesbian students are, at best, ignored during sex ed – at worst, they are actively discriminated against or otherwise made to feel “abnormal.”

The day’s events will include a separate track in the afternoon for adults who work with youth in a congregational setting. The idea is to equip – and inspire – congregations to take on this issue, since the need is desperate, and schools are clearly failing. Many clergy believe they should be doing more in this area, but do not have a good idea where to start. This will be a practical, hands-on training for any minister, rabbi or youth leader who wants to begin – or expand – a congregation-based sex education program.

You can learn more about the training here.

If you would like to attend, or if you believe this would be of benefit to colleagues or friends, please contact Ryan Valentine at the Texas Freedom Network — ryan@tfn.org.

I hope to see you in Dallas!

—
Brite Student Association