The Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent is committed to offering age appropriate and comprehensive sexuality education. The Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ have partnered on producing the lifespan Our Whole Lives (OWL) series. http://www.uua.org/re/owl. This entire program is based on providing accurate information, developing and supporting decision making based on core values, and encouraging family communication.
On Monday evenings (Fall 2017-Spring 2018), our 7th, 8th & 9th graders are participating in the Junior High level Our Whole Lives (OWL), a sexuality education program that models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. A holistic program that moves beyond the intellect to address the attitudes, values, and feelings that youth have about themselves and the world. Unlike many other sexuality curricula currently available, this program is comprehensive and progressive. In an inclusive and developmentally appropriate manner, it addresses sensitive topics that are typically excluded. Trained and experienced facilitators are Kat Holtz, Saul Flanner, Kathy Walker, and Chris Dum
Upper Elementary level Our Whole Lives is offered Sunday afternoons in Winter and Spring 2018. This program prepares children for the changes that puberty brings – both physical changes and awareness about relationships and identity. The “workbook” used is It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris. This Spring our church was chosen to field test updates and revisions to the curriculum. The leaders trusted to that task are Jeff Lang and Jennifer May.
Parents and Caregivers as Sexuality Educators is a new adult program being field tested by caregivers of youth in the Junior High level OWL program. It is offered monthly (January 11, February 22, March 13 and April 18) concurrently with youth programming. Conversations are facilitated by Interim Director of Religious Education Lily Rappaport.
The Parents and Caregivers as Sexuality Educators program is grounded in Unitarian Universalist values and provides parents and caregivers with a unique understanding about teenagers, sexuality, and parenting. It offers information, skill building, and broad perspectives on specific topics related to sexuality. This is an opportunity—and an invitation—to join with other parents and caregivers to provide a family and community foundation for conversations about sexuality.
