Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education
OWL is a positive, comprehensive, and age-appropriate educational program that promotes sexual health. It has four primary goals:
-to provide accurate, developmentally appropriate information.
-to increase self-esteem and understand relationships with and responsibilities toward others.
-to develop interpersonal skills including communication, decision making, and problem solving.
-to teach responsibility for personal health and safety.
For more information please visit their website - http://www.uua.org/re/owl
Or the religious exploration department: DRE@firstUO.ca
We run our program here at the congregation with spirituality in mind and often in partnership with the Jewish congregation that shares our building, though anyone who subscribes to the values of the OWL program are welcome to attend our programs, and there is a secular version available (visit the main OWL website to find out more.)
OWL at First Unitarian
We believe that everyone should have access to accurate and comprehensive information about their bodies and how to have healthy relationships with themselves and others, in age/stage appropriate ways. This includes representation from broad ranges of the human experience and an inviting space where individuals can have their questions answered in open and honest ways and learn from one another. For this reason our congregation has been committed to running this program since its beginning and at every level. Please get in touch if you are interested in finding out more.
K-1st grade
Supports parents in educating children about birth, babies, bodies and families. Following a Parent Meeting and Parent/Child Orientation, the 8 sessions engage children with stories, songs and activities and include a weekly HomeLink - a homework project for parents and children to do together. Promotes dialogue between parent and child.
4-6th Grade
8-session program for learning about and discussing the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Participants will read It's Perfectly Normal by Robie H. Harris, and examine topics such as values and sexuality, communication and decision making. Each session includes a HomeLink - a homework activity for parents and children to complete together.
Click here to see what the permission form looks like.
7-9th Grade
A sexuality education program for youth 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. (New topics include body image, social media/internet, bullying/bystander responsibilities, and consent education.)
10-12th Grade
Using a comprehensive approach, this program helps senior-high youth gain the knowledge, life principles and skills they need to express their sexuality in life-enhancing ways. Our program is run on a regional basis as two weekend long "cons" - overnight events at different congregations in the area. There are different workshops offered at each event and a youth will attend 3 weekends to complete their program and "graduate".
Adult OWL
Using values, communication skills and spirituality as starting points, this program explores sexuality issues for adults of all ages. Builds understanding of healthy sexual relationships, affirms diversity and helps participants accept and affirm their own sexuality throughout their lives. These sessions are often run as one off topics or as short series based upon the participants knowledge and interests. This includes Young Adult OWL, Adult OWL, and Older Adult OWL to match different life stages through our journeys.
Supports parents in educating children about birth, babies, bodies and families. Following a Parent Meeting and Parent/Child Orientation, the 8 sessions engage children with stories, songs and activities and include a weekly HomeLink - a homework project for parents and children to do together. Promotes dialogue between parent and child.
4-6th Grade
8-session program for learning about and discussing the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Participants will read It's Perfectly Normal by Robie H. Harris, and examine topics such as values and sexuality, communication and decision making. Each session includes a HomeLink - a homework activity for parents and children to complete together.
Click here to see what the permission form looks like.
7-9th Grade
A sexuality education program for youth 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. (New topics include body image, social media/internet, bullying/bystander responsibilities, and consent education.)
10-12th Grade
Using a comprehensive approach, this program helps senior-high youth gain the knowledge, life principles and skills they need to express their sexuality in life-enhancing ways. Our program is run on a regional basis as two weekend long "cons" - overnight events at different congregations in the area. There are different workshops offered at each event and a youth will attend 3 weekends to complete their program and "graduate".
Adult OWL
Using values, communication skills and spirituality as starting points, this program explores sexuality issues for adults of all ages. Builds understanding of healthy sexual relationships, affirms diversity and helps participants accept and affirm their own sexuality throughout their lives. These sessions are often run as one off topics or as short series based upon the participants knowledge and interests. This includes Young Adult OWL, Adult OWL, and Older Adult OWL to match different life stages through our journeys.
