Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education
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.
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.
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.
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.
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OWL at Every Age
Below you'll find short descriptions of what each OWL curriculum involves, from Kindergarten and first grade all that way through to three different Adult Owl programs geared towards different stages of adulthood and aging. 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. |
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4-6th Grade- Currently being offered Jan-April 2025
A ten 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 of the 10 sessions includes a HomeLink - a homework activity for parents and children to complete together.
Jr High OWL (7th-9th Grade)
A sexuality education program for youth that models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. A holistic program that over 25 sessions 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.)
Highschool OWL (10-12th Grade) - currently being updated
OWL provides a safe setting for teens to explore their attitudes, values, and beliefs about their own and others’ sexuality. This developmentally appropriate, field-tested curriculum addresses important topics through dialogue and engaging activities. It promotes decision-making informed by accurate information and a foundation of personal values and life goals. OWL for Grades 10-12, 2nd ed. includes fourteen 90-minute workshops, each of which include an opening reading, several activities, reflection on what was learned, and opportunities to ask questions
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.
A ten 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 of the 10 sessions includes a HomeLink - a homework activity for parents and children to complete together.
Jr High OWL (7th-9th Grade)
A sexuality education program for youth that models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. A holistic program that over 25 sessions 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.)
Highschool OWL (10-12th Grade) - currently being updated
OWL provides a safe setting for teens to explore their attitudes, values, and beliefs about their own and others’ sexuality. This developmentally appropriate, field-tested curriculum addresses important topics through dialogue and engaging activities. It promotes decision-making informed by accurate information and a foundation of personal values and life goals. OWL for Grades 10-12, 2nd ed. includes fourteen 90-minute workshops, each of which include an opening reading, several activities, reflection on what was learned, and opportunities to ask questions
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.
Join the OWL Team
Our Whole Lives (OWL) provides healthy sexuality training for people of all ages on a variety of topics including: communication skills, STIs and birth control, online dating, adoption, fertility issues, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental health issues, separation, and much more BUT we need facilitators to do it!
Contact our Director of Religious Exploration to find out which programs we are running.
