Access to Sexuality Educationcontinued from cover
“Recent research indicates that over half of all high school students in the U.S. have had sexual intercourse,” Siordia said. “We need to respect and acknowledge those sexually active teens who want to take a responsible approach to preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as those who choose to abstain from sexual activity.” Most of the CAPs found that to provide a comfortable, open atmosphere for teens, they needed to first provide education to the adults. They offered workshops covering basic reproductive anatomy, sexually transmitted diseases, family planning, communication skills and community resource lists. “If adults are comfortable with their own sexuality and with the fact that teens are sexual people, we feel we’ll be successful in getting the right messages out to the youth,” said Barbara Anderson, co-coordinator for the CAP in Modesto. The planning groups then approached schools, community organizations and family planning agencies to determine the best ways to provide education for the teens. In Indio, they learned some important lessons about approaching teens and adults with sexuality education. “For the first four months, we tried to follow our original plan, which was to bring in professionals to do the training. It wasn’t successful,” said Karen Calkins-Merritt, program manager in Indio. “We are now training the residents themselves to provide information to their peers, household by household, teen by teen.” Access to Contraception
Rodriguez of the Hollywood CAP said access to contraception encompasses more than having condoms available. “Teens feel uncomfortable going to a clinic just for a condom, so we need to provide contraception in ways that are easy and comfortable for them.” Many of the CAPs are working with businesses, such as fast food restaurants and arcades, to distribute condoms and information about contraception. In South Central Los Angeles, eight businesses have agreed to place signs in their windows identifying them as locations where teens can receive contraception and information about birth control. Motivation“You can have all of the access in the world, but it means nothing if there is no motivation to prevent pregnancy,” TCWF’s Siordia said. “If teens have goals they believe are attainable, they are unlikely to risk pregnancy and put those goals in jeopardy.” The CAPs have developed partnerships with organizations in their communities to help teens develop skills and confidence and set goals for their futures. Jasmin Felix of Oceanside said their community is working to raise awareness of youth development options. “We are partnering with the City of Oceanside Library to provide computer training. We are also making families aware of after-school programs that provide tutoring and mentoring,” she said. “We’re trying to tap into existing resources to expand life options for the youth.” In Indio, teens have participated in field trips, job skills development and teen clubs, and six young people have received scholarships to attend the Imagination Station at the McCallum Theatre, where they will learn about all aspects of theatre production. In Hollywood, where Rodriguez said only one-third of the senior class graduated this past year from one local high school, the CAP is helping parents learn how to become involved and supportive of their children’s educational needs. Community Engagement
“Sexuality is one of the toughest and most emotional subjects to deal with. It must start with the residents in all aspects of community life,” Siordia said. “Everyone has to be comfortable talking about sexuality, even the soccer coach, because the soccer coach may be the only adult a kid will turn to.” Pregnancy prevention activities in Madera are dependent upon the relationships that are formed across sectors. “Our partners include school officials, teachers, churches and mental health agencies — and the parents have really been wonderful,” said Eva Negrete, acting project coordinator in Madera. “The churches in particular have been supportive, and one pastor has offered his facility as a meeting place.” Members of the religious community have also been valuable partners in South Central Los Angeles. “One faith-based organization in this community has recognized that AIDS, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are big, important issues,” Highshaw said. “Without infringing on anyone’s beliefs, we have found a role for them and all community partners in this effort.” Additional Support Strengthens Results
“Cornerstone and Philliber are in consultant roles for us,” said Antonia Jackson in Richmond. “They make the connections and provide the resources, and we follow up in a way that will work best for our community.” Siordia added that the CAPs also share information with each other and help one another when they run across some of the same stumbling blocks. Making Long-Lasting ChangeWhen the project coordinators were asked what changes they’d like to see when TCWF funding ends, they all said they would like to see community residents internalize the goals of the program and pass them on to future generations. “We want the residents to be empowered to take the lead in creating an environment for healthy sexuality,” said Calkins-Merritt of Indio. “By doing this work, we are creating the next generation of leaders.” |
Fall 1999
| INSIDE:
Clinics sharing administrative functions Art and books about pregnancy prevention Extensive violence prevention library Health needs of welfare recipients |
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Foundation.
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