“OWL”
Our Whole Lives
Grade Appropriate Courses in Sexuality Education
Click here for the 'OWL' pamphlet/registration form.
WHAT Is "Our Whole Lives"?
Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a series of sexuality education curricula for five age groups: grades K-l, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and adults. The program provides accurate information and Unitarian Universalist values for children, youth, adults, and families.
This course is for 7th to 9th grade youth.
OWL is based on the philosophy of comprehensive sexuality education, which helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, OWL provides not only facts but also helps participants clarify their values, build skills and understand the spiritual, emotional, social, and political aspects of sexuality as well.
OWL, led by a male/female leadership team, uses a variety of media and interactions within a confidential group setting to respond to the expressed concerns of the participants.
WHO ARE THE FACILITATORS?
There are teams of two facilitators for the course. The co-leaders have completed intensive training for the OWL curricula provided by the UU Metro District. Each is a member of a Unitarian Universalist congregation.
WHO SPONSORS OWL?
This course is sponsored by the Long Island Area Council (LIAC) of Unitarian Universalist Societies, supported by dues from the 12 UU societies on Long Island.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR Our Whole Lives?
Any youth in grades 7-8-9 who is associated with a Long Island UU society. Please consider your child’s maturity level when considering OWL due to the sensitive nature of the material. It is recommended that young people take this course prior to taking the Coming of Age course.
WHEN IS THE COURSE?
The OWL program will involve six four-hour meetings at local Long Island congregations on Sundays from 2-6 pm. Classes will meet: October 16, 23, and November 6, 13, 20, and December 4.
There will be a mandatory parent/guardian meeting on October 9, 2011 from 3-5:30 pm. At this time, an overview of the curriculum will be presented and course material will be available for perusal. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and express concerns.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
The fee for the course will be $140, payable by the first session. Please speak to your local religious educator if this poses a financial hardship.
HOW DOES ONE REGISTER?
To register, complete the registration form, have your religious educator sign the form, include a refundable deposit of $40, and mail the completed form by October 5 to:
Bernie Kaplan, LIAC Administrator
3688 Berne Road
Wantagh, NY 11793
(516) 781-4319
bkaplan66@optimum.net
The $100 balance for the course is due at the first session. Make checks payable to “LIAC” with “OWL” on the memo line.
WHAT ARE THE OBLIGATIONS?
Those who choose to take OWL are making some simple commitments:
-At least one parent/guardian will attend the
orientation meeting to better understand the course;
-The participant will attend all of the scheduled
sessions and be on time;
-The participants and parents will abide by the rules of
the group concerning confidentiality and respect.
The leaders will be available to discuss the course during the duration of the sessions, while respecting the confidentiality of the participants.
Click here for registration form.
Click here for convenant form.
October 5: Application Deadline
October 9 3:00 pm: Orientation meeting for parent/guardians
Program Meetings: Sundays 2:00-6:00 pm
October 16
October 23
November 6
November 13
November 20
December 4
LOCATIONS to be Announced