How do we get started? My congregation has never done sexuality education before. We are really starting from square one.
Introducing sexuality education into your congregation can be a wonderful opportunity to put faith into action. Effectively developing a congregational commitment involves a four-part process of building allies, forming an oversight committee, educating and inspiring the congregation, and making the program an ongoing part of the congregation's ministry. Resources to help you get started include The Advocacy Manual for Sexuality Education, Health, and Justice, available from the UUA Bookstore, and the article "Supporting Sexuality Education in Your Congregation" by Rev. Cynthia Breen, which appears in each edition of Sexuality and Our Faith, The Advocacy Manual. We also recommend purchasing copies of the curricula well in advance of starting the program, so that you and your congregation's leadership can be familiar with Our Whole Lives before introducing it. Don't feel you need to introduce all five levels in one or even two years. Start with the age level for which there is the greatest need and interest, and build from there. Involve the parents of the appropriate age group in the earliest planning. Make sure your lay and professional religious education people have the opportunity to attend workshops on Our Whole Lives at professional, district, and/or continental gatherings.
Last updated on Monday, June 4, 2007.
