Teenwise Minnesota Announcements
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Thanks to our generous sponsors for their support of our 21st Annual Conference! Sponsors to date: Leader Level
Partner Level
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There is Still Time to Register for the 21st Annual Teenwise Conference!
The Teenwise Annual Conference is Minnesota's most comprehensive training event covering current research, educational resources, policy initiatives and emerging issues related to adolescent sexual health, pregnancy prevention and support for adolescent parents. It promises to be two days filled with renowned speakers, challenging, informative, skill-building workshops and many opportunities for networking and conversation.
For more information and to register, visit the Teenwise conference page.
Be Well. Be Informed. Be Supportive. Be Empowered. Teenwise Minnesota is the Place to BE!
Be Wise Benefit Event
May 31, 2012, 6 - 9 p.m.
Solera Restaurant
Purchase your Be Wise benefit event tickets, tables and sponsorships today! This year's event includes amazing live performances from youthrive, fabulous food and an inspired silent auction.
We'll also be honoring longtime Teenwise Minnesota supporter Mary Lee Dayton and celebrating the accomplishments of Minnesota's young people.
Don't forget to check out the event web page, as updates on the entertainment, silent auction and the evening's events are added regularly.
Questions? Contact Katie Welch at katie@teenwisemn.org, 651-644-1447 x16.
P.S. While it may be deceiving, please note that the event is scheduled for after the Memorial Day holiday.
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Other Announcements
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (NTPPM)
May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, an opportunity to raise awareness around teen pregnancy and to build support for effective teen pregnancy prevention initiatives. For more information about NTPPM and ways to be involved, visit Teenwise Minnesota's website.
The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
This year, May 2 is the designated National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. Involving the participation of thousands of teens and young adults, the National Day is observed by communities across the country. Information and resources can be found on the website of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancies.
Take a Survey to Help Minnesota Department of Health Learn about STD Prevention Efforts in Minnesota!
The Minnesota Department of Health's (MDH) STD and HIV Section is interested in learning about the sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention education efforts of youth-serving agencies in Minnesota. The results of this survey will help MDH better understand what is currently being provided and help focus their technical assistance in the future. The survey should take approximately five to 10 minutes to complete. Click here to take the survey. The last day to take the survey is May 25, 2012.
For Youth
Advocates for Youth is Recruiting Youth Activists!
If selected, you will have opportunities to: develop new organizing and leadership skills; become informed on sexual and reproductive health issues; connect with passionate young people from across the country; and have a lasting impact on your communities. You will also join more than 100 youth activists in Washington, DC for an intense four-day activist training institute free of charge! Check out the various opportunities below:
- Campus Organizing Team
Advocates for Youth works with campus organizations to provide them with skills, information and materials to conduct advocacy campaigns on their campuses. Each year, selected campus organizations are chosen to receive intensive assistance including funding; advocacy and media training; materials for dissemination; and on-going assistance to help educate, activate and empower students on issues such as condom availability, LGBT rights, comprehensive sex education, abortion access and HIV prevention/treatment among others! Click here to complete the Campus Organizing Team application. Applications are due May 10, 2012. - Young Women of Color Leadership Council
The Young Women of Color Leadership Council is composed of young leaders and activists who come together to promote a message of prevention and empowerment through a reproductive justice lens. All of the Council's work is a collaboration of diversity and power, in the hopes of affecting a million more young women of color. The goals of the Council are to educate, include, and empower. Click here to complete the Young Women of Color Leadership Council application. Applications are due May 10, 2012. - YouthResource Peer Educators
YouthResource, a website by and for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ) young people, explores issues of concern to GLBTQ youth. The Online Peer Educators provide affirmation and support to their peers, answer questions posed by visitors, and assist users to find the local resources they need. Peer Educators also write blogs, articles and issue briefs for the YouthResource website, advocate for GLBTQ rights and present at conferences on GLBTQ issues. Click here to complete the YouthResource Peer Educator application. Applications are due May 10, 2012.
In the News
Star Tribune Highlights Declining Teen Birth Rate
The Minneapolis Star Tribune's Gail Rosenblum featured the decline in the U.S. teen birth rate in an article on April 18, 2012 with quotes from Teenwise Minnesota's Executive Director, Judith Kahn.
MPR Weighs in on Dramatic Drop in Teen Births
An article on Minnesota Public Radio's (MPR) MPRnews website discusses the sharp drop in the teen birth rate both nationally and in Minnesota. And while the overall picture looks good, continued disparities along racial/ethnic lines remain a cause for concern.
New Resources
New Issue of the American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research Focuses on Adolescent Reproductive Health
This special issue of the journal focuses exclusively on reproductive health programs for American Indian and Alaska Native youth. Nine articles describing a variety of programs are included, along with an introduction detailing the state of such programs in AI/AN communities. Read the articles here.
Online Resource to Understand how the Affordable Care Act Affects Organizations Focusing on Adolescent Sexual Health
The Affordable Care Act is a complex piece of legislation, made even more so by the fact that different portions of the law go into effect at different times. The result is that the implementation of the Affordable Care Act varies in rate and form from state to state. What does this mean for organizations working to promote adolescent sexual health and support teen parents? A new set of online tools has been developed by Healthy Teen Network to assist in answering that question. Status reports for each state are provided with information on what aspects of the Affordable Care Act have been implemented or are pending; in addition, recommended "action steps" are suggested in order to gain the maximum benefit under this unfolding law for your organization and the youth you serve. View the policy fact sheet for more information.
New Research
- Teen Birth Rate at Historic Lows
- New Report Shows Minnesota STDs Climbed to a New High in 2011
- Most Young Women Can Use Emergency Contraception Correctly
- National Estimate Shows Not Enough Young Women Tested for Chlamydia
- HIV/STD and Pregnancy Prevention Education in Public Secondary Schools
Teen Birth Rate at Historic Lows
Teen birth rates are now at historic lows for teens of all ages and all racial/ethnic groups, according to a report released by the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). The number of teen births is the lowest it has been in nearly 70 years. Other highlights from the NCHS report include:
- Births rates are at historic lows for all racial/ethnic groups.
- Teen birth rates in the U.S. peaked in 1991. If the 1991 teen birth rate had remained unchanged, there would have been an estimate 3.4 million additional births to teens between 1992 and 2010.
Analyzing this data (PDF), researchers from the Guttmacher Institute found an increase in teens' use of any contraceptive method, in their use of the most effective methods and in their use of dual methods (condoms and hormonal methods simultaneously).
However, researchers from the National Bureau of Economic Research suggest that expanded access to family services through Medicaid and reduced welfare benefits had statistically relevant impact on the lowered rates, but these factors accounted for only 12 percent of the teen birth rate decline. Furthermore, they determined that abstinence only or mandatory sex education had no impact on teen birth rates. Read the article Explaining Recent Trends in the U.S. Teen Birth Rate.
New Report Shows Minnesota STDs Climbed to a New High in 2011
A new report from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) shows that the number of reportable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Minnesota climbed to a new high of 19,547 in 2011. The continued rise in STDs prompted health officials to encourage sexually active people to practice prevention and get tested regularly. Rates continued to be highest among teens and young adults.
Most Young Women Can Use Emergency Contraception Correctly
Research published in Obstetrics and Gynecology explored the potential misunderstanding of how to use Plan B by providing an emergency contraception (EC) product to young women who requested it at a clinic, but not providing further instruction, simply allowing them to read the label. Researchers found that 92 percent of the women in the study correctly selected to use or not use the product, and 93 percent used it according to the instructions on the label. They also found that correct use of the product was not associated with age. That is, a 13 year old was as capable of assessing her need for EC, and taking EC, as was a 17 year old. Read the full article (PDF).
National Estimate Shows Not Enough Young Women Tested for Chlamydia
Just 38 percent of sexually active young women were screened for chlamydia in the previous year, according to the most recent nationally representative estimate of chlamydia screening among this population. CDC recommends annual screening for all sexually active women aged 25 and under. Read the CDC press release.
HIV/STD and Pregnancy Prevention Education in Public Secondary Schools
In the United States, 46 percent of high school students have had sexual intercourse and potentially are at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy. The CDC analyzed 2008 and 2010 School Health Profiles data for public secondary schools in 45 states. The report indicated that in 2010, compared with 2008, the percentage of secondary schools teaching 11 topics on HIV, other STDs and pregnancy prevention in a required course in grades six, seven or eight was significantly lower in 11 states and significantly higher in none; the percentage of secondary schools teaching eight topics in a required course in grades nine, ten, 11 or 12 was significantly lower in one state and significantly higher in two states; and the percentage of secondary schools teaching three condom-related topics in a required course in grades nine, 10, 11 or 12 was significantly lower in eight states and significantly higher in three states. The National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States recommends educating young persons about HIV before they begin engaging in behaviors that place them at risk for HIV infection.
Teenwise Minnesota Events
There is Still Time to Register for the 21st Annual Teenwise Conference!
The Teenwise Annual Conference is Minnesota's most comprehensive training event covering current research, educational resources, policy initiatives and emerging issues related to adolescent sexual health, pregnancy prevention and support for adolescent parents. It promises to be two days filled with renowned speakers, challenging, informative, skill-building workshops and many opportunities for networking and conversation.
For more information and to register, visit the Teenwise conference page.
May 24, 2012
Meeting the Unique Needs of Adolescent Mothers and Fathers
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church
511 Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis
Adolescent parent programs strive to facilitate long-term self-sufficiency, build parenting capacity and ensure the healthy growth and development of the children born to young parents. This workshop examines adolescent development; national and state data related to adolescent parents; systems that impact adolescent parents; strengths, opportunities and challenges young parents bring to their new role; and current research on best practices for working with adolescent parents. Participants will also learn practical tips for helping adolescent parents understand their children's perspective, fun ways to communicate parenting concepts and other activities for use with young families.
For more information and to register manually, view the flyer (PDF). Click here to register online. Questions? Contact David Kurtzon at 651-644-1447 x19 or david@teenwisemn.org.
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May 24, 2012
Register Today for a Free Webinar: Implementing the National Sexuality Education Standards in Minnesota Classrooms!
9:30 - 11:00 a.m. CST
On April 6, 2012, Teenwise Minnesota hosted a webinar that introduced the national sex education standards to Minnesota. As a follow-up to this webinar, Teenwise Minnesota, The Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota Department of Health and the Healthy Youth Development-Prevention Research Center at the University of Minnesota are hosting a second webinar that addresses how Minnesota teachers can actually utilize them within their current curriculums. The webinar will provide a brief overview of the national sex education standards, identify current Minnesota legislation, provide surveillance data and identify what we know about current practices in implementing sex education in Minnesota schools, examine some of the curricula being utilized and how they align to the standards and identify best practices in aligning your own programs to the standards.
Webinar presenters include: Nora Gelperin, Director of Training, Answer; Dr. Mary Thissen-Milder, HIV/STI/UP State Coordinator, MN Department of Education; Jill Farris, Director of Training and Education, Teenwise Minnesota; Jenny Oliphant, Research Fellow and Community Outreach Coordinator, Healthy Youth Development-Prevention Research Center, U of MN; Gabriel McNeal, Adolescent and Youth Development Specialist, MN Department of Health and Kathy Chinn, Sexual Health Program Specialist, MN Department of Health.
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To register for this meeting, click here.
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Once the host approves your request, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting.
To view the April 6 webinar: National Sexuality Education Standards: Charting a Course to Improve School-Based Sexual Health Education in Minnesota click here.
Questions? Contact Mary Thissen-Milder at 651-582-8505 or mary.thissen-milder@state.mn.us.
Other Events
May 10, 2012
Childhood Sexuality: A Developmental, Cultural and Mental Health Perspective
8:00 a.m. - 4:55 p.m.
John Nasseff Medical Center, Lower Level Conference Center
255 North Smith Avenue, St. Paul
The 18th Annual Spring Pediatric Update includes a number of presentations on various aspects of child and adolescent sexual health. Among the topics included are: recognizing at-risk teens, communicating about sex, what physicians need to know about childhood and adolescent sexual health and issues of mental health among GLBT young people. For more information and to access registration, please click here.
May 17, 2012
Webinar - More than Facebook: Harnessing Technology to Prevent STDs among Teens
2:00 - 3:15 p.m. CST
This webinar is for school and community-based professionals who are looking for innovative technological strategies to implement STD education among youth. The webinar will feature speakers from Answer's Sex, Etc. web and mobile site, APPCNC's BrdsNBz two-way text line and ICAH's Sex Ed Loop teen website created in partnership with Chicago Public Schools. A tour of each platform will be provided as well as issues such as project costs, staffing and ideas for replication will be addressed. For more information and to register, click here.
May 23, 2012
The Numbers Are In! Minnesota's 2011 HIV, Hepatitis and STD Epidemiology Overview
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Minnesota AIDS Project
1400 Park Avenue, Minneapolis
Each year the Minnesota Department of Health releases data about new infection rates of HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections in Minnesota. This information gives us the who, what, when and where of the spread of these infections. For people who are involved in HIV prevention and outreach, knowing the population of people becoming infected can help us better target those at risk. For providers working with those living with HIV, this data provides insight into the common co-infections our clients' experience. If you are an HIV educator, familiarizing yourself with this data will allow you to provide a real life view of HIV to the audiences you speak to. Join us to review and discuss the current infection numbers! Register by emailing communityeducation@mnaidsproject.org.
June 25-29, 2012
13th Annual Western Region Institute for Teachers and Community Health Educators (WRITCHE)
Westerbeke Ranch
Sonoma, CA
WRITCHE is designed to increase knowledge and build skills needed to deliver comprehensive, culturally proficient, medically accurate sexuality education. WRITCHE is a residential, intensive, skill-based training for sexuality, STD/HIV and family planning educators working in schools or community-based organizations. WRITCHE topics routinely include HIV/STDs, puberty, contraception, abstinence, safer sex, abuse/coercion prevention, decision making, communication and self-esteem.
For more information and to register, visit www.cardeaservices.org.
July 22-27, 2012
TISHE 2.0
Building on a decade of success, TISHE 2.0 (Training Institute in Sexual Health Education) will offer participants a more robust professional development experience than ever before. Intended for more seasoned professionals who provide sexuality education in school or community-based settings, this intensive week-long institute will transform professionals' thinking about effective delivery of sexuality education for our nation's youth. TISHE 2.0 is coordinated by Answer and SIECUS. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.
July 30-August 1, 2012
August 2, 2012 (for graduate students only)
2012 Summer Institute in Adolescent Health
Equal Access, Equal Say: Achieving Health Equity for All Young People
Minnesota Department of Health - Mississippi Room
1645 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul
For young people today, inequitable social conditions in schools, families and communities can lead to dramatically differing paths to adulthood, some healthier than others. During the 2012 Summer Institute in Adolescent Health, delve into the myriad conditions that underlie disparities in health, visit settings where these disparities are being challenged, and talk with youth and the professionals who work with them to realize health equity for all young people. Learn strategies and gain new skills in the creation of supportive environments, the provision of responsive services and the engagement in effective advocacy for the advancement of health equity for all young people. For more information and to register, click here.
September 11, 2012
Minnesota Reproductive and Sexual Health Update
University of Minnesota, St. Paul
We're pleased to announce keynote speaker Sharon Schnare (RN, RNP, CNM, MSN, FAANP) will join us to share the latest research and technology in birth control. Additional topics include:
- Trends and research in sexually transmitted infections
- Contraceptive counseling and motivational interviewing
- Health Care Reform and its impact on the field of reproductive health
- An open Q&A session with Sharon Schnare
- And more!
Mark your calendars, and don't miss out on the latest in reproductive health practice, research, and technology! Watch for additional details this summer, or check hcet.org for updates.
Funding Opportunities
Minnesota Department of Health - Update on Positive Alternatives Grant Program
Due to a statutory change impacting the eligibility requirements of the Positive Alternatives grant program, the January 26, 2012 grant application has been nullified and the Minnesota Department of Health is once again seeking grant applications from private nonprofit organizations to provide alternatives-to-abortion programs that support, encourage and assist women in carrying their pregnancies to term and caring for their babies after birth. The goal of the program is to reduce the number of abortions, improve pregnancy outcomes and support family self-sufficiency.
Eligible applicants are private, non-profit organizations who have had an alternatives-to-abortion program in place for at least one year as of July 1, 2011, or have had such a program incorporated for at least one year as of July 1, 2011. These organizations will ensure that their alternatives-to-abortion program’s purpose is to assist and encourage women in carrying their pregnancies to term and maximizing their potentials thereafter. No organizations that perform abortions, promote abortion or directly refer to abortion providers will be eligible for funds.
Applications are due on or before June 8, 2012. Award decisions will be made approximately August 1, 2012. Download application materials from the Positive Alternatives website.