Teenwise Minnesota Announcements
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Conference Sponsors |
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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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Register Now! April 13 is the Deadline for Early Bird Registration
The deadline for Early Bird Registration, April 13, is fast approaching. To register for the 21st Annual Teenwise Conference and for more information, please follow this link to the Conference section of our website.
LAST CALL FOR EXHIBITORS
There is still time to join us as an exhibitor for the 21st Annual Teenwise Conference! Visit the Teenwise Conference page for more information and an application.
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
Please mark your calendars for an evening of delicious food, sensational entertainment and inspired silent auction opportunities that celebrates and supports the accomplishments of Minnesota's young people. Invitations are coming soon, and we can't wait to see you there.
Advanced reservations, tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available today.
Questions? Contact Katie Welch at 651-644-1447 x16.
P.S. While it may be deceiving, please note that the event is scheduled for after the Memorial Day holiday.
Other Announcements
April is STD Awareness Month
Check out the STD Awareness Resource Site from CDC, created for STD prevention partners and stakeholders to support STD prevention outreach.
Highlights of the site include:
- Information on the GYT: Get Yourself Tested Campaign;
- Testing locator web tools and widgets for your website, providing users with instant access to a list of their nearest HIV and STD testing locations;
- Clinic tools and resources such as the STD Treatment Guidelines, billing information for confidential adolescent services, information on serving adolescents and LGBT patients and educational videos on STDs and taking sexual histories;
- A media relations kit to help disseminate news and information to the media on your STD prevention activities;
- Information on communicating about social determinants of health and disparities as well as additional communication and social marketing tools and campaign examples to inform your STD campaign activities; and
- Access to free CDC fact sheets and brochures, including fact sheets for mobile devices.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The month of April has been designated as national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The purpose of SAAM is to raise awareness of sexual violence in our communities as well as provide education and tools to prevent it. The 2012 SAAM campaign focuses on promoting healthy sexuality as a support for developing relationships that are respectful and consensual. For more information and resources, visit the website of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
Call for Proposals: National Sex Ed Conference
The Center for Family Life Education, a national leader in sexuality education, invites colleagues to submit proposals to present workshops for its National Sex Ed conference November 28-30, 2012 in Somerset, NJ, featuring former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders. Please submit proposals by May 15, 2012 by clicking here.
May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
The month of May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (NTPPM), observed in cities and states across the country. If you haven’t done so already, consider how your organization might promote NTPPM and its mission to engage communities in supporting effective teen pregnancy prevention initiatives. For information, ideas and resources, visit the National Month to Prevent Teen Pregnancy page on the Teenwise website.
May 2 is the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy!
May 2, 2012 is the eleventh annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. In addition to professionals and other adults, the National Day traditionally involves the participation of thousands of teens and young adults. To get more information as well as resources, visit the website of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.
For Youth
Youth Activist Network Launched by Advocates for Youth
Advocates for Youth is pleased to announce the launch of Youth Activist Network 101, their series of online education modules on adolescent reproductive health and rights. YAN 101 was conceived to help young people fill in the gaps in their sexuality education and prepare them to become well-informed sexual health activists. Each lesson provides basic information about an important topic like contraception, healthy relationships, HIV and STIs, abortion, cultural competency and more. Young people can complete the lessons at their own pace and at the end, if they complete all of the lessons and a final exam, they're eligible to receive a certificate in Sexual Health and Rights Activism. Learn more here.
In the News
Administration Issues Final Ruling on Contraceptive Coverage in Student Health Plans
The Obama Administration recently released its final rules on contraceptive coverage by student health plans, requiring most colleges and universities to include such coverage with no co-pay or additional costs. For more details, click here.
New Resources
Access to Maternal and Child Health Library for Data, Research and Programs
The Maternal and Child Health Library (MCH Library) at Georgetown University has assembled a set of resources that lead to comprehensive information on programs, data tools and research studies related to maternal and child health. To access the MCH Library, select one of the links below.
New Research
- Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth
- Cash, Cars and Condoms: Economic Factors in Disadvantaged Adolescent Women's Condom Use
- Sex Education Linked to Delay in First Sex
- Government Pregnancy Prevention Efforts Save Taxpayers Money, Analysis Finds
- The Relationship Between Sexual Abuse and Risky Sexual Behavior Among Adolescent Boys
- Adolescents' Perspectives on the Use of a Text Messaging Service for Preventive Sexual Health Promotion
- Teens Who Receive Comprehensive Sexual Health Information Are More Likely than Others to Use Reproductive Health Services
Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth
This study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine examined the contributions of LGBT-specific factors to self-harm and suicidal ideation among LGBT youth. The authors found an association between such factors as prospective LGBT victimization and childhood gender non-conformity and the risk of suicidal ideation and self-harm. The authors concluded that such factors as these, in conjunction with risk factors common to adolescents in general, may partially account for the higher than average rates of these phenomena among LGBT young people.
Cash, Cars and Condoms: Economic Factors in Disadvantaged Adolescent Women's Condom Use
The potential negative association of economic support provided to disadvantaged adolescent women by their boyfriends with the use of condoms is investigated in this study in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Researchers found that adolescent women (selected from a longitudinal study on HIV prevention) whose boyfriend was their source of primary spending money were 50 percent more likely never to use condoms at both the six and 12 month intervention follow-up. An associated finding was that women whose boyfriends owned cars were also more likely to never use condoms.
Sex Education Linked to Delay in First Sex
Teens who receive formal sex education prior to their first sexual experience demonstrate a range of healthier behaviors at first intercourse than those who receive no sex education at all. This is particularly so when the instruction they receive includes information about both waiting to have sex and methods of birth control. Read the full study from Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Government Pregnancy Prevention Efforts Save Taxpayers Money, Analysis Finds
Government efforts to prevent unintended pregnancies are cost effective, producing savings of two dollars to six dollars for every one dollar invested, according to a new study from the Brookings Institution. Researchers used a simulation model to estimate the savings that could result from investments in three government-financed programs: mass media campaigns to encourage young people to practice safe sex; evidence-based pregnancy prevention programs for teens; and family planning services through Medicaid. Although all three approaches produced net savings, funding for Medicaid family planning services was the most cost effective. According to the analysis, an investment of $235 million in Medicaid family planning programs would yield an estimated annual taxpayer savings of $1.32 billion.
The Relationship Between Sexual Abuse and Risky Sexual Behavior Among Adolescent Boys
Childhood and adolescent sexual abuse has been shown to lead to increased odds of sexual behaviors that lead to sexually transmitted infections and early pregnancy involvement. Research has focused primarily on girls and young women who have experienced abuse, yet some adolescent boys are also sexually abused. Results from this study in the Journal of Adolescent Health indicated that sexually abused boys were significantly more likely than non-abused boys to report risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected intercourse, multiple sexual partners and pregnancy involvement. Results indicate that childhood and adolescent sexual abuse can substantially influence sexual behavior in adolescence among male survivors. The authors recommend strengthening sexual abuse prevention initiatives, raising awareness about male sexual abuse survivors' existence and sexual health issues, improving sexual health promotion for abused young men, and screening all people, regardless of gender, for a history of sexual abuse.
Adolescents' Perspectives on the Use of a Text Messaging Service for Preventive Sexual Health Promotion
In this study from the Journal of Adolescent Health, researchers aimed to understand adolescents' perspectives on the use of a preventive sexual health text messaging service. Participants were sent weekly text messages sent by a service called the Hookup. Results indicated that participants enjoyed receiving weekly text messages related to sexual health. They linked their enjoyment to the message content being informative (providing relevant and new information), simple (automatically limited to small words and short phrases), and sociable (easily able to be shared with friends). The authors conclude that the use of text messaging is an innovative way to engage teens in preventive health learning and practices. Text messaging may allow efficient delivery of health messages and may offer a discreet way for teens to learn important health information, especially for sensitive topics like sexual health.
Teens Who Receive Comprehensive Sexual Health Information Are More Likely than Others to Use Reproductive Health Services
A new analysis of government data finds that teenage women who receive information about a range of sexual health topics, either from their parents or in a formal setting (such as a school, church or community center), are more likely than others to visit a medical provider for sexual or reproductive health care. However, teens who received information only about abstinence were less likely than others to have sought out the services that are necessary to improving their sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Even among sexually experienced teens, the data suggest that those who received abstinence-only information from parents were less likely than others to use sexual and reproductive health services. The authors suggest that further investigation is needed to determine whether comprehensive sexual and reproductive health communication facilitates teens' use of sexual and reproductive health care services, and whether abstinence-only information deters teens' use of these services. Read the abstract from Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health here.
Teenwise Minnesota Events
Teenwise Minnesota's 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.
Early Registration deadline is April 13, 2012. For more information and to register, visit Teenwise Minnesota's conference page.
Other Events
April 11, 2012
Understanding and Working with LGBT Youth
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
TIES Building
1667 Snelling Avenue North, Falcon Heights
This free-flowing training is intentionally designed to engage participants in a frank discussion about LGBT bullying. Here is your opportunity to ask what you've always wanted to ask and learn about this delicate, yet highly important issue facing many youth. The presenters bring first hand personal knowledge to the table and are skilled at addressing this multi-faceted issue. At the end of the presentation, you will hear from LGBT youth and have the opportunity to ask them questions about their experiences.
For more information and to register, visit www.mnyipa.org.
April 11-14, 2012
National Service-Learning Conference
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Avenue, Minneapolis
Originating in Minnesota in 1989, the National Service-Learning Conference is the largest gathering of youth and adults involved in the service-learning movement. The conference focuses on service-learning as a way of teaching and learning that builds academic skills and citizenship while addressing community needs. It will connect teachers, administrators, researchers, policy-makers, youth leaders, parents and program coordinators through three days of plenary sessions, leader series and service-learning projects. Register here.
April 17, 2012
Trends in Adolescent Brain Development: Implications for Youth Practice and Policy
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
St. Paul Student Center
2017 Buford Ave, St. Paul
This symposium, sponsored by the Center for Youth Development at the University of Minnesota Extension, will focus on the latest findings from research on adolescent brain development and the implications for practice and policy. Presenters Dr. Abigail Baird and Dr. Laurence Steinberg will examine the link between the research on adolescent brain development and youth work practice and describe strategies for strengthening support for young people through policy change. The event is free (offered in-person or via the web) but registration is required. Click here to register.
April 18, 2012
Live Webinar: Sexual and Reproductive Health Care: What About the Young Male?
Arik V. Marcell, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine will discuss the role of males in sexual and reproductive health care. Click here to view the flyer (PDF).
April 19, 26 and May 3, 2012
What About the Boys: Teaching Sexuality Effectively to Adolescent Boys - New Webinars from ANSWER
ANSWER is excited to announce the launch of their new webinar mini-series "What About the Boys: teaching sexuality effectively to adolescent boys." With many curricula and school classrooms focusing primarily on girls as the sexual gatekeepers and boys as the aggressors, ANSWER found that the role of boys in relationships is one that is present with contradictory information. The three webinars listed below are designed with the needs of boys in mind and will focus on how to engage boys in the discussion when teaching about sexuality. All webinars are from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. CST.
April 19, 2012
"Act Like a Man!" How Pervasive Messages About Manhood Affect Teen Boys
April 26, 2012
Neglected Needs: The Status of Boys' Sexual Health and Education
May 3, 2012
Understanding Male Learners: Making Sex Ed Relevant for Boys
April 19, 2012
Minnesota Department of Health 2011 STD Data Release and Webinar
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Dial-in to 1-888-742-5095; indicate conference code 3192776590. Log-in here and click on the webinar release link.
April 30, 2012
Minnesota Department of Health 2011 HIV/Hepatitis Data Release and Webinar
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Dial-in to 1-888-742-5095; indicate conference code 3192776590. Log-in here and click on the webinar release link.
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.
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.
Funding Opportunities
Minnesota Department of Health - Request for Proposals for the Preconception Health in Minnesota Grant Program
The Minnesota Department of Health's goal in making these grants is to improve preconception health and care for non-pregnant, reproductive age women in Minnesota through support of evidence-based preconception health interventions that prevent and/or reduce the risk for birth defects. The two-year grant period is June 15, 2012 through June 30, 2014. Application information can be found here. Submit questions about the RFP to Health.Womens-Health@state.mn.us. Deadline is April 12, 2012
Minnesota Department of Health - Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative Grant Program
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is soliciting proposals to close the gap in the health status of African Americans/Africans, American Indians, Asian Americans and Hispanics/Latinos in Minnesota as compared with whites in eight priority health areas, including teen pregnancy prevention and community primary prevention. Application materials can be found here. The one-year grant period runs from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. Deadline is April 12, 2012