Sexuality-Education Workshops This Fall for Grades 7-9

Honest, accurate information about sexuality changes lives. It fosters healthy relationships, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, improves decision-making, and can even save lives.

This fall, First Parish in Wayland will offer Our Whole Lives (OWL), a values-based, sexuality-education curricula created for use in secular settings. The sessions are designed for students in grades 7 through 9.

The program models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. Topics include body image, interacting online, bullying/bystander responsibilities, and consent education.

Parent orientation will be held on September 27 and October 4 from 4 to 5 p.m. Student classes start on October 18, and will be held on Sundays, 4 to 5:30 p.m., from October to June, at First Parish in Wayland. The registration deadline is September 13.

For more information, email Kate Holland (kholland@uuwayland.org).

What Parents Say About OWL

"I'm grateful for the OWL program. It's a small group, safe space for youth to learn about sexuality in an environment that honors and respects all people, across all identities. Conversations about gender and sexuality, autonomy, consent, and making safe choices are held in a frank and inclusive environment that demystifies sexuality and promotes a sense of respect and self-worth for everyone."

“I appreciate that OWL has a gender-identity-affirming curriculum and is inclusive to all. To be honest, I didn't pay that much attention to the school curriculum because I knew our child was in good hands with OWL!”

What a Student Says About OWL

“I like OWL because the group is smaller than the one in school and the activities were more fun.”