Our Whole Lives(OWL) Sexuality Education
Introduction: The Our Whole Lives (OWL) Lifespan Sexuality Education Program is a well respected sexuality education curriculum which was co-sponsored in 1999 by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ. It is values based, medically accurate and affirming sexuality education The program has curricula for 7 age groups: grades K-1, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12, young adult, adult, and older adult. More detailed information about the OWL program is here.
OWL at the Community Church: The Community Church offers the OWL curricula for children and youth on a regular basis. Adult modules of OWL are offered on an occasional basis. OWL courses are only available for families who are pledging members or associates of the Community Church.
Every year:
1st Grade
5th Grade
8th Grade
50 and Up
Every other year:
10th-12 Grade: offered in 2023-24
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1st Grade OWL--January-March 2024
First Grade OWL is the introduction to OWL and lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning about yourself and sexuality. First grade OWL focuses on families, bodies and babies. Children learn about themselves and others in an age appropriate way that feels safe and joyful. Facilitators: DeeDee Lavinder, Adam Good
January 7, 2023 Mandatory Parent/Child Orientation
January 21-March 18 (except 2/11) session on Sunday during service at 9:30-10:30 AM
All classes will meet in the Kirby Room in the Jones Building
5th Grade OWL--September- December 2023
Fifth grade OWL focuses on puberty and changing bodies as well as ideas of identity and inclusion. The question box is introduced at this level and children ask and get answers for ANY questions each week. Facilitators: DeeDee Lavinder, Matt Zemon
September 10, 2023 Mandatory Parent/Child Orientation
September 17-December 3 (except 10/29 and 11/26) session on Sunday during service at 9:30-10:45 AM
All classes will meet in the OWL Room in the Jones Building (downstairs)
8th Grade OWL -- 2023-2024
Eighth grade OWL covers 26 topics including anatomy, gender identity, consent, contraception, reproductive rights, building healthy relationships and much much more. Highlights of 8th grade OWL include a return of the question box (where ANY and ALL questions are answered every week) and the LGBTQIA+ Guest Panel, which invites local speakers to share about their identity formation. Facilitators:Kat Good, Jenny Warnasch, Leslie Massicotte, Selden Holt, Dave Klibanow, Megan Shipman, Chris Provan
Classes are held most Sundays from September- May during the second service at 11:15-12:15 AM
Saturday 9/9 Mandatory Parent Orientation
Sunday 9/10 Kickoff retreat 11:15-2:30
All classes will meet in the OWL Room in the Jones Building (downstairs)
High School Sexuality Education based on OWL -- 2023-2024
High Schoolers will meet twice a month (1st and 3rd Sundays at 6:00-8:00 PM) to revisit and go deeper with sexuality education they received in 8th grade OWL. We will look again at anatomy, identity, consent, reproductive rights and building healthy relationships. We will also host speakers to address harm reduction, mental health, drug use and other relevant topics to young adulthood. Facilitators: Kat Good, Jenny Warnasch, Debra Klinger, Erich Leith, Selden Holt.
OWL 50 and Up–2023 and 2024
OWL for Older Adults A holistic sexuality education program for older adults that models and fosters caring, compassion, respect, and justice. It balances knowledge-building with exploration of attitudes, values, and feelings about one’s own and others’ sexuality. This program is comprehensive and progressive, addressing sexuality with candor, sensitivity, and respect for older adults’ wisdom and life experience. Facilitators: Rachel Rose, Liz Naess
For more information about all OWL 50 and Up contact: Rachel Rose, OWL 50 and Up Lead MEMBERSHIP@C3HUU.ORG
For more information about all OWL programs contact: Kat Good, Assistant Director of Religious Education/OWL Coordinator adre@c3huu.org