As you may be aware, abortion is a hot topic these days. Beyond the usual Pro Choice vs Pro Life debate, the conservative Harper government's recent announcement that they will not support abortion funding for women in developing nations has sparked hot debate both at home and abroad.
Canada is now the only nation in the G8 who is refusing to support funding for abortion, in addition to other measures such as contraception and maternal health care. The controversy, it seems, stems partly from the fact that the Harper government waited until last Monday to announce, "for the first time that Canada will not fund abortions in its G8 child and maternal health-care initiative for developing countries" (CBC News).
This was good news for Canada's anti-abortion groups, who demonstrated their support for Harper's conservative policy, in Ottawa and across the country (The Globe and Mail). Activists took to Parliament Hill, calling for an end to abortion and claiming that abortion "constitutes a crime against humanity" (The Globe and Mail). Although Harper has said that he does not want to reopen the abortion debate here in Canada, it would seem that, in a way, he already has.
I'm interested to see where this goes ... are we losing our status as a forward-thinking, accepting nation? Will Canadian women have to fight, again, for the right to choose? Given that we now stand alone against the rest of the G8 on this issue for women around the world, I'm starting to wonder if this is the case.
What do YOU think?
Candice
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
It's the Final Day!
Tonight is my final workshop session! This ending is bittersweet ... although it has been an insane amount of work to get through this workshop, I have enjoyed it immensely and will miss running it when it's 
over. All the more reason to keep improving and looking for another opportunity to run a workshop!
I've prepared what I think is a pretty awesome info board for tonight's session on Teen Pregnancy. My intention is to give a "reality check" to those youth who may view pregnancy and raising a child as something that would be "fun" or "something to do". The board draws attention to three main things:
1) that having a baby changes your whole life;
2) that babies are expensive and;
3) that it's hard to pay for a baby when you and/or your partner haven't yet finished high school, or if you're relying on Governmental support to get you through.
A disclaimer, just in case: In no way am I trying to negate the positive aspects of parenthood, nor am I demeaning those who have had children when they were teens. As usual, I am trying to educate about the realities involved with having a child.
I still need to put together the actual activity board, but I wanted to share this info board with you!
Thanks for your support!
Candice :)
over. All the more reason to keep improving and looking for another opportunity to run a workshop!I've prepared what I think is a pretty awesome info board for tonight's session on Teen Pregnancy. My intention is to give a "reality check" to those youth who may view pregnancy and raising a child as something that would be "fun" or "something to do". The board draws attention to three main things:
1) that having a baby changes your whole life;
2) that babies are expensive and;
3) that it's hard to pay for a baby when you and/or your partner haven't yet finished high school, or if you're relying on Governmental support to get you through.
A disclaimer, just in case: In no way am I trying to negate the positive aspects of parenthood, nor am I demeaning those who have had children when they were teens. As usual, I am trying to educate about the realities involved with having a child.
I still need to put together the actual activity board, but I wanted to share this info board with you!
Thanks for your support!
Candice :)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Babies Having Babies ...
Based on the title, you can probably guess (if you haven't read previous posts or don't remember) - tomorrow's 
workshop is about Teen Pregnancy. It's also the FINAL session of my workshop - an adventure which has flown by and developed into far more than I could have imagined!
As is the case with all of my workshop sessions, the information I present tomorrow will be both practical and relevant to my audience. I don't see any point in standing in front of them and spouting random, irrelevant knowledge that won't help them in their lives. Instead, I am going to focus on helping them figure out how to apply what I talk about to their own lives. Maybe one of them will walk away thinking "Wow, I am not ready to be a parent yet." Fingers crossed!
As I've already stated, this workshop has grown into far more than I could have imagined. I'm incredibly thrilled with how well everything has gone, and very proud of the youth who have been part of the sessions.
What I have now is a very comprehensive and widely applicable workshop which can be edited and tailored to a variety of audiences. Running my workshop at the OYC has given me a chance to step back and evaluate every aspect of it; yes, I will definitely make a few changes before I run it again. However, I have worked hard to build a strong foundation, and it will continue to get better!
Even though my workshop is ending, I will be continuing to post regularly. There is SO MUCH going on in the world of sexual health education! Also, don't forget to check out the other pages of this site!
Thanks for tuning in!
Candice :)
workshop is about Teen Pregnancy. It's also the FINAL session of my workshop - an adventure which has flown by and developed into far more than I could have imagined!As is the case with all of my workshop sessions, the information I present tomorrow will be both practical and relevant to my audience. I don't see any point in standing in front of them and spouting random, irrelevant knowledge that won't help them in their lives. Instead, I am going to focus on helping them figure out how to apply what I talk about to their own lives. Maybe one of them will walk away thinking "Wow, I am not ready to be a parent yet." Fingers crossed!
As I've already stated, this workshop has grown into far more than I could have imagined. I'm incredibly thrilled with how well everything has gone, and very proud of the youth who have been part of the sessions.
What I have now is a very comprehensive and widely applicable workshop which can be edited and tailored to a variety of audiences. Running my workshop at the OYC has given me a chance to step back and evaluate every aspect of it; yes, I will definitely make a few changes before I run it again. However, I have worked hard to build a strong foundation, and it will continue to get better!
Even though my workshop is ending, I will be continuing to post regularly. There is SO MUCH going on in the world of sexual health education! Also, don't forget to check out the other pages of this site!
- Contact me (Candice)
- All about my workshop!
- Useful resources and links
- About me!
- Support my efforts to educate!
Thanks for tuning in!
Candice :)
Friday, May 7, 2010
Let's be clear ...
As I mentioned in my previous post, this week's workshop was focused on the topic of Communication - specifically in the context of interpersonal (intimate) relationships. It was an interesting and challenging week; five new youth for a total of twelve and some interesting group dynamics made for a different session than I am used to.
I think that the challenge of managing this week's group while presenting the material in a clear and understandable way was a really good thing. Being continually challenged ensures that I am also continually thinking, e.g. "How would I revise this next time?". I have the opportunity to assess what is working well and what I would like to change, which is certainly important when developing any sort of program.
Yesterday I attended a conference with two others from the Youth Centre; it was a leadership and equity conference focused on GLBTQ students in high schools. There were approximately 150 students, teachers and allies in attendance and we were there as community supporters and to provide information about the OYC as well as my workshop. The other two tables were occupied by an RN from Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and PFLAG, of which I am a proud ally member. It was an interesting experience, and I would liken it to the proverbial "small fish, big pond" scenario. I met some really great people and exchanged a few business cards and I enjoyed the opportunity to be there.
Since this is National Youth Week, the OYC hosted a BBQ last night. The hot dogs were absolutely delicious and the OYC was the busiest I have ever seen it. What a successful week!
Coming up next week: Teen Pregnancy!
Ciao for now,
Candice
I think that the challenge of managing this week's group while presenting the material in a clear and understandable way was a really good thing. Being continually challenged ensures that I am also continually thinking, e.g. "How would I revise this next time?". I have the opportunity to assess what is working well and what I would like to change, which is certainly important when developing any sort of program.
Yesterday I attended a conference with two others from the Youth Centre; it was a leadership and equity conference focused on GLBTQ students in high schools. There were approximately 150 students, teachers and allies in attendance and we were there as community supporters and to provide information about the OYC as well as my workshop. The other two tables were occupied by an RN from Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and PFLAG, of which I am a proud ally member. It was an interesting experience, and I would liken it to the proverbial "small fish, big pond" scenario. I met some really great people and exchanged a few business cards and I enjoyed the opportunity to be there.
Since this is National Youth Week, the OYC hosted a BBQ last night. The hot dogs were absolutely delicious and the OYC was the busiest I have ever seen it. What a successful week!
Coming up next week: Teen Pregnancy!
Ciao for now,
Candice
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
More than words ...
Tomorrow night's workshop is all about communication.
In planning this session, I've come to the conclusion that it would be very easy to put together an entire workshop (6, 8, 10 weeks) about communication all by itself. There are so many things to think about and I've had to make some tough decisions about where to focus my attention and what I think will most benefit the youth. I've decided to focus on the basics ... the components of communication (what you say, how you say it, body language), I-statements, and miscommunication.
What we say only accounts for 7% of the message we send. More than anything, it's our tone of voice and body language that we use to communicate with others ... how we say it, and how we act when we say it. That's what I want to impress upon the youth. There will be plenty of role-playing, role-modeling, and discussion, and my good friend Scott will be assisting me with this session. I'm really looking forward to it!
In planning this session, I've come to the conclusion that it would be very easy to put together an entire workshop (6, 8, 10 weeks) about communication all by itself. There are so many things to think about and I've had to make some tough decisions about where to focus my attention and what I think will most benefit the youth. I've decided to focus on the basics ... the components of communication (what you say, how you say it, body language), I-statements, and miscommunication.
What we say only accounts for 7% of the message we send. More than anything, it's our tone of voice and body language that we use to communicate with others ... how we say it, and how we act when we say it. That's what I want to impress upon the youth. There will be plenty of role-playing, role-modeling, and discussion, and my good friend Scott will be assisting me with this session. I'm really looking forward to it!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Who's responsible for teaching sex ed?
Whose responsibility is it to teach our young people about sex? Is it up to parents, who are often uncomfortable and sometimes unprepared to discuss this topic with their kids? Is it the religious groups, who often exclude those topics with which they do not agree and may only discuss abstinence as the "right" choice? Is it the responsibility of teachers, many of whom are also uncomfortable discussing sex with young people, and may be lacking enough information to really teach the subject? Or should we skip sex ed all together and let kids learn from their friends and older siblings, or "figure it out for themselves"?
Sex is a part of life. It's not something that can be ignored, hidden or avoided. It's not something shameful and it's certainly not unnatural. It's the reason we all exist (no storks around here!) and it's the most vital part of our survival as a species. It is intertwined with many wonderful things ... love, laughter, pleasure, and fun. It can also be used in negative ways ... manipulation, abuse, assault, victimization.
Anyone who engages in any "risky" sexual activity (e.g. unprotected vaginal or anal sex, unprotected oral sex, having multiple partners, sharing toys, etc) is at risk for STIs. While some STIs are curable, many are not. Herpes, for example, makes itself comfortable and stays for life. It can be transmitted even when the person does not have any symptoms, and yes, if you have a cold sore and give your partner oral sex, they can get genital herpes!
Although I cannot speak as a parent, I can speak as an experienced Sexual Health Educator and as a Child and Youth Worker. I can tell you that, regardless of what kind of sex ed they receive, some young people are going to have sex and others are not. Handing a young person a condom is no more likely to make them have sex than handing someone $50 is going to make them go to the casino and gamble. In fact, if the youth are educated - thoroughly, honestly, accurately - they are more likely to choose not to have sex.
Which brings me to my original question - whose responsibility is it to teach our children and youth about sex? In my opinion, sex ed should be taught by those who are comfortable doing so, and who are prepared to be honest and frank with their audience. Sexual health educators need to be confident and provide plenty of opportunity for the audience to engage with the information. I can speak from experience when I say that, when presented with the opportunity to talk openly and ask questions, young people are eager to learn.
Sex ed isn't about telling people what they "should" or "shouldn't" do, or preaching about what's "right" and "wrong". It's about presenting the information - the factual information - and letting people decide for themselves. That's what Sex Ed Central is all about. I talk to people about sex and offer the facts: STIs are out there, pregnancy can happen at any stage in a woman’s cycle, and to be unsure about your sexual orientation does not make you any less of a person.
If you're interested in this topic, check out my other posts, read this article or contact me.
Thanks for reading,
Candice
Sex is a part of life. It's not something that can be ignored, hidden or avoided. It's not something shameful and it's certainly not unnatural. It's the reason we all exist (no storks around here!) and it's the most vital part of our survival as a species. It is intertwined with many wonderful things ... love, laughter, pleasure, and fun. It can also be used in negative ways ... manipulation, abuse, assault, victimization.
Sex can also be scary. STIs are out there, and many of them are on the rise. Rates of Chlamydia are continuing to rise, especially amongst young people 15-24 years old. Gonorrhea is rising as well. And syphilis, which had become very rare in Canada, increased by 62% from 2008 to 2009 (Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Public Health Ontario, 2010).
Anyone who engages in any "risky" sexual activity (e.g. unprotected vaginal or anal sex, unprotected oral sex, having multiple partners, sharing toys, etc) is at risk for STIs. While some STIs are curable, many are not. Herpes, for example, makes itself comfortable and stays for life. It can be transmitted even when the person does not have any symptoms, and yes, if you have a cold sore and give your partner oral sex, they can get genital herpes!
Although I cannot speak as a parent, I can speak as an experienced Sexual Health Educator and as a Child and Youth Worker. I can tell you that, regardless of what kind of sex ed they receive, some young people are going to have sex and others are not. Handing a young person a condom is no more likely to make them have sex than handing someone $50 is going to make them go to the casino and gamble. In fact, if the youth are educated - thoroughly, honestly, accurately - they are more likely to choose not to have sex.
Which brings me to my original question - whose responsibility is it to teach our children and youth about sex? In my opinion, sex ed should be taught by those who are comfortable doing so, and who are prepared to be honest and frank with their audience. Sexual health educators need to be confident and provide plenty of opportunity for the audience to engage with the information. I can speak from experience when I say that, when presented with the opportunity to talk openly and ask questions, young people are eager to learn.
Sex ed isn't about telling people what they "should" or "shouldn't" do, or preaching about what's "right" and "wrong". It's about presenting the information - the factual information - and letting people decide for themselves. That's what Sex Ed Central is all about. I talk to people about sex and offer the facts: STIs are out there, pregnancy can happen at any stage in a woman’s cycle, and to be unsure about your sexual orientation does not make you any less of a person.
If you're interested in this topic, check out my other posts, read this article or contact me.
Thanks for reading,
Candice
Thursday, April 29, 2010
We Live in a Beautiful World!
Good morning, sunshine!
Last night's workshop was entitled "Sexual Diversity & LGBTQ" and featured a phenomenal guest speaker. Seventeen youth (biggest turnout yet!), lots of dialogue and plenty of great questions made for a productive and meaningful workshop. My gu
est speaker gave the youth an opportunity to listen and talk to someone who has "been there" and I am happy to say that they didn't hesitate to take full advantage of her experience and knowledge.
I opened the discussion with "What do you think of when I say 'sexual diversity'?". We talked about what different words mean to different people and how easily words can hurt and offend. We also discussed how difficult it can be to struggle with something so fundamental to who you are as your sexual orientation; my guest speaker talked about her experience with internalized homophobia and the process of accepting herself as someone who did not identify as heterosexual. I, like many of the youth, felt inspired and awed to talk with someone who has come through so much and, despite everything, is such a compassionate and loving person.
It was absolutely great!
Last night was Week 8 ... only two more sessions left! This workshop has been phenomenal ... far better than I had ever anticipated! The feedback from both the youth and the OYC staff has been consistently positive, and I've noticed a major improvement in the willingness of the youth to open up and talk about sex and everything related to it. What a huge success!
Next week is all about communication ... I-statements, communicating clearly, saying what you mean and being honest with yourself and your partner(s). I will have another guest co-facilitator. He is also an amazing individual and someone who I can count on to help me role-model and facilitate discussion with the youth.
Stay tuned!
Last night's workshop was entitled "Sexual Diversity & LGBTQ" and featured a phenomenal guest speaker. Seventeen youth (biggest turnout yet!), lots of dialogue and plenty of great questions made for a productive and meaningful workshop. My gu
est speaker gave the youth an opportunity to listen and talk to someone who has "been there" and I am happy to say that they didn't hesitate to take full advantage of her experience and knowledge.
I opened the discussion with "What do you think of when I say 'sexual diversity'?". We talked about what different words mean to different people and how easily words can hurt and offend. We also discussed how difficult it can be to struggle with something so fundamental to who you are as your sexual orientation; my guest speaker talked about her experience with internalized homophobia and the process of accepting herself as someone who did not identify as heterosexual. I, like many of the youth, felt inspired and awed to talk with someone who has come through so much and, despite everything, is such a compassionate and loving person.It was absolutely great!
Last night was Week 8 ... only two more sessions left! This workshop has been phenomenal ... far better than I had ever anticipated! The feedback from both the youth and the OYC staff has been consistently positive, and I've noticed a major improvement in the willingness of the youth to open up and talk about sex and everything related to it. What a huge success!
Next week is all about communication ... I-statements, communicating clearly, saying what you mean and being honest with yourself and your partner(s). I will have another guest co-facilitator. He is also an amazing individual and someone who I can count on to help me role-model and facilitate discussion with the youth.
Stay tuned!
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