Join us for Maine's 2023 Comprehensive Sexuality Education Conference - back in person after 4 years. This year's conference theme is Sex Ed in a Changing World. From the pandemic to political divisions – our changing world has challenged educators to articulate, advocate for, and promote sexual health education in new ways. Our online-savvy youth can demonstrate their knowledge of the ‘basics’, yet still yearn for and deserve open and honest communication around sex education that is inclusive and represents their experiences. We have the opportunity to reframe sex education and become champions for positive sexuality that focuses on healthy, mutual and pleasurable relationships. This conference will inspire educators to embrace a journey towards a more holistic health-based approach to delivering sexuality education that meets young people where they are and builds support for comprehensive sex education.
Here's a sneak peek of this year's conference.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dr. Rachael Gibson, PhD, MPH, MS, MEd (she/her/ella)
“The challenge is in the moment; the time is always now.”-James Baldwin
Rachael E. Gibson is the Senior Program Manager of AMAZE Education at Advocates for Youth. Dr. Gibson is an AASECT Certified Sex Educator based in Miami, Florida and Cape Town, South Africa and has taught comprehensive sexuality education all over the U.S. and the world. Dr. Gibson was a public school health and has over 20 years of experience in the health and sexuality education field, and currently serves on SHAPE America’s National Health Education Council.
WORKSHOPS
Participants will attend two workshop sessions of their choice. Here is a sample of some of the workshop titles:
- Building Welcoming and Inclusive Health Classes for Maine's LGBTQ+ Youth
- Abortion is Normal: Sharing Facts and Debunking Myths
- Accessible Sex Ed for All
- Porn Literacy
- Resources for Culture Change: Youth Empowerment & Adult Allyship
- What is Anti-Racist Sex Ed? Taking DEI from Theory to Action
- The Perfect Girl Doesn't Exist: Social Media and Body Image
- Preventing Teen Dating Violence
- Sex is a Funny Word: Addressing Common Questions about Sexual Health Services
- Prevention, Response, and Healing From Sextortion
Participants will attend two afternoon chat rooms of their choice.
- Enaging Parents and Gaurdians as Allies in Sexual Health Education
- Maine Family Planning's Prevention Education Program
- Intellectual Freedom: How Access to Information Impacts Health Outcomes for Students
- LGBTQ+ Youth Resources and Support
- Importance and Challenges of Providing Inclusive Sexual Health Education in Divisive Times
ACCESSIBILITY - American Sign Language interpreters will be available. For this service and to share with us any other accessibility needs, please email training@mainefamilyplanning.org.
REGISTRATION FEES & SCHOLARSHIPS -The cost of the conference is $60 (with a special rate of $30 for students). Scholarships that cover the registration fee are available! For more information, please contact lkaplowitz@mainefamilyplanning.org.
We look forward to seeing you!