Our Whole Lives (OWL) and Sexuality and Our Faith
Teaching Our Whole Lives (OWL) / Sexuality and Our Faith
Some special notes about teaching OWL at Rock Spring UCC
The OWL Launch Team asks that leaders not over-commit themselves by volunteering to teach OWL and for other long-term roles working with children and youth.
The OWL Launch Team asks that parents not teach classes in which their children are or could be enrolled. Because it is the team’s hope that leaders will teach more than one course, it is asked that people considering teaching OWL not teach a grade level that their child is in or will be in within in the next two to three years.
Time commitment
Teaching OWL is a huge time commitment. The Grades K-1 and Grades 4-6 levels of OWL has one parent meeting, one parent/child meeting and eight class sessions. The Grades 7-9 level of OWL has one parent orientation session and twenty-seven class sessions. The Grades 10-12 level of OWL has two parent orientation sessions and thirteen class sessions. In addition, leaders must set aside time for planning before each session and for de-briefing after each session.
Prior to leading an OWL course, leaders must complete leader training, where they will learn how to teach the course. Training provides an opportunity to see the activities modeled by trainers, practice leading activities in a safe environment and network with other leaders to share best practices. Training also helps teachers explore their own feelings and values regarding sexuality. Training is usually a weekend event and can last from one day to two-and-a-half days.
Again, it is the hope of the OWL Launch Team that leaders will teach more than one course. Please keep this in mind as you consider a leader position.
Leader Requirements
(The following is from http://www.ucc.org/justice/issues/sexuality_education/frequently-asked-questions.html#13)
- A leader should have a commitment to value-based, comprehensive sexuality education. A leader needs to have values (self worth, responsibility, sexual health, and justice and inclusivity) in harmony with the Our Whole Lives programs and goals, and to feel comfortable with his or her own sexuality.
- A leader should be experienced, skilled and comfortable with the specific age group and its developmental needs. A leader needs to stimulate discussion by asking open-ended questions, encouraging communication among participants and facilitating activities that foster experiential learning. A leader needs to use sexual terminology and age-appropriate language comfortably, relate well the age group of participants and convey warmth and a sense of humor.
- A leader should have an anti-bias awareness. A leader needs to understand, appreciate and celebrate diversity of race/ethnicity, culture, age, ability, gender identity and sexual orientation. A leader needs to have the skills to work with people of diverse backgrounds as well as the ability to create a safe and engaging learning environment.
- A leader should be an advocate for sexual health and safety. A leader needs the knowledge and skills, not only to educate about sexual health, but to fulfill the trust inherent in the role of sexuality educator. This role includes the responsibility to recognize and report abuse. The leader must support your church’s safety-abuse policy and must follow your state’s process for reporting and investigating an alleged abuse.
- A leader should have the ability to build relationships. A leader needs to develop a relationship with participants and with their parents. Leaders need to build community in the classrooms and develop relationships of respect, reciprocity and responsibility.
- A leader should be a dedicated learner and leaders. A leader needs to be willing to become thoroughly familiar with the content of the program, to work with a co-leader and to listen to and learn from young people and their parents.
- A leader should be a person of faith. A leader needs to be a person who is respected by the congregation and who is comfortable discussing the integration of sexuality and spirituality with members of the faith community. A leader should be aware of his or her own spiritual and religious grounding.
