Teens Get Advocacy Training, Demonstrate for Sex Ed in Schools

• by Family Planning Advocates of NYS

ALBANY, NY (03/15/2010)(readMedia)-- Hundreds of teen activists from around the state gathered at the Empire State Plaza today for the annual Youth Leadership Conference hosted by Family Planning Advocates of New York State. The teen activists represent Planned Parenthoods and other family planning centers, the New York Civil Liberties Union, high school civics classes, LGBT youth groups and youth development programs.

"The teens at this conference bring a great deal of passion and energy to the issues they care about, whether it be reproductive health and justice, comprehensive sex education, the environment, LGBT concerns or a host of other issues," said M. Tracey Brooks, president and CEO of Family Planning Advocates. "They are the future of advocacy, and today we're helping them harness that passion and energy to effect positive change in their world."

Advocacy and the Technology Generation

The conference focuses on making sure the Technology Generation is ready to employ ALL necessary advocacy tools to influence change. This includes online social media and equally important personal contact with lawmakers and their staff.

"Something that has not changed with advances in technology is the need to be present at the Capitol from time to time and have face-to-face meetings in Albany and in district offices with our elected officials to advance our causes," said M. Tracey Brooks, FPA president and CEO. "Through workshops, tours and legislative visits, we are helping the teens develop a greater comfort level with in person advocacy and a host of other activist tools."

Sex ed is 'a must' in 21st Century learning; teens ask lawmakers for support

Some of the teens met with their legislators. They asked the elected officials to do what they can to influence New York State's learning standards to include comprehensive, medically accurate, age-appropriate sex education.

"Comprehensive sex education is as important to 21st century learning as math and science are," Brooks stressed. "When the learning standards come up for review and revision, sex ed must become a part of required curriculum in public schools so we can keep New York's youth healthy and safe,"

Keynote speaker is sexologist, host of LatinoSexualitycom

Bianca Laureano is a LatiNegra sexologist, consultant, educator and activist, and she hosts the popular site LatinoSexuality.com. In her address entitled, "Respect the Unexpected," she enlightened the teens about the power they have to successfully engage in multiple forms of activism to achieve positive change now and in their future.

Morning and afternoon workshop topics included:

State and Federal Public Policy Update on Sexual and Reproductive Rights; Advocacy 101; Now What? Activism After High School and Beyond; Organizing and Social Change; and Know Your Rights

For more information, visit www.fpaofnys.org and click on Get the Facts NY.