​          The curriculum is for similarly aged groups of youth (11-21 years old).  It can be offered through schools, after-school programs and community-based organizations, at no cost, in Orleans and Genesee Counties. 

          We meet for an established number of sessions to complete the eight modules (for a total of 6-8 hours).  The material is designed to empower youth to change their behavior in ways that will significantly decrease their chances of unintended pregnancies, and their risk of STDs/HIV.  

          The curriculum promotes abstinence as the most effective way to eliminate these risks.  Realizing that abstinence is no the path that many young people choose, the curriculum also educates on the options of contraceptives and condom use. 

          There are interactive activities designed to increase confidence and skills necessary to resist risky situations and to promote communication with their partner. 
 

CURRICULUM MODULES INCLUDE:

1. How to Make Your Dreams Come True .....  Ideas on how to examine goals, and address those obstacles that might stand in the way of reaching them.  Promotes goal of Making Proud Choices. ​
2. The Consequences of Sex: HIV and AIDS .....  Factual information on causes, transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS while identifying risky behaviors. 
3. Attitudes about Sex, HIV & Condom Use ..... Tools to identify risky behaviors, while helping to promote self-advocacy and personal strategies. 
4. Strategies for Prevention ....  Encourages development of own choices and the importance of protection from risky behaviors.  Provides problem-solving strategy used to reduce risk.                                                            (STA = Stop, Think, Act)
5. The Consequences of Sex: STDs ..... Knowledge of signs and symptoms of common STDs, how they are transmitted, and the risk of their impact on your life.  Information on the correct use of a condom, and how they can be used to prevent STDs and pregnancy.   
6. The Consequences of Sex: Pregnancy .... Distinguishing myths from facts.  Information on various forms of birth control.
7. Developing Condom Use and Negotiation Skills ..... Information on condom use and identification of barriers.  Strategies for negotiation of use, and ways to demonstrate refusal communication effectively.
8. Enhancing Refusal and Negotiation Skills ..... Practice of communication and negotiation skills.  Emphasis on expressing pride with decisions to achieve life goals.                                                                                      (SWAT = Say no, explain Why, provide Alternatives, Talk it out)

          This curriculum is designed to give youth the tools they need to reduce their risk of unintended pregnancy, HIV and other STDs.  The goal is to increase knowledge and perception of personal vulnerability, develop positive attitudes toward safer sex, and build the skills and confidence needed to abstain successfully or to use safer sex practices willingly and effectively if they choose to be sexually active. 
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