YES You Can...Experience True Freedom Flipping Book 092425

Caring Hands

As you begin teaching the YES You Can! curriculum, an overview introduction to these lessons should include the teacher saying the following:

I am here to empower you with information so that you can make the best choices. You have the ability to define what you want your future to be and it starts by the choices that you choose to make now.

Before we begin, the lessons I am about to teach, I want to share that we will be covering many topics and I am aware that some can be very sensitive, and can sometimes be tough to talk about.

In this class, I aim to provide a non - judgmental, safe, transparent and supportive environment for everyone.

As an educator, by law, I am a mandatory reporter. Therefore, if there is reasonable cause to believe that someone has been subjected to abuse or acts of child abuse, I am required to report it. (Note for facilitator: Knowing this gives students the opportunity to decide what they feel comfortable disclosing during an instructional session.) We all come from various backgrounds and experiences. I want to make sure that all students feel safe and respected in this class including: the gender and sexual diversity of those who may identify as LGBTQ, emancipated youth, teen parents, those who are in foster care/group home settings and those who may be homeless.

One of the mature topics we will cover is sexual activity. Not everyone has had sexual experiences and for some who have, it may not have been a positive experience.

If you have been sexually active or have had to deal with sexual abuse in your past, this a safe place.

Safe, meaning whatever you share with me in confidence (unless it is something that by law I must report) will be heard, judgment - free.

Safe also means I will do my best to connect you with the appropriate resources so that you can get the support/ counseling you may need if that is something that is required.

You may also write important website links on the board i.e., https://gettested.cdc.gov having all students copy the information as not to bring attention to a student independently noting information.

Safe also means that each of you as peers, need to commit to making this be a safe place to share. While I don’t encourage students to share their personal stories here, any sharing in the class allows us to learn and connect with one another. Any examples or stories shared here, stay here. Safe also meaning that there will be no shaming here. Regardless of whether a person has already engaged in sexual activity or not, if they are dealing with issues of sexual identity, have undergone any kind of traumatic experience, are a teen parent or have decided to delay sexual activity your story is valid and you have worth. Everything you contribute to this conversation is of value. You are important and reflecting on your life and on how to apply healthy choices to the decisions in your life moving forward puts you in the best possible position to reach your dreams and goals. When we are faced in situations where we are want to understand our sexual development we want to be are of credible or trusted resources so that we are not being misinformed. Its ideal to ask questions, instead of spreading our opinions, educate yourself, ask a medical professional and not relay on the internet. When it comes to sexual health topics, you want to ensure the information that your are receiving is credible to ensure we are making informed decisions about our sexual health. The best resources to get information about sex and sexuality, should be trusted adults including parents, whether biological, adoptive or anyone fulfilling parenting roles, such as grandparents or other family members, or medical professionals who can provide guidance and support when needed. They want the best for you in all areas of your life. 6