SIECUS’ policy team brings to bear 55 years of research-based expertise on comprehensive sex education to ensure that public policies reflect best practices and current research in support of our nation’s young people. Our agenda is simple: SIECUS advances comprehensive sexuality education as a means of building a foundation for a long-term culture shift that will positively impact all levels of society, particularly issues of gender equity, sexuality, sexual and reproductive health, consent, personal safety, and autonomy. Through technical assistance to states, SIECUS’ staff support states in educating advocates and policymakers about providing rights-based sexuality information and education at the federal, state, and local levels and leading, strengthening, and developing partnerships with other organizations, coalitions, and initiatives to advance policies that promote positive sexual and reproductive health outcomes across the lifespan. Technical assistance is focused on meeting a state’s immediate needs in a timely way.
Training Hub
The Sex Education Collaborative Training Hub lists trainings for sex educators, facilitators, and other professionals on best practices for sharing important information with clients and the public. From teaching anatomy inclusively to effectively addressing bias in the classroom to addressing racial justice and equity in sex education, the Training Hub includes trainings, technical assistance, and policy support from state, regional, and national leaders in the field of sex education.
Please note: The Training Hub includes both in-person and online professional trainings. If you see a training you are interested in and it isn’t listed as virtual, please reach out directly to any of our members to find out what's possible!
Trainings Offered by State-Based and National Organizations
Displaying results 121 - 125 of 154Navigating the complexities of sexual health education policies can be challenging, but with EyesOpenIowa by your side, you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced team is here to help you develop, refine, and implement policies that align with best practices, legal requirements, and the unique needs of your community.
Customized Policy Development We work with you to create tailored policies that reflect your organization’s values and objectives. Whether you’re establishing new guidelines or updating existing ones, we ensure your policies are comprehensive, inclusive, and compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
Alignment with Legal and Educational Standards Our experts help you navigate state and federal mandates, ensuring your policies meet all legal requirements while supporting effective sexual health education. We provide clear, actionable guidance to keep your organization in full compliance.
Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Policies We specialize in crafting policies that promote inclusivity and cultural responsiveness. Our team ensures your policies address the needs of all students, including those from diverse backgrounds and LGBTQ+ communities, fostering an environment of respect and equity.
Ongoing Support and Consultation Policy development is an ongoing process, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team offers continuous consultation and review services, helping you adapt to new challenges and opportunities as they arise.
Partner with EyesOpenIowa to create policies that not only meet legal standards but also empower your educators and students. Our customized, expert-driven approach ensures your policies are effective, inclusive, and sustainable.
Addressing the Needs of LGBTQ Youth
The ability to provide services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) youth begins with an understanding of the nature of gender and sexual orientation, correct terminology, basic knowledge of the “typical” experiences of the population, and an awareness of the increased risk factors experienced by these youth. In this workshop, participants will have an opportunity to explore this important content and identify strategies for providing welcoming and affirming services appropriate for LGBTQ+ youth. The facilitator will share an overview of the theory, current issues, and research-based strategies important when working with LGBTQ+ populations. Participants will then begin to identify practices that support effective service design and delivery and will lead to the most inclusive and impactful practices. Participants also strategize ways to incorporate these practices into their services and settings.
Objectives of this course:
- Examine the key theories and terminology around gender identity/expression and sexual orientation.
- Define the stages of “coming out,” i.e. self-awareness and identity disclosure.
- Identify increased risk factors for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Strategize effective ways to work with and support LGBTQ+ youth.
- Identify resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Develop a personal plan of action for positively addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ youth.
Visit ETR's Training & TA Form to submit your request and receive cost information.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain how availability of supportive school staff, presence of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), LGBQ-inclusive curricular resources, and the presence of comprehensive, enumerated anti-harassment school policies are related to improved school climate for students of all sexual orientations.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate the use of inclusive and affirming language. (S)
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to intervene effectively in homophobic and other bullying comments and actions. (S)
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain three ways that LGBQ+ youth are at disproportionate risk for health disparities.
- Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons.
- Indicator 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons. (S)
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain how availability of supportive school staff, presence of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), gender-inclusive curricular resources, and the presence of comprehensive enumerated anti-harassment school policies are related to improved school climate for students of all gender identities.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the use of inclusive and affirming language. (S)
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to intervene effectively in transphobic, sexist, misogynistic and other gender-related bullying comments and actions. (S)
LGBTQ+ 101
How can sex educators ensure that students of all sexualities and genders feel 'seen' and affirmed? This training will cover the basic knowledge instructors need to feel competent leading discussions and answering questions, and will help build skills to create inclusive environments.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain how availability of supportive school staff, presence of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), LGBQ-inclusive curricular resources, and the presence of comprehensive, enumerated anti-harassment school policies are related to improved school climate for students of all sexual orientations.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Define sexual orientation and sexual identity, including that everyone has both.
- Indicator 3 (6-12): Explain the difference between sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and sexual identity.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate the use of inclusive and affirming language. (S)
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to intervene effectively in homophobic and other bullying comments and actions. (S)
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain three ways that LGBQ+ youth are at disproportionate risk for health disparities.
- Indicator 7 (K-12): Identify three credible, medically accurate, youth-friendly resources that can provide information or support related to sexual orientation.
- Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons.
- Indicator 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons. (S)
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain how availability of supportive school staff, presence of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), gender-inclusive curricular resources, and the presence of comprehensive enumerated anti-harassment school policies are related to improved school climate for students of all gender identities.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the use of inclusive and affirming language. (S)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Define gender identity and sex assigned at birth.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Explain how gender identity and gender expression are distinct from each other and from sexual orientation.
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to intervene effectively in transphobic, sexist, misogynistic and other gender-related bullying comments and actions. (S)
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain three ways that transgender and gender expansive youth are at disproportionate risk for health disparities.
- Indicator 7 (K-12): Identify three credible, medically accurate, youth-friendly resources that can provide information or support related to transgender and gender expansive people.
- Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of transgender and gender expansive people in lessons.
- Indicator 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to make lessons affirming for transgender and gender expansive people. (S)
Teaching Strategies for Sex Education
Why do we need to use a variety of teaching strategies when teaching sex education? Which ones work best, and why? What can go wrong, and what can we do about it? This training will help instructors answer all of these questions, and feel more competent in delivering engaging and interactive sex education.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to build rapport with students. (S)
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three student-centered instructional approaches that support a variety of learning styles. (S)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the differences between positive vs. shaming approaches to teaching sex education.
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three effective strategies for practicing skills with students.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain three reasons why it is important to respond to every question students ask when teaching sex education.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to effectively respond to three different types of challenging questions. (S)
Additional Trainings offered by out-of-state organizations
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LGBTQIA+ Student Rights and Advocacy in Michigan Schools
LGBTQIA+ students have the right to a safe and healthy learning experience in the state of Michigan. Students and educators, however, are often unaware of these rights. In this training, participants will identify and state the implications of key legal and policy issues affecting LGBTQIA+ students and safe school environments in Michigan.
In this training, participants will:
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain how availability of supportive school staff, presence of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), LGBQ-inclusive curricular resources, and the presence of comprehensive, enumerated anti-harassment school policies are related to improved school climate for students of all sexual orientations.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate the use of inclusive and affirming language. (S)
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to intervene effectively in homophobic and other bullying comments and actions. (S)
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain three ways that LGBQ+ youth are at disproportionate risk for health disparities.
- Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain how availability of supportive school staff, presence of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), gender-inclusive curricular resources, and the presence of comprehensive enumerated anti-harassment school policies are related to improved school climate for students of all gender identities.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the use of inclusive and affirming language. (S)
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain three ways that transgender and gender expansive youth are at disproportionate risk for health disparities.
- Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of transgender and gender expansive people in lessons.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain the differences between personal and universal values relating to sexuality.




