Grades 6-8

Participants will gain a clear understanding of what trauma is, including how experiences such as systemic oppression, microaggressions, and marginalization can lead to acute trauma. They will learn how trauma may affect students' behavior, participation, and overall experience in sex education. The session will also provide strategies for creating a trauma-informed classroom environment when teaching sexual health, as well as tools to help educators manage their own trauma or triggers and better support the youth they work with.

Participants will learn how to be values-expansive when facilitating sex education. They will explore common types of questions that arise in sexual health classes and gain tools and strategies to respond to challenging questions in affirming and de-stigmatizing ways. The session includes hands-on practice using these tools. Adults will leave with practical resources and increased confidence in addressing sensitive questions while honoring the diverse values students may bring to the classroom.

Participants will develop a shared definition of comprehensive sex education, explore positive health outcomes, Colorado law and policy, and what comprehensive sex education looks like in action throughout Colorado.

Research with millions of young people shows the power of people from all walks of life committing to do what they can to support all young people’s success. By participating in this highly interactive workshop, parents, educators, mentors, neighbors, youth workers, and community leaders will: 

• understand the strengths and supports that are essential for young people’s success in school, work, and life, based on Search Institute’s research on Developmental Assets 

• identify qualities of individuals who play powerful roles in young people’s lives

This workshop is designed for sex ed and family life educators who want to make their programs more accessible to people with a variety of disabilities, particularly autistic people and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Adding these skills to your toolbox makes affirming, inclusive education more accessible for all participants..

“Accessible Sex Ed” also covers how to talk with caregivers about the importance of complete, fact-based education for all people, especially neurodiverse folx.

This facilitator training enables facilitators to provide excellent sexual health education to youth and adults AND to "stellarize" other curricula so it is more affirming, accessible, and trauma-informed while adhering to local and state restrictions. This facilitator training includes strategies for guiding a well-rounded exploration of whole people, especially when cultural norms might challenge scientific and psychological reality.