Advocates staff provides technical assistance, training and resources to national, state, and local organizations regarding youth-centered reproductive and sexual health/rights/justice public policy and communications. Policy staff draft model legislation and policy briefs, track and provide in-depth policy analysis, and can support partners in building out advocacy strategies to improve policies and practices at the federal, state, and local levels. In addition, communications staff can assist with talking points, public speaking training, and training regarding media outreach. Staff is also available to assist organizations wishing to raise the visibility of young people and their experiences and needs through social or traditional media. For more information about public policy assistance contact Diana@advocatesforyouth.org. For more information about communications assistance contact Emily@advocatesforyouth.org
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 101 - 105 of 154Working with LGBTQ Youth
This workshop will teach participants about the fundamentals of sexual orientation, gender identity, and how to ensure that all young people and their families feel welcome and included in our classrooms and programs. The first part of the workshop will provide basic information about sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as dispel common myths. The second part of the workshop will focus on ways to create safe learning environments for students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (LGBT) or whose family members might be. It will also provide concrete lessons for teaching LGBT issues directly to young people. This workshop can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your group, school, or agency. All content is aligned with the National Sexuality Education Standards, National Teacher Preparation Standards for Sexuality Education, and the Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 7 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to analyze and tailor lesson plans to match the age, developmental stages, cultural backgrounds, and other identities of students. (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 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 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 7 (K-12): Identify three credible, medically accurate, youth-friendly resources that can provide information or support related to transgender and gender expansive people.
Personal Safety: Knowing Signs and Drawing Lines
Personal Safety: Knowing Signs and Drawing Lines will help increase middle and high school health professionals’ knowledge of various forms of interpersonal violence that young people often face, as well as provide concrete actions that educators and professionals can take to respond.
Format/platform:
- Online Learning Management System (Canvas e-learning), hosted by Rutgers University
- Six-hours of total contact time utilizing videos, podcasts, instructional games, discussion boards, written assignments, presentations, readings, and visual animations
- Asynchronous
- Instructor-led
All content is aligned to the National Sexuality Education Standards, the National Teacher Preparation Standards for Sexuality Education, the Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education, and the Areas of Responsibility and Competencies for Health Education Specialists.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three student-centered instructional approaches that support a variety of learning styles. (S)
Navigating 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.
Sexuality ABCs: Abstinence, Birth Control and Condoms
Sexuality ABCs: Abstinence, Birth Control and Condoms will leave you with a deeper understanding of contraceptive methods and knowledge on how to develop and teach lessons that are designed to help reduce rates of unintended teen pregnancy while learning about the latest trends in teen contraceptive use.
Format/platform: Online Learning Management System (Canvas e-learning), hosted by Rutgers University
- Six-hours of total contact time utilizing videos, podcasts, instructional games, discussion boards, written assignments, presentations, readings, and visual animations
- Asynchronous
- Instructor-led
All content is aligned to the National Sexuality Education Standards, the National Teacher Preparation Standards for Sexuality Education, the Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education, and the Areas of Responsibility and Competencies for Health Education Specialists.
- Indicator 1 (6-12): Explain fertilization, implantation, conception, and how pregnancy occurs.
- Indicator 2 (6-12): Demonstrate the steps necessary for effective external and internal condom use and how to access condoms. (S)
- Indicator 3 (6-12): Describe the differences in mechanisms of action and access between emergency contraception and the abortion pill.
- Indicator 4 (6-12): Explain methods of contraception, including the latest medical advances that are popular among young people.
- Indicator 6 (6-12): Identify three federal and/or state laws that impact young peoples’ access to effective reproductive and sexual health care (e.g. age of consent for services, confidential access to health care services, and access to condoms)



