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 86 - 90 of 154Advocates 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
Managing Sensitive Issues: Effectively Responding to Controversy
Educators and others who work with youth often feel anxious about addressing sensitive issues—such as topics associated with strong personal values—in the classroom, whether they are part of a curriculum or surface in a general class discussion. Sexuality, alcohol and other drugs, politics, race, and bullying are just a few examples of issues that, if not handled sensitively, could result in alienated students or angry parents contacting the school or agency. The most common topic targeted in this training is sexuality education, but the focus can be adjusted based on participants' needs. Participants identify the sensitive topics they face in their workplace and have the opportunity to assess their personal values, consider student diversity, and build the skills needed to answer difficult questions. The facilitator shares a set of proven strategies for responding to questions related to sensitive topics and harassing/bullying statements, and participants practice effective responses to build their skills.
Objectives of this course:
- Identify a range of personal and community-based values.
- Explore a set of effective facilitation techniques for addressing difficult issues.
- Practice using the techniques to effectively answer a variety of difficult questions.
- Practice using the techniques to effectively respond to harassing/bullying comments.
- Develop a personal plan of action to master the facilitation practices.
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): 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 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)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the importance of educators refraining from sharing their personal values when implementing sex education.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to respond effectively to students’ values-based comments and questions. (S)
Pornography: Important Messages for Youth
In this training, participants will:
- Define sexually explicit media/material (SEM) and pornography.
- Identify 3-4 reasons why young people consume SEM.
- Identify 3-4 common concerns about SEM consumption for all ages and for youth specifically.
- Summarize existing evidence about SEM consumption, specifically as relates to youth.
- Utilize components of media literacy in conversations with youth about SEM.
- Identify 3-4 messages to share with youth regarding SEM.
- 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)
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three health (e.g. physical, social and/or emotional) and/or academic benefits of sex education for young people
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Describe state and/or district laws, policies, and standards that relate to sex education where one teaches.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Describe how verbal and nonverbal expression of personal values, and comfort with topics related to sex education, could impact one’s teaching
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the importance of educators refraining from sharing their personal values when implementing sex education.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to respond effectively to students’ values-based comments and questions. (S)
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)
Additional Trainings offered by out-of-state organizations
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Social Emotional Learning Webinar
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a framework that many schools are using to bolster students' academic achievements as well as their social and emotional skills. Teaching SEL in the context of comprehensive sexuality education can help young people develop the understanding and skills needed to navigate healthy relationships and healthy sexuality throughout their lives.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three effective strategies for practicing skills with students.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three health (e.g. physical, social and/or emotional) and/or academic benefits of sex education for young people




