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Youth News!
Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health's biweekly e-newsletter
January 15, 2009
NEWS & EVENTS
Commemorate the 36th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
Thursday, January 22, 2009, marks the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court verdict legalizing abortion in the United States. Please join our colleague organizations for a series of special events to honor and reflect on this historic decision.
The Our Voices, Our Choices reproductive justice coalition and Chicago Foundation for Women are hosting Roe vs. The Real World, featuring spoken word and discussion about women's unequal access to reproductive health care services, on Wednesday, January 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Center on Halsted, Hoover-Leppen Theater, 3656 North Halsted Street, Chicago. Suggested $5 donation.
The Chicago Abortion Fund invites you to join other reproductive justice organizations and advocates for a Rally for Roe at Federal Plaza, 50 West Adams Street, in the Chicago Loop on Thursday, January 22, from 11:30 AM to 12:20 PM. Contact Dashaya for more information.
On Thursday, January 29, the Chicago National Organization for Women chapter is hosting a Reproductive Justice and Access Act panel discussion from 7 to 9 PM at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, 835 South Damen Avenue MC 802. Suggested $5 donation. Contact Michelle for more information.
Participate in a Sexual Health Education Roundtable
We're currently conducting roundtables around the state to gather information about and develop strategic planning for adolescent sexual health education.
Roundtable participants contribute to creating a common language and definitions, identifying key players and institutions, and brainstorming strategies to coordinate and sustain efforts. All people with an investment in sexual health education – students, parents, social workers, teachers, policy makers, medical and public health professionals, business leaders, etc. – are welcome to attend.
Please join us for a lively discussion in your area! For general information, please contact Amber or call 312-427-4460 ext. 230.
Mt. Vernon Roundtable
Wednesday, January 21, 1-3 PM (Please note time change from 3-5 PM)
Municipal West Building, 200 Potomac Blvd, Mt. Vernon 62864
RSVP to Amber
Chicago South Side Roundtable
Saturday, January 24, 12-2 PM
Vodak-East Side Library, 3710 E 106th St, Chicago 60617
Register here
AcTiVe8 Change! Youth Activism Training
AcTiVe8 Change! introduces youth to activism, providing opportunities to learn more about adolescent sexual health issues and how to create social change in their lives and communities. Over the four day training, participants will acquire knowledge and skills about many topics such as:
- STDs affecting youth
- Access to adequate sexual health care information and services
- Social and reproductive justice movements
- Community organizing
- Creating your own media
AcTiVe8 Change! will be held Feb 13-16, 2009, in Chicago. Youth ages 14 to 20 are eligible to participate. Click here for application instructions.
Regional Adolescent Sexual Health Trainings
In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Human Services, and Illinois State Board of Education, ICAH is conducting regional sexual health trainings for professionals who provide adolescent services. The free trainings will include information on ICAH's new Adolescent Sexual Health Toolkit as well as other training modules. Please review the save the date flier for spring workshop locations and dates.
Save the Date: Youth Lobby Day and Stakeholders' Summit
On March 31 and April 1, ICAH is hosting its annual Youth Lobby Day in Springfield to advocate for responsible sexual health education. In partnership with the Illinois Youth Policy Council, we'll be holding a series of How to Get Down trainings with statewide youth on media and messaging, organizing, lobbying, and much more.
Additionally, a coinciding Stakeholders’ Summit will take place as a major dissemination and discussion opportunity on sexual health education. All individuals who participated in a roundtable (see above) will be invited to Springfield as well as other advocates and policy makers.
Save the Date: Illinois School Health Center Conference
Co-sponsored by ICAH and the Illinois Coalition for School Health Centers, the 7th annual Illinois School Health Center Conference will be held May 7-8, 2009, at the I Hotel in Champaign. This year's conference will address the urgent health needs of youth by promoting a positive approach to sexual health issues with a focus on educating youth in school health centers. View the save the date flier and find out how to become an exhibitor or sponsor.
ACTION
Stop Abstinence-Only Funding in Illinois
Nearly $8 million pours into Illinois each year from federal Title V and Community Based Abstinence Education grants for abstinence-only programs. Numerous studies have found abstinence-only programs to be inaccurate, ineffective, and incomplete in educating our youth on crucial sexual and reproductive health issues. With increasing sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy rates, we need to invest our tax dollars in programs that empower youth, assist teachers, and support parents. Tell your legislators to reject abstinence-only money and to stop funding Title V and CBAE grants!
Internships
ICAH seeks part-time advocacy interns and communications interns for spring and summer 2009. Deadlines have been extended to February 1.
READING
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