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Youth News!
Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health's biweekly e-newsletter
December 18, 2008
Happy Holidays from ICAH!
As the year closes, we reflect on all the progress we have made in grassroots organizing, youth leadership development, youth and adult training, and legislative advocacy. We look forward to 2009 as we continue our work throughout Illinois, and we thank you for your ongoing support!
Youth News! will resume on January 15.
NEWS
ICAH Releases 2009 Policy Priorities
We're pleased to release our 2009 Policy Priorities. This document outlines our goals for the coming year as we work in partnership with youth and adult allies across Illinois to promote a positive approach to adolescent sexual health, increase access to sexual health education, and ensure support for pregnant and parenting youth.
New Office and Website Coming Soon
In March 2009, we're moving to a newly renovated office space, located at 226 South Wabash Avenue in the Chicago Loop, to accommodate our growing organization. We're also working with a team of volunteer business professionals to develop a brand new, interactive website, to be launched in March. Among many features, the new site will include an events calendar, online registration for trainings and meetings, and legislative action center.
EVENTS
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 in Illinois.
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 about the project, please email sexual health initiatives coordinator Amber DiMascio or call 312-427-4460 ext. 230.
Jacksonville Roundtable
Saturday, January 10, 12-2 PM
Jacksonville Library, 201 W College Ave, Jacksonville 62650
RSVP to Julia
Freeport Roundtable
Thursday, January 15, 6:30-8 PM
Freeport Junior High Conference Center, 701 W Empire St, Freeport 61032
RSVP to Patty
Chicago South Side Roundtable
Saturday, January 24, 12-2 PM
Vodak-East Side Library, 3710 E 106th St, Chicago 60617
RSVP to Julia
Mt. Vernon Roundtable
Wednesday, January 21, 3-5 PM
Municipal West Building, 200 Potomac Blvd, Mt. Vernon 62864
RSVP to Amber
Regional Adolescent Sexual Health Toolkit Trainings
ICAH has been working with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Human Services, and Illinois State Board of Education to create 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 training modules identified by agencies across the state as areas of interest. Please review the save the date flier for spring 2009 workshop locations and dates.
Before registration begins, the Toolkit partners need your help! Please complete a short survey to help us finalize our workshop agendas. Participation in the survey does not register you for a training. Registration information will be distributed by January 20. Thanks in advance for your input!
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 justice 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. Check out the flier for more information and application instructions.
Roe vs. The Real World
Join the Our Voices, Our Choices reproductive justice coalition and Chicago Foundation for Women for a special event marking the 36th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Roe vs. The Real World will feature spoken word and discussion about women's unequal access to reproductive health care services. The event will be held Wednesday, January 21, from 6:30-8:30 PM at the Center on Halsted, Hoover-Leppen Theater, 3656 N Halsted St, Chicago. Suggested $5 donation at the door.
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, titled Collaboration, Community, Commitment, 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. Find out how to become an exhibitor or sponsor. Registration information will be available in the coming months.
ACTION
Stop Abstinence-Only Funding in Illinois
Nearly $8 million pours into Illinois each year from federal Title V and Community Based Abstinence Education (CBAE) program grants for abstinence-only sex education programs in schools and communities. 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 birth rates among adolescents, we need to ensure that our tax dollars are invested 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!
Stay Updated Via Twitter
Sign up to follow ICAH on Twitter! Our updates will include information on upcoming trainings and fundraisers, links to news relevant media coverage, and timely action alerts around important local, state, and federal legislation.
Internships
ICAH seeks two undergraduate students for part-time internships in winter/spring 2009. The advocacy intern will work with the legislative team in developing and implementing statewide advocacy activities. The communications intern will assist in tracking and responding to relevant media coverage, writing press releases, and developing publications and resources. Please email advocacy coordinator Julia Fedor to receive detailed job descriptions. Application deadline is January 15, 2009.
READING
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