Our Whole Lives
Our Whole Lives (OWL) 7-9 Class
Starta Sunday, January 22nd, 1:30 to 4:30 PM
Honest, accurate information about sexuality changes lives. It dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision making, and has the potential to save lives. That’s why Emerson is excited to be offering Our Whole Lives (OWL) for 7-9 grades*.
With a holistic approach (PDF), Our Whole Lives provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about a range of topics, including relationships, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influences on sexuality, helping participants make informed and responsible decisions.
The OWL curriculum includes 25 sessions that will be taught on Sunday afternoons, 1:30 – 4:30 PM, starting January 22, with two sessions per class. There are also sleepovers planned for February 3 and at the end of the program in late April, which helps us to strengthen our bonds with each other while covering additional sessions, allowing us to finish by the end of April.
There will be an OWL Informational Session on Sunday, January 8th at 12:30 PM and a Mandatory Parent Orientation on Thursday, January 12th, 6:30 – 9 PM (at least one parent or guardian must attend). Free childcare is available, if requested by Monday, January 9th.
*Although this curriculum is designed for 7-9th grade, it is generally recommended to keep the class limited to two grades as there can be significant differences in emotional maturity between 7th and 9th graders. This class will be geared towards 8/9 grade. If you have a 7th grader you would like to participate, please contact Rev. Matthew about whether they would be a good fit for the class.
The fee for this class is $75 for Emerson members and $125 for guests. This fee helps us offset the cost of OWL including teacher training, books and materials. Scholarships are available. As enrollment is limited to 15, we will be prioritizing members and friends of Emerson, and remaining spots will be first come, first served. Please contact revmatthew@emersonuuc.org if you have questions or to reserve your child’s spot in the class.