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First Monday Memo
February 5th, 2024
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EYES ON: EyesOpenIowa Makes Iowa News! |  |
[EyesOpenIowa] warns change in state policy may result in increased
teen pregnancy and STD rates
As a leading cause of cervical and other cancers, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) poses a significant threat to public health, making it imperative for Iowa's youth population to be well-informed and protected.
Education is the key to prevention, and EyesOpenIowa is recognizing the importance of arming our community with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health. HPV education initiatives play a pivotal role in dispelling myths, addressing misconceptions, and fostering an environment where open discussions about sexual health are not only encouraged but embraced.
By prioritizing HPV education and vaccination for its youth, Iowa is taking a proactive stance in preventing the potential long-term consequences of HPV-related cancers. As these efforts gain momentum, the state is not only investing in the health of its current generation but is also laying the foundation for a healthier and more resilient future.
Together, through awareness, education, and vaccination, Iowa is building a community that prioritizes the well-being of its young people, ensuring they are equipped to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Following the pressing need for HPV education and vaccination in Iowa, WHO 13 recognized the significance of this initiative. In a recent news report, they highlighted EyesOpenIowa's pivotal stance on HPV, emphasizing the organization's commitment to empowering Iowa's youth through comprehensive sexual health education and access to vaccinations.
By shedding light on EyesOpenIowa's efforts, WHO 13 underscored the importance of community awareness and engagement in tackling the challenges posed by HPV. This coverage serves as a beacon, inspiring communities across Iowa to join hands in the collective mission to prioritize the well-being of the state's youth and foster a healthier future.
Notes from the Article
"One organization works with school districts to provide sex education, but a change in state policy is causing some concern for them.
Eyes Open Iowa worked with school districts for over 25 years, providing resources for teaching sex education. They help school districts in two ways; by working with administrations on curriculum and policy, and by helping to train teachers on the sensitive topic.
Fairholm said that their efforts helped result in a 23% decrease in teen birth rates from 2016 to 2020.
However, during the last legislative session, Senate File 496 lifted the mandate for schools to teach about HPV and its vaccine, and AIDS.
Fairholm said that lifting the mandate is particularly concerning for our state because Iowa has the second-highest incidence rate for cancer in the nation, and it’s the only state that saw a significant increase in cancer rates between 2015 and 2019, especially in HPV-related cancers."
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💖 Leap into Love:
Celebrity Romance Trivia Night 💖
Calling all pop culture enthusiasts! Join us for a one-of-a-kind trivia night on the rare Leap Day, February 29th, 2024, at Peace Tree Brewing in Des Moines. Introducing "Leap into Love: Celebrity Romance Trivia Night," where we'll challenge your knowledge of celebrity couples, breakups, and iconic pop culture romances.
The best part?
It's all in support of a great cause! This trivia night is a fundraiser for EyesOpenIowa.
Get ready for an evening filled with laughter, pop culture, and leap day magic. From BradGelina to Travis and Taylor, we've got your favorite celebrity couples covered. The beer will be cold, but the TEA will be piping hot!
Prizes Galore!
-Door prizes for lucky participants
-Prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners
But that's not all! Dive into the world of EyesOpenIowa with exclusive merch available for purchase, including funky t-shirts and stickers that your laptop will adore.
Hurry, Secure Your Spot!
Tickets are limited and priced at $15 per person. Sign up solo or with friends – no teams, just one for all and all for one! The event will be held from 7-9pm, with trivia beginning promptly at 7:30pm. Purchase your tickets at tinyurl.com/eoitrivia
Let's make this leap year celebration one for the books while creating a healthier future for our youth!
Don’t miss out on this special event; tickets will go quickly!
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In collaboration with Peace Tree Brewing Company - Des Moines, Iowa | |
Once Youth, Leading Youth of Today
by: Kay Switzer
Change is an inherent and inevitable part of life, marking the various phases we navigate as individuals. Embracing change is not just a choice but a crucial mindset for personal growth and societal progress. Each stage in life presents unique challenges and opportunities, and it is through change that we learn, evolve, and shape our identities.
The youth of today, poised on the cusp of tomorrow, view change as a catalyst for positive transformation. By welcoming change, they open themselves up to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives that foster innovation and resilience. In a world marked by rapid advancements, adapting to change becomes an indispensable skill. Instead of resisting change, youth are leaning into it, using it as a force to build a better, more inclusive, and sustainable future.
I am privileged to witness firsthand the transformative power of youth activism and leadership. It is evident that today's youth, with the access and awareness generations in the past have lacked, are at the forefront of driving positive change.
In 2008, as a 13-year-old, I witnessed the historic legalization of gay marriage, one of many events that shaped the course of our country's leadership. Fueled by a deep commitment to health equity, I recognized how education is bridging gaps and dispelling biases. The classrooms of rural Iowa highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive sex education, a tool that empowers individuals to make informed choices about their health and challenge outdated norms. Also taking into account the need for specific sex education for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As we learn more we are encouraging growth in equitable education and health care practice, yet it underscored the ongoing need for further progress.
The youth on EyesOpenIowa's advisory council are embodying the spirit of change through their fervent activism for reproductive justice. Fearlessly, they are propelling themselves into positions where their voices can be heard by individuals in power. By passionately articulating the issues facing marginalized youth, particularly those within the LGBTQIA+ community, they are not merely advocating for change but demanding it. These young advocates are sparking crucial conversations, urging those with influence to confront and address the unique challenges faced by marginalized identities. Their dedication to activism goes beyond rhetoric; it is a catalyst for tangible action and transformative change in the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Leading our youth advisory council, I am impressed and astounded by the remarkable work our youth accomplish. The youth that serve on our advisory council echo this fervent passion. Their dedication resonates with progress, underscoring the strides we are making toward a future where informed youth stand at the forefront.
These young advocates embody a commitment to issues that were once overlooked in previous generations. Their passion serves as a reminder that the access and awareness we cultivate today were elusive for many, including myself, in times past.
While acknowledging that challenges persist, the progress we witness is a testament to the collective determination to empower future generations. The commitment of these youth activists is instrumental in steering us towards a future where informed, empowered, and engaged youth become the architects of positive change.
"You may not control all the events that happen to you,
but you can decide not to be reduced by them."
- Maya Angelou
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2024 Legislative Updates
EOI is following bills that affect adolescent health during this session. Bills noted below are not passed and are currently going through the process.
HF2082 Gender identity out of the Iowa Civil Rights Act as a protected class. Did not pass subcomittee on 1/31/24 and for now will not advance.
SF2027 Would change Iowa to an "opt in" for human growth and development instruction. (it is currently "opt out" where parents can remove their child from any instruction.)
HF2031 This bill would force young people to watch a video on fetal development, produced by an anti-abortion organization, without any medical or scientific basis as part of the Human Growth and Development mandate in grades 1-12. Passed subcomittee on 1/30/24
SF2182 Would allow parents to sue school districts for violations in carrying out the Human Growth and Development instruction.
SF2141 Would allow pharmacists to dispense self-administered hormonal birth control without a prescription.
SF2137 Would reinstate the state Family Planning Program that was ended in 2017.
SF2135 Codifies Iowan's rights to access and obtain contraceptives. It prohibits health providers from adopting limitations or requirements that would impede access.
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In the face of concerning legislative bills,
Iowans can make a difference with these steps:
Stay Informed:
Regularly check official state websites and local news for updates on bills.
Engage in Dialogue:
Attend community events and legislative forums to voice your concerns.
Connect with Legislators:
Communicate directly with elected representatives through emails, calls, or meetings.
Write Op-Eds:
Use local media to share your views and encourage public discourse.
Utilize Social Media:
Spread awareness and engage others through social media platforms.
Organize Petitions:
Launch online petitions to gather support against unfavorable bills.
Participate in Lobbying:
Present well-researched arguments directly to lawmakers or through advocacy groups.
Encourage Voter Registration:
Empower others to register to vote, strengthening the democratic process.
Support Advocacy Groups:
Contribute time, skills, or resources to organizations fighting for change.
Together, these actions empower Iowans to shape
legislation and ensure their voices are heard.
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2024 Training Calendar
Join us for engaging in-person and virtual content designed to help educators teach sexual health education and sensitive topics to young people.
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🌟 Elevate Your Expertise with this TOE Event:
Curriculum Stack - A 3-in-1 Training for Popular Curriculum! 🌟
Thursday, February 15 and Friday, February 16 2024
9:00am-3:00pm CT
This is a unique opportunity tailored for both new and seasoned educators!
🔍 What's In Store:
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Comprehensive training in three evidence-based adolescent sexual health education curriculums: Draw the Line/Respect the Line (DTL/RTL), Rights, Respect, & Responsibility (3R's), and FLASH.
💻 Virtual Convenience:
- Participate from the comfort of your home or office.
💲Cost
- $350 for training on three core curriculums!
👥 Expert-Led:
- Led by professional trainers with expertise aligned with the National Sex Ed Standards.
🤝 Interactive Learning:
- Enhance your understanding of curriculums.
- Gain valuable skills in effectively communicating about them to fellow educators, parents, and community members.
- Explore and practice activities that seamlessly integrate into your health education teachings.
🔢 Schedule:
- Feb 15-16, 2024
- 9 AM-3 PM CT daily (with a one-hour break from 11:30-12:30 CT each day)
💡 Bonus Benefits:
- This TOE training counts as 10 hours towards CSHE certification and re-certification.
- Earn a wealth of knowledge and practical skills.
🚀 Secure Your Spot!
Don't miss this chance to elevate your sex education skills in a professional, engaging, and convenient virtual environment. Secure your spot for Curriculum Stack now and advance your expertise in sexual health education!
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🌟Rights, Respect, Responsibility (3R’s):
Training of Educators (TOE)🌟
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
12:30-3:30PM CT
🔍 What's In Store:
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Comprehensive training in three evidence-based adolescent sexual health education curriculum: Rights, Respect, & Responsibility (3R's)
💻 Virtual Convenience:
- Participate from the comfort of your home or office.
💲Cost
- $175 for training on this core curriculum!
👥 Expert-Led:
- Led by professional trainers with expertise aligned with the National Sex Ed Standards.
🤝 Interactive Learning:
- Enhance your understanding of curriculums.
- Gain valuable skills in effectively communicating about them to fellow educators, parents, and community members.
- Explore and practice activities that seamlessly integrate into your health education teachings.
🔢 Schedule:
- Feb 28th, 2024
- 12:30PM-3 PM CT daily (with a one-hour break from 11:30-12:30 CT each day)
💡 Bonus Benefits:
- This TOE training counts as 3 hours towards CSHE certification and re-certification.
- Earn a wealth of knowledge and practical skills.
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🌟 We're here to help!
If you have any questions or need further information about training opportunities, please reach out.
Your inquiries are important to us and we appreciate our network of dedicated educators!
Connect with Val - we are ready to assist you! 🌟
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Every purchase you make not only elevates your style but also contributes to a vital cause—providing essential education to youth in Iowa. We are on a mission to break barriers and foster a culture of understanding, respect, and awareness around sexual health.
Your support goes beyond a mere transaction; it becomes an investment in the future of young minds, ensuring they have access to accurate information that empowers them to make informed decisions.
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Shirt Sizes range from: 3X to Small | |
How does my donation make an impact?
Donating to a cause you care about creates a meaningful impact.
By supporting EyesOpenIowa, you provide vital resources for their work, making a difference in lives. Your contributions bring joy, satisfaction, and a sense of pride, proving that individuals can positively impact others. Your donations inspire and encourage others to get involved, fostering collective efforts to address important challenges.
Support our work and ensure accurate and comprehensive sex education for Iowa's young people by becoming a monthly donor. Join us in making a difference!
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