YEAH! Network: Youth Empowerment Adolescent Health

Join the YEAH! Network Team!

2012-01-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

Job Title: Staff Assistant - Full Time

Responsibilities: The incumbent in this position will provide extensive administrative support to manager and/or department. Will completes a variety of complex analyses, reports, and databases. Demonstrates excellent customer service demeanor in organizing front office in fast paced environment. Creates complex spreadsheets and other documents. Represents the department in resolving problems and exchange of information, interpretation of departmental policy and procedures.

Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associates degree preferred. 2 years office experience. Knowledge of common PC software programs. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to handle multiple tasks. Strong customer service skills. Must be able to work independently and with a team.

Other Information:

Full-time 40 hours per week Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Location 280 Chestnut St. Springfield, MA

Testing Required - MS Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, Excel Typing

Grant Funded position

Resume required

Bilingual (English/Spanish preferred)

How to Apply: Please submit your application via the internet. If you wish to apply in person you can come to the following locations and submit an on-line application:

Baystate Health
280 Chestnut Street
Springfield, MA

Baystate Mary Lane Hospital
85 South Street
Ware, MA

Baystate Franklin Medical Center
164 High Street
Greenfield, MA

Equal Employment Opportunity: Baystate Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce. Baystate Health recruits, hires, promotes and transfers qualified persons into all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship status, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, or military status. Baystate Health, in all its employment actions, also takes affirmative action to achieve prompt and full utilization at all levels and in all segments of the work force of minorities, women, Vietnam-era or disabled veterans, and disabled individuals.

To apply online and to view the complete description click here

2012-01-18T11:47:00.000-05:00

Upcoming Community Conversation for ACTION!

2012-01-13T17:00:00.000-05:00

Business, Funders and Policy makers
Friday, March 2nd, 2012
at the Basketball Hall of Fame
8AM - 10:30AM

Everyone is part of the solution! All events are free and open to all residents and business owners in Holyoke and Springfield. Food is provided but space is limited. To reserve a seat at the table contact the YEAH! Network at 413-533-9324 or email us at cca@yeahnetwork.org

Call for Advocacy!

2012-01-13T16:30:00.001-05:00

Dear Teen Parent Advocate,

We have an incredible opportunity to get dropout prevention legislation that supports high priority youth including expectant and parenting students passed this year! Your calls and emails are needed to make this a reality.

Please call or email your legislators!

**Use the script below to advocate for dropout prevention and recovery legislation that includes supports for expectant and parenting students. Include this Alliance fact sheet in your email. You can find your legislators and their contact information here.

You can also support the Boston PIC's Don't Hesitate, Legislate campaign also aiming to get dropout prevention and recovery legislation passed this year, by emailing this fact sheet to your legislators.

Script for calls and emails to advocate for dropout prevention legislation that includes supports for expectant and parenting students:

"Hi, my name is ________. I am from __________ (city/state) and am emailing/calling to urge Senator/Representative___________ to advocate that the joint committee on education report out a dropout prevention and recovery bill by January 31st and ensure that the legislation include the following 4 provisions:

Include the graduation coach initiative proposed in S185, but ensure coaches work with expectant and parenting students.
Add a provision to track parenting students to determine the number of these students and enable data driven interventions.
Add a provision to ensure all parenting students access child care.
Require all schools to create comprehensive plans to reduce the dropout rate. Ensure plans include supports for expectant and parenting students and maternity/paternity leave provisions.

(If emailing, including "Please see the attached fact sheet for more information" and attach this fact sheet.)

Thank you for your time.

Best,

Elizabeth Peck

Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy

Public Policy Director

617.482.9122 x101

epeck@massteenpregnancy.org

2011-11-17T11:59:00.000-05:00

Dear Community Partners:

Over the past few days the team at the YEAH! Network has received inquiries regarding the RFR recently released by the Massachusetts Department of Health to support evidence based programs to prevent teen pregnancy. At this time the YEAH! Network will not apply for the funding. As a community coalition our mission is to motivate the community and its leaders to address adolescent sexual health and important life decisions. Our primary mission is not service delivery but building the adult, youth and organizational leadership capacity across all sectors of communities for a collective impact in adolescent sexual health. Our goal is to leverage our collective human capital to ensure that teens have the knowledge to make healthy decisions about their sexual health, to have access to quality sexual health services and that the community provides robust opportunity to ensure a prosperous future for all the youth in our region.

The current RFR is very competitive with nine cities across the state qualifying but only six proposals being funded. Given the competitive nature of the grant, the YEAH! Network will not write letters of support for the proposals submitted from Holyoke and Springfield. The best way the YEAH Network can respond to the RFR will be to connect community partners that are applying so that there is a transparent process that allows organizations to connect if they are interested in submitting a collaborative proposal. In addition, the YEAH! Network will seek to engage the organizations that are funded to work cohesively with the current community initiatives to reach our common goal of improving the sexual health of teens across Springfield and Holyoke.

On Friday November 18^th the YEAH! Network will host its third Community Conversation for Action that is focused on the target population indicated in the RFR. The event seeks to formally engage organizations and individuals who work with youth in foster care, homeless youth and youth in the Juvenile Justice System. The event will provide the opportunity to identify the challenges in addressing the sexual health of high priority youth and most importantly, identify innovative solutions to reduce adverse sexual health outcomes our most vulnerable youth. The event will be held at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. It will start promptly at 8AM and end at 10:30am. For anyone who is preparing to apply for the funding, this event will be a unique opportunity to network with potential partners. We will also provide copies of the reports from the previous Community Conversation for Action with the Latino and Faith Community that can be used to inform the proposals.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email or by phone. You can reach the Assistant Director Larissa Rivera Gonzalez at lrgonzalez@yeahnetwork.org or myself at spmcadoo@yeahnetwork.org. You can also call us at office at 413-533-9324.

My best,

Sarah Perez McAdoo MD, MPH

Director

Youth Empowerment Adolescent Health Network

Upcoming Community Conversation for ACTION!

2011-11-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

Please join us for the next event in our Community Conversation for ACTION! Series:

Foster Care, Juvenile Justice and

Homeless Youth Advocates
Friday, November 18, 2011
at the Basketball Hall of Fame
8AM - 10:30AM

The purpose of these meetings is to engage the broader community in not just talking about the issue, but creating the innovative solutions that will help teens make healthy decisions, that postpone early childbearing and increase their chance of a prosperous future. Everyone is part of the solution!

All events are free and open to all residents in Holyoke
and Springfield. Food is provided but space is limited.
To reserve a seat at the table contact the

YEAH! Network at 413-533-9324
or email us at cca@yeahnetwork.org

Become a part of the YEAH! Network team!

2011-11-11T11:52:00.001-05:00

Title: Youth Engagement Coordinator Full-time,
Type: Exempt from Overtime Requirements
Location: Holyoke, MA

The YEAH! (Youth Empowerment Adolescent Health) Network, started in 2006, is a community coalition working to motivate the leaders of Hampden County to address high teen birth rates. The YEAH! Network creates a forum for diverse community stakeholders to organize and share resources in their effort to create an informed, empowered, and engaged response to teen pregnancy and other youth reproductive health disparities. Founded in 1979, the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy advocates statewide and mobilizes communities to prevent teen pregnancy, to increase opportunities for youth and young parents, and to empower young people to make healthy decisions about relationships, sex, parenting, and life.
Together, the YEAH Network and the Alliance are collaborating on the Youth First project, an initiative in Holyoke and Springfield, MA. This 5-year project, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), involves partnerships with public agencies, youth-serving organizations, clinical providers and other stakeholders to implement a multi-component community-wide initiative to prevent teen pregnancy.
In order to develop a robust collaborative with a common agenda, reinforcing activities, and youth mobilization, the Youth Engagement Coordinator will integrate the youth engagement components of the Youth First initiative and the YEAH Network Teen Leadership Project. Overall the YEC would oversee three major areas:

1. Increase Youth Engagement
•Provide technical assistance to Youth First community partners to support meaningful youth engagement in the community-wide teen pregnancy prevention effort Engage other youth leadership groups in Springfield and Holyoke to address teen sexual health Collaborate with other Youth First staff to integrate youth engagement across the initiative

2. Develop and Coordinate the Youth Leadership Team for the Youth First initiative
•Members of the Youth Leadership Team are highly skilled or trained youth leaders that will represent the youth voice across the components of the YF Initiative. •This group will be in a adult- youth partnership that works towards implementation of a youth-led advocacy model

3. Coordinate and supervise the YEAH Network Teen Leadership Project (TLP)
•TLP provides the leadership and advocacy training to future teen leaders that can join the Youth Leadership Team or take other leadership roles in the community to address teen sexual health

Responsibilities
• Coordinate and support the Youth First Youth Leadership Team of 10-12 youth from Holyoke and Springfield, including facilitating regular meetings and supporting youth-designed and led action projects on sexual health
• Coordinate and supervise the Teen Leadership Project
• Develop a youth network
• Oversee local youth-led communications strategies using social media and traditional media
• Develop and implement collaborative youth outreach project
• Assist with Youth First project evaluation including data collection and surveying youth
• Create and disseminate promotional items for youth
• Maintain the Youth First Facebook page
• Raise visibility of teen pregnancy prevention and the project

Skills and Experience
• 2-5 years’ experience facilitating youth groups October 2011
• Strong knowledge of, and commitment to, youth development principles
• Must be self-directed and capable of operating in a cooperative environment
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office and general computer skills
• Spanish language skills a plus
• Candidates familiar with the communities of Springfield and/or Holyoke preferred
• Experience working as part of a team and leading teams through a work plan
• Highly organized and able to prioritize tasks for efficiency and productivity
• High level of problem solving skills
• Ability to independently develop project work plans
• Experience with developing community partnerships
• Knowledgeable about use of social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Education
Master’s degree in public health, social work, education, public policy, human resources, or a related discipline plus 2-3 years’ experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years’ experience in a relevant field. Equivalent experience will be considered.

Please send a resume and cover letter by November 18th, 2011 to:
Dr. Sarah Perez McAdoo, Director YEAH Network
4 Open Square Way, Suite 415
Holyoke, MA 01040
spmcadoo@yeahnetwork.org
fax: 413-533-9327
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Announcement

2011-11-07T11:38:00.004-05:00

The MDPH Office of Adolescent Health and Youth Development is excited to announce the release of the federally funded PREP RFR.

It PaYS: Partners for Youth Success is a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MDESE).

In an effort to decrease the teen birth rate in Massachusetts communities with the lowest performing schools and highest teen birth rates - Boston, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, Springfield and Worcester - this project will integrate community and school services to deliver medically accurate, culturally competent, age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education and adulthood preparation subjects to young people ages 10-19. MDESE will fund schools and MDPH will fund community-based organizations through a competitive procurement process in up to six communities with poor educational outcomes and the state's highest teen birth and STI rates. Selected recipients will be funded to provide evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs that incorporate selected adulthood preparation subjects.

Applicants who wish to respond to this RFR are highly encouraged to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent via email by Friday, November 18, 2011 by 5PM to: Dahlia Bousaid, Director, MDPH Office of Adolescent Health and Youth Development, Dahlia.Bousaid@state.ma.us . The Letter of Intent should include: organization name and address, region, and location of proposed PREP services. Please indicate if this is a sole or collaborative application. Please reference PREP RFR Letter of Intent in the subject line of the email.

Here are the Instructions for getting to the posting:

1. Go onto the Internet to address: www.comm-pass.com
2. Click on the Solicitations tab.
3. Click on Solicitation Search.
4. Enter 106814 into the Document Number field, then press Search.
5. There are 2 Solicitation(s) found that match your search criteria will appear at the top of the screen. Click on this link.
6. Click on the eyeglasses on the top line, the OPEN line.
7. The Specifications tab has the RFR document. The Forms and Terms screen has the documents for response.

The deadline for application is Tuesday, December 13, 2011.

October 28th is the next Community Conversation for ACTION!

2011-10-13T15:49:00.001-04:00

Upcoming Community Conversation for ACTION!

Faith Community

Friday, October 28, 2011

at the Basketball Hall of Fame,

8AM -10:30 AM

Everyone is part of the solution!

All events are free and open to all residents

of Holyoke and Springfield.

Food is catered by Max's Tavern and space is limited.

To reserve your seat at the table,

call the YEAH! Network at

413.533.9324 or email cca@yeahnetwork.org

Author of a new book about teen pregnancy and parenting in Puerto Rico will speak at the Care Center

2011-10-13T15:25:00.000-04:00

2 Community Conversations for ACTION!

2011-09-09T12:47:00.000-04:00

Están todos invitados a una

CONVERSACIÓN COMUNITARIA PARA LA ACCIÓN

Aporte su voz para que la comunidad Latina encuentre

soluciones positivas dirigido al embarazo adolescente

Jueves 15 de septiembre

de 5:30 a 8:30 de la tarde

En el Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke,

70 Nick Cosmos Way, Holyoke

Cena del Fernandez Restaurant, Se dispone de guardería

Traducción al ingles, Tarjeta de regalo de $25 y rifa

Si quiere participar en la conversación, llame a YEAH! Network para reservar un asiento

al 413.533.9324 o envíe un correo electrónico a cca@yeahnetwork.org

Patrocinado por YEAH! Network, Youth First

y Tapestry Health

AND

Please join us for a

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION FOR ACTION!

Bring your voice to the table as the Latino community

finds strength-based solutions to teen pregnancy

Friday September 16th

8:00AM – 12:30PM

At the Basketball Hall of Fame

in the MassMutual Room

1000 West Columbus Avenue, Springfield

Catering by Max’s Tavern

If you want to be part of the solution call

the YEAH! Network to reserve a seat at 413.533.9324

or email cca@yeahnetwork.org

Sponsored by the YEAH! Network, Youth First

and Tapestry Health

“As formal and informal leaders, we should challenge ourselves to work collectively and lead the efforts to create transformative solutions to teen pregnancy that includes accountability and sustainability. Currently, we have a political and funding window of opportunity and it is imperative that we take action now. If we address teen pregnancy, we strengthen the foundation of the Latino family and the prosperity of future generations of Latinos."

– Dr. Sarah Perez McAdoo, Director YEAH! Network

Local Evaluation Team Needed

2011-09-07T10:33:00.000-04:00

Field Supervisor for Survey Research (in Springfield/Holyoke MA)(Job Number: 1100001619)

Description: Health, Education, and Social Programs
Public Health Division
Springfield/Holyoke MA

About ICF International
ICF International (NASDAQ:ICFI) partners with government and commercial clients to deliver professional services and technology solutions in the energy, environment, and transportation; health, education, and social programs; and homeland security and defense markets. The firm combines passion for its work with industry expertise and innovative analytics to produce compelling results throughout the entire program life cycle, from research and analysis through implementation and improvement. Since 1969, ICF has been serving government at all levels, major corporations, and multilateral institutions. More than 3,700 employees serve these clients worldwide. ICF's website is http://www.icfi.com.

ICF Macro, the public health division of ICF International, focuses on providing research, evaluation, and consulting activities in connection with health care service programs to key agencies of the federal government.

Job Description:
ICF Macro is seeking an on-site Field Supervisor to coordinate data collection activities (logistics, personnel management, status reporting, and record keeping) for an adolescent health study in Springfield/Holyoke MA. The study is part of a national evaluation of teen pregnancy prevention programs funded by the Centers for Disease Control. The study is designed to assess health outcomes in adolescents receiving “Youth First” initiative compared with a similar group of adolescents not receiving "Youth First" initiative.

The Field Supervisor will be responsible for managing data collection activities and day-to-day operations of the study. This includes assisting with identifying local office space, and hiring and supervising on site data collection staff in Springfield/Holyoke MA. The Field Supervisor will also be expected to work collaboratively with local grantee program staff and their ICF Macro Evaluation liaison to ensure data is collected according to evaluation protocols. This position will be based in Springfield/Holyoke MA, with ICF Macro providing all necessary computer hardware, software and supplies. ICF Macro will also maintain supervisory responsibility for this position through an evaluation liaison.

The successful candidate has experience and is comfortable interacting with various community members including youth, parents, and community organizations. They can also manage data collection activities, and is highly organized and keeps accurate records while contributing to overall project goals. We are seeking an individual who:
■Is highly motivated/goal oriented
■Is experienced in the health field
■Understands importance of research protocols/high response rates
■Can supervise and conduct/administrative/logistical/quality control activities at a field site
■Can manage site activities and field staff
■Can work in a team environment
■Has strong interpersonal, communication, and computer skills, is detail oriented, and can multitask
■Has a valid driver's license and must pass a driving and Federal background check

This is a temporary position with an anticipated work schedule of 30 to 40 hours per week, for approximately 12 to 16 weeks. Hours per week may vary.

Key Responsibilities:
■Attend specialized training on data collection procedures.
■Maintain the contact information database and schedule interview appointments with adolescent study participants.
■Obtain informed consent from adolescents and parents for participation in the study.
■Maintain and transport study equipment (e.g., laptops/tablets and set up)
■Secure filing and maintenance of confidential study data
■Distribute and track project funds (i.e., incentives to participants).
■Organize administrative paperwork associated with the evaluation.
■Conduct in-person interviews with the candidates for data collector positions.
■Provide oversight and supervision of field data collectors who will be responsible for the identification of youth to be included in the study, conducting in-person interviews with consenting youth participants, and transmitting records to ICF Macro.
■Monitor participation and response rates throughout the study.
■Maintain regular communication with TPP Evaluation team supervisor, including the submission of reports on evaluation progress.
■Coordinate and maintain on-going relationships with grantees to secure support for the evaluation: establishing and maintaining a strong collaborative relationship with grantee staff that regularly interact with adolescents; discussing important issues with evaluation sites and updating program staff on a regular basis; and, working collaboratively to develop recruitment procedures including establishment of evaluation consent and enrollment processes.

Basic Qualifications:
■Bachelor’s degree in public health, psychology, social work or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
■At least 2 years of relevant post-graduate experience is required.
■Must posses a valid driver’s license and available vehicle in reliable working condition to be used to travel within communities. Mileage reimbursement will be provided.
■ Use of a personal cell phone (that is not shared by others) while working in the field is required.
■Facility using Microsoft Office software (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and/or Access) is essential
Preferred Skills/Experience:
■Experience working in research and/or with adolescents is preferable.
■Field data collection and interviewing experience in research studies is essential.
■Effective marketing skills preferred.
■Ability to interpret field-level problems and generate solutions (i.e., developing strategies to efficiently monitor and enhance data collection efforts) is essential

Professional Skills:
■Strong relationship-building skills and familiarity with community agencies required.
■Ability to interact effectively with community organizations, parent, adolescents, and colleagues to gain support for data collection is a must.
■Availability during evenings and weekends on occasion as workload, data collection and scheduling with study participants dictates is essential.
■Local travel with personal vehicle is required.
■Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
■Ability to work independently with minimum supervision is a must.
■Strong organizational skills are required

Data Collector for Survey Research (in Springfield/Holyoke MA)(Job Number: 1100001940)
Description: Health, Education, and Social Programs, Public Health Division
Springfield/Holyoke MA

Job Description:
ICF Macro is seeking on-site data collection specialists for a community based adolescent health study in Springfield/Holyoke MA. The study is part of a national evaluation of teen pregnancy prevention programs funded by the Centers for Disease Control. The study is designed to assess health outcomes in adolescents receiving “Youth First” initiative compared with a similar group of adolescents not receiving "Youth First" initiative.

Data Collectors are needed to help administer surveys to youth (ages 15 - 19) in and around Springfield/Holyoake, MA. Orientation and training for this position will be held in mid to late October 2011.
This is a part-time position, with an anticipated work schedule of 15-20 hours per week, for approximately 12 to 16 weeks. Hours per week may vary. Evening and weekend shifts will be required.
This position is ideal for college students, recent graduates and retirees who have experience working with youth.

Key Responsibilities:
■Attend specialized training on data collection procedures
■Visit eligible homes to administer the youth survey to the selected participants following approved protocols
■Obtain informed consent from adolescents and parents for participation in the study
■Conduct in-person interviews with consenting youth participants (note: approximately four interviews will be completed per day by each data collector)
■Transmit data and records to ICF Macro
■Manage the interview incentives ($20), specifically distributing them and managing the receipt and tracking system for incentives
■Maintain regular communication with survey field supervisor including reports on data collection progress
■Maintain the contact information database and schedule interview appointments with adolescent study participants
■Maintain and transport study equipment
■Secure filing and maintenance of confidential study data

Basic Qualifications:
■High school degree or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
■Must posses a valid driver’s license and available vehicle in reliable working condition to be used to travel within communities. Mileage reimbursement will be provided.
■Must be able to lift, carry, and transport up to 50 lbs of survey supplies and other data collection materials.

Preferred Skills/Experience:
■Experience in field data collection, survey/social science, research, sales, or marketing preferred.
■Experience in working with youth and young adults preferred.
■Basic computer skills, including navigating the Internet, using web applications, and using email preferred.

Professional Skills:
■Successful candidates will be extremely well-organized, with a strong eye for detail.
■Ability to adhere to strict time schedules and arrive on time and prepared for all appointments is a must.
■High degree of self-confidence and the ability to deal with difficult situations in a calm/professional manner ■Professional appearance and demeanor is required.
■Strong interpersonal communication skills required.
■Ability and willingness to travel alone is required.

ICF International is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer - M/F/D/V
For a listing of other career opportunities at ICF, please visit our Career Center at www.icfi.com/careers

Seeking Input from Adolescents and Young Adults

2011-08-24T11:26:00.001-04:00

The Family Planning Program of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is seeking input from adolescents and young adults into what challenges exist in achieving our goals of reducing unintended pregnancies and promoting sexual and reproductive well-being.

The Family Planning Program created a short survey and would like to invite young people to participate. It should take only 5-10 minutes to complete.

As a thank you, after completing the survey participants may opt to be entered into a drawing for one of five $10 iTunes gift cards! If he/she chooses not to be entered into the drawing, the survey responses will be anonymous. The drawing will take place onSeptember 15, so please complete the survey before then!

If you would like paper copies of the survey, please contact Bridget Larson at the Department of Public Health.

Take survey here

Prevention Program Internship, Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy

2011-08-23T14:07:00.002-04:00

Dates of Internship: Fall 2011 (September-December 2011, with potential to continue into Spring 2012). Start and end dates are flexible.
Hours: 16 hours/2 days per week (Preferably Monday-Thursday)
Compensation: Unpaid. Alliance will provide supervision of requirements to receive school credit.
Supervisor: Prevention Director
Last Day to Apply: September 1, 2011

The Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy seeks an intern to analyze public health data and assist with Alliance communications and press events in Massachusetts communities with high teen birth rates. Responsibilities will include developing fact sheets and presentations on relevant data and assisting with the Alliance’s Youth First Initiative in Springfield and Holyoke. Work may also include development of press releases and disseminating Alliance materials via new media.

The ideal candidate will have skills in making public health data accessible and useful to the public, an understanding of current issues in adolescent sexual health/teen pregnancy prevention, and excellent writing skills.

Position Requirements:
• Skills in working with public health data
• Commitment to and belief in the mission of the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy, and desire to empower the young people of Massachusetts
• Engagement in a Master’s level of study preferred
• Resourceful and thorough
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Willingness and ability to work autonomously, with direction and support
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience in youth services preferred
• Integrity, sense of humor, and desire to “do good” in the world

To Apply, Please submit resume and cover letter to Erica Fletcher, Prevention Director, at fletcher@massteenpregnancy.org. No phone calls, please

YEAH! Network response to the 2009 Teen Birth Data: A Collective Impact Approach to Reducing the Disparity

2011-08-08T11:19:00.002-04:00

Written by Amy Cronin DiCaprio, YEAH! Network Director of Research Development

Two weeks ago, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health released the Massachusetts 2009 Birth Data. Their report highlighted the continued disparity in the teen birth rate in many western Massachusetts communities, and underscores the continued need for a sustained and comprehensive response to improving sexual health outcomes for youth.

Massachusetts teen births have declined 11% since 2007, pushing the overall state teen birth rate to its lowest in decades. However, the statewide birth rate for Hispanic teenagers is still five times that of white teens, and there is a continued stark disparity between the state teen birth rate compared with several cities in western Massachusetts, most notably Springfield and Holyoke.

CITY-SPECIFIC ANALYSIS

For the fifth year in a row, Holyoke reported the highest teen birth rate in Massachusetts, at 96.8 per 1,000 teen girls aged 15-19, which is almost 5 times the state rate of 19.6 per 1000. Springfield saw 65 more teen births in 2009 than in the previous year, with a 2009 teen birth rate of 72.1 per 1000. The percentage of teen births to Hispanic mothers in each city has trended upwards over the last decade: in Holyoke, 86.3% of teen births in 2009 were to Hispanic mothers (compared with 82.9 in 1996), and the increase was even sharper in Springfield, with 67.6% of teen births in 2009 to Hispanic mothers (compared with 48.7% in 1996). In each city, the majority of teen births were to older teens (aged 18-19): 64.4% of teen births in Holyoke and 64.8% of teen births in Springfield were to older teens. However, births among younger adolescents are on the rise in Springfield: 2009 saw 12 births to mothers aged 12-14 (an increase of 7 over the previous year).

COLLECTIVE IMPACT

For nearly two decades, Springfield and Holyoke have consistently held some of the highest teen birth rates in the state, with both cities ranking in the top five nearly every year. A new way of addressing this disparity is long overdue. Teen pregnancy and community responses to teen pregnancy are influenced by a myriad of factors including economics, education, opportunity, culture, and politics. The task of creating a meaningful impact on such a complex issue is too much for any single agency, single strategy, or even single sector: it requires a collaboration that goes beyond the approach of traditional coalitions and networks.

An article in last winter’s Stanford Social Innovation Review examined the concept of “collective impact.” The authors define collective impact as “the commitment of a group of important actors from different sectors to a common agenda for solving a specific social problem.” (Kania and Kramer, 2011, p.36) In contrast to the traditional approach used by nonprofits where single agencies try to invent independent solutions to major social problems (also known as isolated impact), collective impact emphasizes cross-sector coalitions, led by a single agency using a systemic approach to social impact that prioritizes the relationship between sectors, organizations, and communities.

Adopting a collective impact philosophy and approach to addressing the high teen birth rates in Springfield and Holyoke resonates with the core values of the YEAH! Network. The YEAH! Network has consistently worked to advocate for a long-term and sustainable multi-sector approach to addressing the disparities in adolescent sexual health. By making it our policy to operate in multiple cities, have steering committee members from multiple cities and sectors, resisting the pressure to seek short-term single-initiative funding, and working to link our philosophies and practices to research and national priorities, the YEAH! Network has been modeling the beginning stages of collective impact.

YOUTH FIRST INITIATIVE

The YEAH! Network believes that a collective impact approach is the best way to reduce the disparity in the teen birth rates in Springfield and Holyoke. There is a unique window of opportunity to create this collective impact strategy to address teen pregnancy in Springfield and Holyoke. Last year, in partnership with the YEAH! Network, the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy was awarded one of nine $1.1 million federal grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to test the effectiveness of community-wide approaches to reducing teen pregnancy. We’ve called this project the Youth First initiative. There is an unprecedented alignment of goals and stakeholders in Springfield and Holyoke, and the timing for a collective impact approach couldn’t be better: city leadership in both cities passed policy changes (within one year of each other) in support of evidence-based comprehensive sex education in schools. Two city-wide, mayor-supported task forces exist solely to influence policy around adolescent sexual health. As part of a collective impact strategy, the Youth First initiative aims to bring together all sectors of the community in this effort, and the YEAH! Network and the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy have been continually building and deepening the relationships with parents of adolescents, teachers, faith leaders, youth, business owners, school administrators, social workers, community-based organizations, clinical providers, pediatricians, employers, and policy makers.

MOVING FORWARD

It is increasingly clear to those of us who work with youth, care about youth, and to youth themselves, that the strategies of the past 20 years are not effectively addressing the disproportionately high teen birth rates in Springfield and Holyoke. A collective impact approach, supported by the 5-year Youth First initiative, is a sustainable, logical, and timely strategy. Changing the way we work, and changing the way we work together as communities, is absolutely essential to create the conditions required for improved sexual health outcomes for youth in Springfield and Holyoke: access to information and education; access to reproductive health services; and access to opportunity for the future.

2009 Massachusetts Birth Data now released

2011-07-26T18:49:00.001-04:00

Below is the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy's Press Release

New Teen Birth Data Highlights a Tale of Two Cities

Boston, MA –Newly released teen birth data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health shows an 11% decline in births to teens since 2007, pushing the Massachusetts teen birth rate to its lowest in decades. Still, the teen birth rate for Hispanic teens in Massachusetts is more than 5 times the rate for whites. In Boston, the Department of Public Health reports that the teen birth rate for Hispanic 18-19 year olds is 19 times that for white 18-19 year olds in the city.

“The continued decline in teen births overall proves that preventing teen pregnancy is a winnable battle,” says Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy. “But we cannot be satisfied when such stark disparities persist. Teens of all race/ethnicities deserve the chance to reach their own potential, to pursue education and meaningful work, before they have to focus on raising a child. ”

Holyoke reported the highest teen birth rate in Massachusetts, at 96.8 per 1,000 teen girls aged 15-19— almost 5 times the state rate. Communities like Holyoke, Lynn, and Lowell have seen teen birth rates trending up in recent years, following strong declines in the late 1990s and the begin of the millennium. Community data is available to assist cities and towns in understanding specific challenges. For example, almost 40% of births to teens in Lawrence were to teens aged 15-17, compared to 29% statewide. In Southbridge, almost half (48.4%) of teen births were to teens under 18.

Currently, school districts are not required to provide sex education, and though teen pregnancy prevention, family planning, and school-based health care survived the FY12 budget process, funding levels are still far below what was available 10 years ago.

“We need to make sure that every young person has access to comprehensive sex education, that sexually active young people have support for the use of condoms and contraceptives, and that all youth have a clear path to adult identity with motivation to delay parenting,” says Quinn.

Summer Youth Leadership Institute

2011-07-19T12:39:00.000-04:00

The YEAH! Network and The Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy will be hosting a

Summer Youth Leadership Institute

August 16-19th

for 13-19 year olds living in Holyoke and Springfield

This is a four day event for those who want to know more, and have something to say, about sex, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy. Participants will develop leadership and advocacy skills to take action and create change in their communities with regards to teen pregnancy, sexual health, and healthy relationships.

The institute is FREE, and the deadline for submitting an application is July 25th.

You can download the application here.

For more information, contact Meegan at 413.533.9324 or at mschreiber@yeahnetwork.org

Please help us evaluate the needs of our community

2011-05-19T13:29:00.000-04:00

Our Community Needs Assessment survey needs your input! Please take this anonymous online Community Evaluation survey to help the communities in which we live and work to better develop a collective impact plan to reduce the teen pregnancy rates and adolescent sexual health disparities.

Conference evaluation

2011-05-11T13:31:00.000-04:00

If you attended the May 6th conference and did not fill out a conference evaluation survey, you can fill one out here.

Your input is very important to us and we value and appreciate your opinion. Thank you.

Save the date and join us for:

2011-05-10T12:14:00.000-04:00

The YEAH! Network presents:

Community Conversations for Action!

Latinos Engage for Strength-Based Solutions to Teen Pregnancy

When: Thursday May 26th, 2011

Time: 8:30a.m. - 12 noon

Where: Mill 1 at open Square in Holyoke

Please join us for:

An interactive presentation by renowned national speaker Héctor Sánchez-Flores, along with presentations by state and local leaders and a strategic planning session for sustainable solutions.

Friday May 6th is the YEAH! Network conference!

2011-05-02T10:01:00.000-04:00

The conference is this Friday, May 6th from 10a.m.-6:30p.m. If you plan on attending, please register with your name, email, and workshop choice to conference@yeahnetwork.org. You can find all of the workshop information at our website or in the 2011 conference page on the left side of this blog. Thank you, and we hope to see you there!

May 5th Holyoke teen focus group

2011-05-02T09:48:00.001-04:00

For more information about JSI and their teen focus groups, visit their website

The YEAH! Network conference press release

2011-04-25T13:15:00.001-04:00

YEAH! Network

Youth Empowerment Adolescent Health Network

sponsored by Partners for A Healthier Community

4 Open Square, Suite 415

Holyoke, MA 01040

YEAH! Network To Host 5^th Annual Conference on May 6

“Relationship Building: Understanding How Community Relationships Can Drive Transformation in Adolescent Sexual Health”

Event is free and open to professionals and the general public

Springfield – The YEAH! (Youth Empowerment Adolescent Health) Network will hold its 5^th Annual Conference – “Relationship Building: Understanding How Community Relationships Can Drive Transformation in Adolescent Sexual Health,” on Friday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke.

Designed for both professionals and the general public, the free program is geared for youth service organizations, educators, social service agencies, policy makers, medical providers, funders, parents, youth, and anyone interested in leading a collective impact in adolescent sexual health.

“Although the conference will primarily focus on adolescent sexual health, the keynote speakers will address themes that are relevant to anyone interested in a collective impact to reduce the social and health inequalities in our region,” said Dr. Sarah Perez-McAdoo, director, YEAH! Network, sponsored by Partners for A Healthier Community.

“If you want to know what it will take to reduce the disparity in the teen birth rate, this conference is for you. We will achieve greater results by strengthening community relationships at multiple levels from parent-child to youth relationships to organizational partnerships to overall community connectedness with the goal of improving the sexual health of teens,” added Dr. Perez-McAdoo.

Highlights of the daylong event will include two keynote addresses, including luncheon speaker Greg Hills, managing director, FSG Social Impact Consultants. His address, entitled “Collective Impact: Achieving Large Scale Social Change,” will describe the paradigm shift from isolated impact to collective impact for addressing complex social problems. He will also discuss the key conditions for success and mindset shifts required to successfully execute collective impact initiatives in the community.

Following lunch, Hills will host a question and answer session for local funders entitled “The Role of Funders in Collective Impact.” The session will provide an informal forum to discuss the opportunities and challenges for funders engaging in collective impact initiatives.

Participants can choose from 10 workshops to be held throughout the afternoon by local, state, and national presenters. Among the many workshop topics will be “The Tipping Point: What Really Opened the Policy Window for Comprehensive Sex Education in Springfield and Holyoke,” “Engaging Youth in Public Policy Advocacy: How to Motivate, Empower and Mobilize Teens,” “Creating a Road Map for Collective Impact: Lessons Learned,” “Parents and Providers = Healthy Teens: a panel discussion on developing strong partnerships between parents and providers in support of youth,” “Building Bridges Between Communities and Providers: a Promotora model to address health disparities,” “What Is a Young Man’s Role in Teen Pregnancy Prevention?” “Wise Choices: Healthy Teen Dating” and “Keeping It Real: What Young Men Really Think About Relationships.”

The day will end with dinner and a closing address, “Community Relationships and Respect: The Key To Understanding How Everyone Contributes To Solutions,” presented by Hector Sanchez-Flores, director, Training and Initiatives, National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute.

There will also be time for community networking during several breaks during the day.

The YEAH! Network works to use advocacy, research and community education to influence policy and practice in adolescent sexual health.

For more information, or to obtain a registration form, log onto yeahnetwork.org or call 413-533-9324 or email conference@yeahnetwork.org.

Dr. Sarah Perez McAdoo live on Channel 22 WWLP Mass Appeal!

2011-04-21T09:32:00.002-04:00

The YEAH! Network's Director, Dr. Sarah Perez McAdoo, appeared live yesterday, April 20, on the Channel 22 WWLP Mass Appeal show. She spoke about the YEAH! Network's 5th annual conference coming up on May 6, and about using collective impact to achieve the short-and-long term goals of the YEAH! Network to influence policy and practice in adolescent sexual health.

Click here to see a video and a transcript of her interview with Channel 22's Nate Luscombe.

Great job, Sarah!

Registration now available for our May 6th Conference

2011-04-15T19:58:00.000-04:00

To view the YEAH! Network's conference information, go to the 2011 Conference page on this blog. Email conference@yeahnetwork.org to register or complete the online registration

Call us at 413.533.9324 or fax your registration to 413.533.9327

You can print a registration form off of the 2011 conference page on this blog

We look forward to seeing you on May 6th!

Federal Funding Update

2011-04-14T00:07:00.000-04:00

An important update on the federal budget from our friends at the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy:

Yesterday, the House of Representatives released the details of the continuing resolution (CR) agreed upon over the weekend. Federal teen pregnancy prevention funding (including the grant that funds the Alliance’s Youth First project with the YEAH! Network) and Title X have been cut, but have not been eliminated. The National Campaign on Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy has a good explanation of the impact of the budget where it stands now on these two items.

Healthy Teen Network has been strongly advocating in favor of the Adolescent Family Life program, which was also cut but not eliminated in the CR. A quick summary of 2011 federal budget changes relevant to providers working in teen pregnancy and with expectant or parenting teens can be found on the Healthy Teen Network website. The Adolescent Family Life program is eliminated in Obama’s 2012 budget, so check out what you can do here to advocate to save it.

Survey of 2012 budget priorities for Springfield, MA

2011-04-07T15:09:00.002-04:00

Please fill out this survey to contribute to the 2012 budget priorities for the Springfield Public Schools. To join in the support for the continuation of sex-ed being taught in the schools, please pay special attention to the ranking of physical education teachers highly because they are teaching the courses of sex ed.

Thank you for your support and please contact us with any questions or for other ways you can contribute to this most important cause.

Celebrating Youth Leadership

2011-03-28T14:20:00.005-04:00

Terrance Mack, youth leader in the YEAH! Network Teen Leadership Project at Dunbar Community Center is actively engaged in our community. See Terrance, along with others, speaking on Mass Appeal about standing up to bring everyone together to encourage local students to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities available in our community.

http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/mass_appeal/community/youth-empowerment-convention?CMP=201103_emailshare

Upcoming events

2011-03-21T13:20:00.000-04:00

Can our communities afford a 45% spike in the teen pregnancy rate?- URGENT ADVOCACY NEEDED

2011-02-24T11:52:00.003-05:00

An important note from Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy:

Dear Advocates,

We urgently need you to contact your US Senators NOW to ask them to restore federal funding for teen pregnancy prevention and family planning.
Last Friday, the US House of Representatives passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would eliminate two very effective, cost-saving prevention programs from the federal budget. These service cuts would increase Massachusetts' teen pregnancy rate by about 45% and add more than $51 million in costs to Massachusetts taxpayers almost immediately.* Now the Senate needs to decide if they think our communities can afford more teen pregnancies.

In 2008, Title X family planning programs helped our state avoid 4,672 teen pregnancies. Eliminating Title X and the new Teen Pregnancy Prevention initiatives will result in a near immediate 45% spike in the state's teen pregnancy rate.The spike in unplanned pregnancies will cost Massachusetts taxpayers an additional $51+ million each year.The US House of Representatives' CR eliminates the new Office of Adolescent Health, which has committed more than $28 million to Massachusetts projects over the next five years. This will eliminate jobs and reduce Massachusetts' infrastructure for helping communities combat teen pregnancy, and will eliminate the new Alliance project, Youth First, in Springfield and Holyoke.

Please call Senators Brown and Kerry TODAY and ask them to be more fiscally responsible than the House by protecting Title X and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiatives in the budget.

Senator Scott Brown (R- MA)
317 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Boston (617) 565-3170 D.C. (202) 224-4543
EMAIL: http://scottbrown.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactme

Senator John F. Kerry (D- MA)
218 Russell Bldg., Second Floor
Washington, D.C. 20510
Boston (617) 565-8519 D.C. (202) 224-2742
EMAIL: http://kerry.senate.gov/contact/

Sample script:

My name is ______and I am calling from ________. I urge Senator______ to vote to protect funding for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative and Title X. The cuts that have passed the House would have a devastating impact on efforts to prevent unintended pregnancy and the huge costs associated with it, HIV, and other STDs, and would undermine low-income people's access to health care. These cuts are not about "fiscal responsibility" or "reducing government spending." They are about eliminating access to comprehensive sex education, family planning, sexual and reproductive health services, and HIV/STD prevention for those most in need.

The Senate will take this up on Monday. CALL NOW!

*Think our numbers sound extreme? The Guttmacher Institute just released a state-by-state analysis of the impact of Title X on the states. The analysis showed that without Title X, Massachusetts' teen pregnancy rate would be 45% higher. We haven't seen rates that high since teen pregnancy "boom" of the 1990s. While educational programs help youth avoid pregnancy in the long run, Title X helps them avoid pregnancy immediately. That means, without those Title X services, teens - and our communities - would see the immediate impact of an unplanned pregnancy. See more of the Guttmacher Institute's data here.

Youth First Grant Press Conference

2010-10-24T11:35:00.001-04:00

Youth First Grant Press

2010-10-13T17:20:00.002-04:00

The Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy, the YEAH Network, and our partners met for the first Tier 2 Federal Grant meeting on Tuesday October 12th. This was the first of many meetings after being awarded the $5.5 million Youth First grant. The Federal Grant will be used in the cities of Holyoke and Springfield to reduce the teen pregnancy rates. This is a a capacity building grant and will help agencies that are already in place.

To view news coverage, visit these links:

http://www.cbs3springfield.com/news/local/Teen-Pregnancy-Prevention--104811329.html

http://www.masslive.com/chicopeeholyoke/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-29/1286956361149210.xml&coll=1

Youth First Grant Press Conference

2010-10-11T17:19:00.001-04:00

Tuesday, October 12th at 12pm there will be a press conference announcing the Youth First Grant. This will take place at the YWCA in Springfield. A meeting with the partners, including the YEAH Network, will follow at 12:30.

ATTN: Holyoke Parents of 8th graders

2010-06-11T19:29:00.003-04:00

A FREE Event for Holyoke Public School Parents
of current 8^th graders soon to be 9^th graders!

Dinner catered by Salsarengue Restaurant
Childcare provided for younger siblings

Dean Technical High School on Tuesday, June 15, 2010

5:00pm – 7:00pm

And

Holyoke High School on Wednesday, June 16, 2010

5:00pm – 7:00pm

Please RSVP to Mary Fago at 534-2033

This will be an interactive meeting facilitated by Consuela Greene, Prevention Program Coordinator for the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy in Boston, and by Mary Fago, Director of the Teen Clinics, with support from Jaime Cotto, Middle-to-High School Transition Coordinator/HPS and Interim Director of ENLACE/HCC, and Patty Alford, School Nurse Supervisor.

Girls, Inc. of Holyoke is currently hiring

2010-05-18T12:19:00.001-04:00

Do you have what it takes to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold? Summer staff positions to facilitate innovative, girl-centered programming. Responsible for teaching a range of curricula that may include science and math, theater, adventure programming, art, media literacy, study skills, and health and wellness. Prior experience in the field of youth development, early childhood education, or other related experience working with youth required. In your cover letter, please identify if you are interested in and/or have experience working with girls 5-12 or 12-18 years old. Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, bilingual preferred. Valid driver’s license required. 40 hrs/wk, competitive pay. If you are self directed with a proven track record of successful youth programming, send cover letter, resume, and names of three references by 5/21 to Girls Incorporated of Holyoke, P.O. Box 6812, Holyoke, MA 01041 ATTN: Sarah Dunton, Director of Youth Development Programs. EOE.

Resource Guide

2010-05-09T14:47:00.000-04:00

This summer, the YEAH! Network is putting together a resource guide that we hope can be used by community agencies, those who work with youth, and youth themselves.

While there are many organizations doing wonderful work in Hampden County, there is often a lack of knowledge outside of these organizations about the work they do. Our goals for the guide are to:

· Connect organizations that serve youth

· Provide concise, easy to access information on services available to the community

The guide will eventually be provided both on our website and in a printed form. Please visit the following site to complete the community Engagement form that will help us put together the resource guide: Click here to take survey

YEAH! Network 4th Annual Conference

2010-05-07T15:08:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out for the conference. We had a great day with over 70 community members participating in lectures, workshops and networking. We would like to thank all those who came out, but especially our workshop leaders: Sarah Perez McAdoo, Cindy Miller, Teresa Vazquez, Penny Sotiropolous, Erica Fletcher, Maureen Holland, Leslie Kayan, Elizabeth Wood, Waleska Santiago, Maria Figueroa, and Sandy Serrano.

Thanks also to the key note speakers: Dr. Katharine White and Dr. Laura Koenigs who helped put the discussion in context.

We were also joined by both Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and Holyoke Mayor Elaine Plueta. Both spoke eloquently about their belief in the power of communities to change - and about how both Springfield and Holyoke are making strides towards lowering the rates of unintended teen pregnancy.

Thank you also to all the Board members and YEAH! Network members who helped to make the day run smoothly.

National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy - Holyoke Press Conference

2010-05-07T10:54:00.001-04:00

Mayor Elaine Pluta speaks about the importance of a community wide response to the issue of teen pregnancy. The event (which was covered by channel 3 news ) was attended by members of recently convened Holyoke task force, members of the Holyoke Board of Health, teens from both Girls Inc and the YEAH! Network AAB, as well as community members and parents.

Jacquline Yos, mother of 2 Holyoke teens, speaks about why she supports comprehensive science based sex education in the schools, with translation by Teresa Vazquez.

Kevin Garcia, a long time member of the AAB, speaks about his mind on teen pregnancy and the importance of sex education in the high school. He is surrounded by members of Girls Inc. and the AAB.

Advocacy Alert! Holyoke press conference on Teen Pregnancy Prevention Day

2010-05-04T22:53:00.001-04:00

Please take a look at the Press Release from the Mayor's Office in Holyoke. We will be joining the mayor tomorrow, together with other members of the Holyoke community. We would love to see you there!

FROM: The Office of Mayor Elaine A Pluta
DATE: May 3, 2010
RE: Teen Pregnancy Task Force
CONTACT PERSON: Nilka M Ortiz / 322-5511

Mayor Elaine A Pluta and Holyoke Board of Health Teen Pregnancy Task Force will be holding a press conference on Wednesday, May 5 at 11:15 a.m. in front of City Hall located at 536 Dwight Street. The Mayor is inviting the community of Holyoke to participate in this event to support the National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Campaign.

We will be addressing our goal of supporting the role schools play in the implementation of the science-based health curriculum, grant monies for the program and presentation of the Adolescent Advisory Board. We will also stress the framing of these issues, of its effect on the health, economic, and community welfare of our city.

This task force has been formed to address the Teen Birth Rate in the City of Holyoke which has positioned our city on first place for 4 years in a row. Because we know how important education is, we have to play a part in changing the dynamics of the City for a better future.

For further information, please contact 413-322-5511.

SASHA Community Luncheon

2010-04-28T07:52:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday, 27 May 2010, the Springfield Adolescent Sexual Health Advisory (SASHA) hosted a luncheon in partnership with the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services at the Basketball Hall of Fame (read Masslive's coverage here.) Approximately 100 community partners were in attendance, as was Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno, Superintendent Dr. Alan Ingram, representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Health, representatives from the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy and the YEAH! Network.

SASHA was first convened by Mayor Sarno in response to the high number of births and sexually transmitted infections (STI) among Springfield youth. SASHA is made up of community advocates, representatives of the school district, parents, teen leaders, and representatives from the medical community. SASHA's mission is to build community capacity and engage parents, teens and policymakers in preventing unintended teen pregnancy and STIs. To achieve this goal, the community must be engaged in a coordinated effort, necessitating collaboration with community partners: parents, teens and community based organizations.

In order to implement a strategy to increase educational attainment and expand economic opportunities for our youth, four action groups have been established: Community, Business/Philanthropic, Education, and Medical/Public Health. These action groups seek to build upon the strengths that already exist within the community and create a plan to operationalize objectives that foster integration and collaboration.

If you are interested in helping Springfield and SASHA move forward with these goals, please read the descriptions of the action groups below, find the one that best suits you, your strengths and interests, and contact the YEAH! Network at: info@yeahnetwork.org. (Please note, this email is checked twice a week.) As SASHA continues to meet and synthesize information gathered at the luncheon, please look for updates on the YEAH Network blog.

Action Groups
Community Engagement - Juan Genera

Community Education and outreach to increase awareness and strengthen parental and teen involvement
Improve Parent-Child communication relating to sexual health

Business/Philanthropic - Hector Toledo

As critical members of the Greater Springfield Community, our business and philanthropic partners can ensure that our message is shared and provide critical funding that will be needed to continue out very important work

Education - Dr. Ann Southworth

Ensure the vision of curriculum implementation, evaluation of the implementation process, forming community linkages for student referrals

Medical/Public Health - Helen Caulton-Harris, Dr. Sara Perez McAdoo

Improve access and reduce obstacles to quality reproductive health services for youth

Links between Cumulative Hardships and Health in Low Income Young Children

2010-04-17T17:01:00.000-04:00

In an article published in the April 2010 journal Pediatrics, Cumulative Hardship and Wellness of Low-Income, Young Children: Multisite Surveillance Study, researchers found that, "...deprivations in early life can become biologically embedded, forcing children onto negative trajectories that jeopardize their health, their school readiness, and their ability to earn a living as adults. We also know that the remedies for many of these hardships are within reach if our society chooses to prescribe them."

The article focuses on how material hardships in the form of "...lack of access to enough healthful food for an active healthy life...unstable or overcrowded housing...[and] inability of families to afford consistent home heating or cooling" (Science Daily) will negatively impact the physiology of a child. So, the more exposure a child has to these material hardships, the more likely that child is to experience remedial growth, poor health and poor development.

These findings further support the belief that the earlier a positive intervention takes place in a child's life, the more likely that child will be to live a healthy, successful life.

Journal Reference: Deborah A. Frank, Patrick H. Casey, Maureen M. Black, Ruth Rose-Jacobs, Mariana Chilton, Diana Cutts, Elizabeth March, Timothy Heeren, Sharon Coleman, Stephanie Ettinger de Cuba, and John T. Cook. Cumulative Hardship and Wellness of Low-Income, Young Children: Multisite Surveillance Study. Pediatrics, 2010 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2009-1078

Science News Reference: Boston University Medical Center (2010, April 13). Pediatricians find link between cumulative hardships and health in low-income young children. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 17, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2010/04/100412075441.htm#

With thanks to Betty Medina Lichtenstein, who brought this article to the attention of the YEAH! Network.

SASHA Community Luncheon - April 27, 2010

2010-04-12T09:15:00.002-04:00

Advocacy Alert: Holyoke Teens Gain Access to Sex Education!

2010-04-07T11:32:00.000-04:00

On the same day the Republican Newspaper published an article about the rising teen birth rates in Holyoke, the school committee voted 7-3 in support of a comprehensive sex education curriculum in the Holyoke Public Schools. The Curriculum Subcommittee intensely debated the topic for over one hour before voting unanimously to approve the recommended science based comprehensive sex education curriculums (Quidate and FLASH). These curriculums were selected through a grant received last year from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Immediately following this vote, the full school committee convened. There was a speak out prior to the vote for the public to voice their opinions regarding implementation of the curriculum. One school committee member noted that there was an unprecedented number of the public attending the meeting, something that has not been seen before at any school committee meeting.

The YEAH Network would like to thank all community members and leaders who have supported the advocacy efforts - including collecting over 400 letters of support - that has led to this unprecedented vote for comprehensive sex education in Holyoke Public Schools. This was truly a community effort that has involved community based organizations, policy makers, health professionals, the public health leaders, education advocates and most importantly parents and teens who believe youth should have the education they need to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Although this has been a vital first step in the battle to reduce adverse reproductive health outcomes of youth, the YEAH Network will continue to work on behalf of teens in Holyoke to ensure responsible implementation of the curriculum and to include an evaluation component to this new policy. Following the vote on the curriculums, the school committee voted to hold a forum before the end of this school year to explain the new curriculums to parents. While the forum has not yet been scheduled, this will be another time that we will ask for your support . It will be vital for those who believe in the importance of comprehensive sex education in the schools to come, speak out and help shape how implementation of the curriculum will occur. We will be sure to be in touch regarding that event.

Thank you again for all that you do!

Rebublican News Article: Holyoke School Committee Adopts Additional Sex Ed Program

Massachusetts Birth Report 2008

2008 Massachusetts Birth Data: YEAH! Network Response

2010-04-07T10:54:00.000-04:00

The Massachusetts 2008 Birth Data, released last week, highlighted the continued disparity in the teen birth rates in many western Massachusetts communities. The information in the report underscores the continued need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to improve reproductive health outcomes for youth. The YEAH! (Youth Empowerment Adolescent Health) Network, a community coalition in Hampden County, uses advocacy, research, and community education to influence policy and practice in adolescent sexual health. Our response to the 2008 teen birth data will be ongoing: we view this year’s annual report from the Department of Public Health as an opportunity to go beneath the surface of the numbers and to explore several of the unanswered questions raised by the data.

The rates of both Springfield and Holyoke remain in stark contrast to the Massachusetts teen birth rate of 20.1 per 1,000. In 2008, for the fourth year in a row, Holyoke experienced the highest teen birth rate in the state: 115.3 births per 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 19. This represents a 21% increase from the city’s 2007 rate of 95.4 per 1,000. The YEAH! Network is developing research questions that will link these statistics to information about poverty and other demographic information, which will inform ongoing policy reform and other community intervention strategies. While we are encouraged by the 27% drop in Springfield’s teen birth rate for 2008 (61.4 per 1,000, compared with 84.3 in 2007), it is preemptive to suggest that this change can be attributed solely to existing programs in the city. The city of Springfield is in the early stages of making positive changes to address the teen birth rate disparity in the city: a city-wide task force addressing adolescent sexual health has been looking closely at these issues for a little over one year. In August 2009, the Springfield school committee approved a comprehensive sex education curriculum that began implementation this past winter. While these encouraging steps should certainly be applauded, there is still substantial work to do.

The Department of Public Health’s report is useful for providing a snapshot of where we have been, but it is not the whole picture. The take-away message is this: We are on the right track, and it is vital that we do not become complacent at this crucial tipping point. In Springfield, the school-based policies have only been implemented a few months ago. In Holyoke, the task forces are still forming. A coordinated and continuous effort, with full community participation, is the only way to achieve the conditions that foster adolescent sexual health: access to information and education; access to reproductive health services; and access to opportunity for the future. The YEAH! Network research team is excited to investigate the intersecting dynamics behind the data in the birth report, and to work with community-based organizations, local governments and schools, and community residents to create an informed, empowered, and engaged response to this health disparity.

Advocacy Alert! Holyoke Residents call your School Committee Representative!

2010-03-30T13:24:00.004-04:00

At the last meeting of the curriculum sub-committee, which addressed the need for a comprehensive science based sex education curriculum in Holyoke High School, school committee members expressed concern that comprehensive sex education was not something that voters wanted. This is your chance to tell them different!

The next curriculum sub-committee meeting is this coming Monday, 5 April 2010 at Dean Technical High School (1045 Main Street, Holyoke, MA 01040). The sub-committee meeting begins at 6pm. We need your support to get the school committee to approve adoption of a comprehensive science based sexual health curriculum.

What you can do:

Today: Call your school committee member!

School committee members are elected by ward. First determine which ward you live in. Go to the Elections Division Website for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
On this website, you will enter your street number, street name, city and zip code.
Click on "Find my election information"
On the next screen, in the gray box under the red words "Where do I vote," your ward number will be listed.
Now that you know your ward number, you can find your school committee member's name and phone number by visiting the Holyoke Public Schools Website
School committee members that are undecided on the issue of comprehensive science based sex education include: Yvonne Garcia (ward 2), * and William Collamore (ward 6). They NEED to hear your voice! If you live in Ward 2, 5, or 6 we especially encourage you to call your school committee representative to express your views!
Please, ALL HOLYOKE RESIDENTS, call your school committee representative and tell them that they should vote to support comprehensive science based sex education in the Holyoke schools.

Sample script: Hello, I am a Holyoke Resident of Ward X. I am calling to express my support for a comprehensive science based sex education curriculum in the Holyoke Schools. Holyoke has the highest teen birth rate in Massachusetts and very high rates of sexually transmitted infections: something needs to be done to educate our children so that we can combat these issues. The science based curriculum will give our children the tools they need to protect themselves, to live a healthy life, and to make smart decisions regarding sex.

Monday, April 5th 2010: Come to the school committee meeting!

The curriculum sub-committee meeting starts at 6pm. Come at 6pm! If the sub-committee votes to approve sex education, they will pass it on to the full school committee meeting, which begins at 7pm.
Let the committee members know that you, as a voter, support comprehensive science based sex education Speak out: for the health of Holyoke, for the economic prosperity of Holyoke, and for a brighter future for Holyoke's children!
All are welcome - parents, teens, young adults: the voices of ALL Holyoke residents count!

We need YOUR help to ensure passage of the sex education curriculum. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help you find your school committee representative, or to talk to you more about this issue.

Thank you!

*CORRECTION (April 9, 2010) We mistakenly included school committee member Davin Sheehan's name as undecided on the issue of implementing comprehensive science based sex ed. Mr. Sheehan had decided to support CSE before the school committee meeting, indeed helped to educate other school committee members about the issue, and was one of the members who helped to pass this effort. Our apologies to Mr. Sheehan and to any reader's for this misinformation.

WFCR: Holyoke Teens Want Sex Education (2010-03-24)

2010-03-30T12:32:00.000-04:00

WFCR: Holyoke Teens Want Sex Education (2010-03-24)

On March 23, 2010, Karen Brown from WFCR aired a program discussing the issues of teen pregnancy and the lack of comprehensive sex education in Holyoke. Various teens, a school committee member, Holyoke Mayor Elaine Pluta and Dr. Sara Perez McAdoo are all interviewed. Please listen and let us know what you think!

Collecting Signatures

2010-03-16T11:47:00.001-04:00

In anticipation of the school committee meeting on March 15, 2010, 3 members of the Holyoke Adolescent Advisory Board met at Holyoke Health Center to collect signatures from Holyoke residents in support of comprehensive science based sex education.

Despite a very slow day at the health center, the girls were very successful and proactive. They approached people to ask for their support, explaining who they were and why comprehensive sex ed is so important to them. After only 1 hour, they managed to collect 27 letters - pretty much a letter from everyone who walked in the door!

We are very proud of Keishabell, Christabell and Krizia and thank them for their hard work and dedication!

Holyoke Youth Rising!

2010-03-11T22:31:00.005-05:00

~Nothing About Us, Without Us~

Today the YEAH Network Adolescent Advisory Board (AAB) and Ambassadors from Girls Inc. met with Mayor Elaine Pluta in the City Council Chambers. They discussed their concerns about teen sexual health, presented the most recent data and shared what they felt contributed most to the high rates of teen birth and sexually transmitted diseases in the community.

Key Issues identified by the teens:

The poor self image of some young girls in Holyoke due to the perception that Holyoke girls "just get pregnant."
Incomplete or poorly taught sex education in the public schools
The need for sex education at the middle school level in order to prevent unhealthy sexual health behaviors

The teens made recommendations that included:

Better sex education
Involving teens in the process of implementing changes
A “big one:" getting parents to talk to teens about sexual health issues
Increased access to work opportunities for teens in order to keep teens engaged in positive work
Working on these issues at a faster pace, especially since the high rates of teen birth and sexually transmitted infection has been a chronic problem in the community.

The teens specifically asked Mayor Pluta how they can help implement the recommendations of the Redevelopment Committee of the City Council that focus on reducing the high rates of teen birth and sexually transmitted infections in Holyoke.

It was amazing to see the leadership and confidence of these young women and men! The meeting ended with a discussion about specific steps that the teens can take in the next few weeks to be part of Holyoke’s plan to improve the sexual health of teens.

Next steps:

1. The YEAH Network Adolescent Advisory Board, under the direction of Teresa Vazquez, will be hosting a table at the Holyoke Health Center on Friday afternoon to collect signatures from Holyoke residents supporting comprehensive science based sexual health education.

2. Members of the Adolescent Advisory Board will attend the School Committee meeting on Monday, March 15^th to support the approval of the sex ed curriculum.

Girls Inc. Ambassadors with Mayor Pluta

AAB members with Mayor Pluta

Strong work, teens!

Advocacy Update!

2010-03-10T15:06:00.001-05:00

Since the last meeting of the Holyoke Latino Leadershop Roundtable, Mayor Elaine Pluta held a meeting taking a first step towards forming a citywide taskforce to address the high rates of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancies among youth in Holyoke. At the meeting YEAH Network staff and partner organizations emphasized the recommendations that came from the Holyoke Roundtable on March 22. We also advocated for:

The task force to include parent and teen representation
The task force to encourage the Holyoke Public School Curriculum Subcommittee to move forward with approval of the chosen science based sex education curriculum (After the meeting, the YEAH Network was informed that the curriculum will be presented to the committee on Monday, March 15^th.)
The task force to move forward with implementation of the recommendations from the Redevelopment Committee of Holyoke City Council regarding the high teen birth rates in the city.

¡Hablando Claro Springfield!

2010-03-10T14:17:00.000-05:00

Latinos Speak out about Adolescent Health!

A group of 10 Springfield parents gathered on March 3rd to discuss what the Latino community can do to take a stronger leadership role in improving the sexual health of youth. The purpose of the discussion was to highlight the voices of Latino parents as well as their contribution to finding solutions to a health crisis that disproportionately impacts Latino youth.

Below are some of the major themes from the discussion:

There exists a difference in views and perceptions of teen sexual health between generations of Latinos. Younger Latino parents support educating their children about sexual health and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.

We need to engage men and boys in the dialogue about teen sexual health and increase their role in addressing the high rates of sexually transmitted infectionss and pregnancy in the youth population. We should highlight the importance of healthy relationships.

We need to get more information out to the Latino community about this issue in order to increase awareness and provide parents and care givers with the information they need to communicate better with their children about sexual health issues.

The discussion provided a wealth of information that has planted the seeds for the next actions steps. The YEAH Network thanks the participants of this group for being informed, empowered and engaged in improving the sexual health of youth and taking steps to strengthen our families!

Reproductive Health News the YEAH! Network is following

2010-03-08T15:23:00.001-05:00

Discussion of International Women's Day, March 8

Learn more about how the United Nations celebrates International Women's Day at WomenWatch
A Celebration in Pictures from Jezebel.com
Highlighting Sexual Violence on International Women's Day from UNAIDS
International Women's Day Absurd says Supermodel
We've Come a Long Way Baby

Teens Rally for Sex Education in Salt Lake City - an article from The Salt Lake Tribune describing how community members march to the capitol in promotion of comprehensive sex education
Articles discussing the recent Mass Alliance screening of Gloucester 18:

How to Become an AIDS activist - Learning how to be "crusaders for this cause and change the world!" from MTV Think

Adolescent Advisory Board Meeting with Mayor Pluta

2010-03-04T12:33:00.001-05:00

A note from Teresa Vazquez, AAB coordinator:

I am delighted to report that teens from the YEAH! Network’s Holyoke High School, Adolescent Advisory Board (AAB) will be meeting with the newly elected Mayor of Holyoke, Elaine Pluta, on March 11, 2010. The purpose of the meeting is for the teens to express their thoughts and voice their opinions regarding the high rates of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections in their community. Each teen will tell the Mayor his or her recommendations of what should occur to combat these issues and will explain why their recommendations should be implemented.

How did the teens get to this point of wanting to talk to the Mayor?

Through leadership lessons, teens learned what it takes to become a good leader, what it is to be an advocate, how to advocate and ways their voices could be heard. As part of the leadership skills lessons, teens were asked to pick an issue that affected their lives that they would like to address. After compiling a list of different issues, they chose teenage pregnancy as their topic.

When I first spoke to the teens about the opportunity to speak to the Mayor about their chosen topic, although nervous and feeling a bit intimidated by the prospect, I was pleasantly surprised that the majority were willing and eager to take the opportunity to speak their minds.

So I say good luck to my teens knowing that they will do well, for what they will let the Mayor know comes from the heart and life experience!

Stay tuned for insight from the teens themselves regarding this experience!

Amplify from G-CAPP!

2010-03-03T12:52:00.000-05:00

We've just added a new blog/website to our blog-roll: Amplify from the Georgia Sex Education Campaign (G-CAPP). According to their website, "G-CAPP and Advocates for Youth are creating systems change at the local and state level to ensure that youth in Georgia receive effective sex education in the public schools, ultimately contributing to a reduction in the state’s teen pregnancy rate. To achieve these goals, G-CAPP will focus its work in three diverse regions of the state that have formed local coalitions, including youth activists committed to implementing effective sex education policies and curricula in their local school systems."

The website is full of information, voices of youth activists, ideas about how to get involved, talking points and more! Check it out!

Response to success of Abstinence-only curriculum

2010-03-03T12:31:00.001-05:00

A response posted by Cristin O'Grady:

Efficacy of a Theory-based Abstinence-Only Intervention over 24 Months: A randomized Controlled Trial with Young Adolescents was published in the February 2010 edition of the Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine. The article has gained notoriety because it is the first study that reports that an abstinence-only intervention can be an effective method of delaying sexual initiation. There are several critical points that must be considered when evaluating the author’s finding that the abstinence-only curriculum was effective.

First, the study uses a different definition of “abstinence-only” than we commonly are accustomed to in the United States. There are 8 tenets of any federally approved abstinence-only education plan, the main principle being abstinence-only until marriage. In contrast, in the abstinence-only intervention evaluated in the study “the target behavior was abstaining…until a time later in life when the adolescent is more prepared to handle the consequences of sex.” Further, the curriculum “did not contain inaccurate information, portray sex in a negative light, or use a moralistic tone.” The curriculum did not attempt to portray abstinence as a morally correct behavior but rather as a healthy decision for a young person to make. Further, the curriculum recognizes that “waiting for marriage” is not the only healthy, safe way to discuss sex. In letting go of the moral overtones that tend to dominate abstinence-only education, the decision to have sex becomes less about what one’s church says or one’s community says and more about individual health, safety and autonomy – which might be easier for the ego-driven young person to understand and accept.

The curriculum was implemented with a very specific group: 6^th and 7^th grade African Americans in an economically deprived area of the East coast. The sample size was quite small, and the participants had to be willing to participate in a weekend health education class. The vast majority of participants in the study had not had sex, a situation that would certainly be different in high school. As the authors state, “theory based abstinence-only interventions might be effective with young adolescents but ineffective with older people or people in committed relationships.” Further, participation in a weekend health intervention may indicate that, as a group, those in the study might be more motivated towards healthy behaviors than the general population.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the abstinence-only program involved teaching life skills, negotiation skills, and career planning. When children and young adults are taught about sexual decision-making in this context, they learn to evaluate their sexual decisions in the context of life goals. The ability to make such an evaluation gives much greater meaning to personal decisions made about sex, and provides the individual with more internal motivation to abstain.

While none of these issues serve to discredit the results of the study in any way, they do provide a lens through which to view the results and understand how to apply them. This study is just a first step in understanding how an abstinence-only education program with no moral-agenda can be effective. The study should not serve as an excuse to stop talking about sex with young people, but rather evidence of a way in which sex can be discussed that actually helps young people to make their own healthy decisions.

Quick Response to Study of Abstinence Education - NY Times

'Landmark Study' Says Sex Education Focusing on Abstinence Can Work - Poynter Online

¡ADELANTE Holyoke!

2010-03-02T11:00:00.002-05:00

On March 22, the YEAH! Network, in partnership with Enlace de Familia, organized the 2nd Latino Leadershop Roundtable on Teen Pregnancy. The purpose of the meeting was to develop a process for engagement with city residents and policy leaders. Together, they can work to address the high rates of teen births and sexually transmitted diseases in Holyoke. We had a great turn out and an engaging discussion.

Here are some highlights:

A diverse group representing schools, parents, health care workers, policy makers, community activits, community based organizations and academia participated in the discussion
Key themes that the group identified as important to consider when addressing the high teen birthrate:

Comprehensive sex education in the schools is just one component - other sectors of the community need to be involved, as well.
The issue should be framed to reflect a broader concept of teens' sexual health, incorporating healthy relationships and prevention.
Build the capacity of parents to talk to teens about sexual health as well as provide information and opportunities for parents to become involved in advocating for the reproductive needs of youth
Maximize the utilization of community organization programs that address adolescent sexual health

Next Steps:

The YEAH! Network will support the City Council Resolution recommendations, which Mayor Pluta may implement
We will work to increase community awareness and support for the Resolution

As Holyoke moves forward to address one of the most persistent adolescent health issues int he commnity, the YEAH! Network will be working with key stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable response.

¡Adelante Holyoke!

What's happening in March with the YEAH! Network & Friends

2010-03-01T14:51:00.001-05:00

March 4 - Mass Alliance screening of "Glouster 18"

March 8 - International Women's Day. This year's global theme is: Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All

March 8 - Mass Alliance Information Session on Federal Funding on Teen Pregnancy

March 9 - Teens from the Adolescent Advisory Board, Holyoke parents and teens from Girls Inc. meet with Mayor Pluta to discuss their thoughts and ideas on sexual health education

Throughout March - Ongoing effort to collect letters in support of comprehensive science based health education in the Holyoke schools. If you have letters to turn in, or would like to sign a letter, contact Cristin at cmogrady@yeahnetwork.org

Reproductive Health News the YEAH! Network is following

2010-03-01T14:30:00.001-05:00

Here are some stories we have been reading in the last week:

To Court Blacks, Foes of Abortion Make Racial Case

A discussion of the politics surrounding the abortion debate in the African American community from the New York Times, 26 February 2010

Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Sexual and Reproductive Health: Gaining Momentum and Promise

An article discussing multipurpose prevention technologies (prevention strategies that prevent both STIs and reproductive tract infections) which were discussed and debated at the March 2009 conference on Advancing Prevention Technologies for Sexual and Reproductive Health... "For 2 days, more than 150 participants from developing and industrialized countries discussed and debated opportunities and challenges for advancing technologies that address multiple sexual and reproductive health needs." From RH Positive, 22 February 2010

Why Men's Health is a Feminist Issue

From the Winter 2010 issue of Ms. Magazine, an article about how giving Gardasil, the cervical cancer vaccine, to men is as important to protecting men's health as it is to protecting women's.
Also, a response from The Sexist, a blog out of Washington DC: The Feminist Implications of Male Reproductive Health

A response to: Not so cheap: Teen mom rejects the sterotype

2010-02-17T10:41:00.000-05:00

In the March 12, 2009 edition of The Sophian, the Smith College student newspaper, a feature article was published discussing the life of Charlie Rose, a young mother who chose at age 15 to have a child. Though the article was published nearly a year ago, it discusses issues that impact the way we talk and think about teen pregnancy and young mothers, issues that have not gone away.

A response from Sarah Perez McAdoo:

The article frames teen pregnancy and births as an empowering experience for young women. Teen mothers that are able to have a positive parenting experience are resilient and determined individuals who defy all odds. The sad reality is that teen parenting is not typically an empowering experience for young women. For communities already compromised by poor education, poverty and poor health, teen parenting becomes an additional burden. Teen parenting makes it increasingly difficult for these young parents to succeed, creating obstacles to a promising education and financial indepence. It is great that Charlie Rose is a teen parent success story, but her story neglects to highlight the difficult realities that most teen parents face. Local communities need to create empowering experiences for teens that allow them to choose options other than becoming young parents.

Advocacy Alert!

2010-02-08T14:56:00.001-05:00

Who: You and all your Friends!
What: Signed letters in support of a comprehensive sex ed curriculum
in Holyoke!
When: No later than February 24, 2010!
Questions: Email or call Cristin (cmogrady@yeahnetwork.org, 413-349-9436)

Hello All -

The Holyoke School sub-Committee will meet Wednesday, February 24, 2010 to discuss the adoption of a comprehensive sexual health curriculum in the schools. This meeting is not open to the public, but it is the perfect time to demonstrate community support for comprehensive sex education with a thick stack of signed letters that will be presented to the committee. If you live in Holyoke, or know someone who does, please do sign it, and pass this information on to your friends.

If you have collected letters, or would like to hand in a letter you have signed, please email or call me, and I can make arrangements to get the letter from you.

Thank you all so much for your efforts in this area -
cristin