Our Whole Lives

This program will be offered 2023 - 2024

Human sexuality encompasses nearly every aspect of our being, from attitudes and values to feelings and experiences. It is influenced by family, culture, religion/spirituality, laws, professions, institutions, science and politics. 

Honest, accurate information about sexuality changes lives. It dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision making, and has the potential to save lives.

For these reasons and more, we are proud to offer the UUA's Our Whole Lives (OWL), a comprehensive and progressive sexuality education curricula.

Age appropriate, interactive workshops engage participants and help them to make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior at every stage.

With a holistic approach, Our Whole Lives provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about a range of topics, including relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influences on sexuality. OWL is a key measure in creating a safe congregation and giving students the tools to be empowered in their personal rights.

UUA OWL Information
Grades K-1

Grades K-1

  • This 8-week program supports parents in educating children about birth and babies, bodies and families through stories, songs and activities. The program includes weekly take-home projects and suggestions for parents and children to do together to promote further dialog.
  • Families must OPT INTO this program, and complete a separate Elementary OWL Participant Application.
  • Parents/guardians and children must attend a mandatory OWL orientation prior to the start of the program.
Grades 4-6

Grades 4-6

  • This 10-week program is designed to help students learn about and maturely discuss the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Key topics are values, body image, gender & sexual identity, peer pressure, social media & internet use, consent, making responsible decisions, and creating healthy relationships. Participants will read It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie H. Harris. Each session includes a HomeLink – a homework activity for families to complete together to promote dialog.
  • Families must OPT INTO this program, and complete a separate Elementary OWL Participation Application.
  • Parents/guardians and children must attend a mandatory OWL orientation prior to the start of the program.
Grades 7-9

Grades 7-9

  • This year-long program models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. A holistic program that moves beyond the intellect to address the attitudes, values, and feelings that youth have about themselves and the world.  It presents not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional and social aspects of sexuality.
  • We also offer a PARENT WORKSHOP as an accompanying course to help parents/guardians gain an appreciation of their role in reinforcing and expanding student learning, and develop an understanding of how to manage student questions and concerns.
  • Families must OPT INTO this program, and complete a separate application.
  • Parents/guardians and youth must attend a mandatory OWL orientation prior to the start of the program.