Our Whole Lives

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a series of sexuality education curricula developed jointly by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the United Church of Christ (UCC). The program is designed to promote sexual health and responsibility by providing accurate, comprehensive information about a range of topics related to sexuality, including human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Our Whole Lives spans all age groups, offering age-appropriate content from kindergarten through adulthood.

Overview

Our Whole Lives is based on the philosophy that well-informed individuals are more likely to make healthy decisions about their sexual health and relationships. The curriculum emphasizes values, communication, and decision making, offering participants the tools they need to understand their sexuality in the context of their personal values and social pressures. Unlike many other sexuality education programs, OWL includes a component on spirituality, reflecting its origins in two religious organizations. However, the program is designed to be inclusive and respectful of a wide range of religious beliefs and cultural practices.

Curriculum Structure

The Our Whole Lives program is divided into six age levels:

• Kindergarten-1st Grade
• Grades 2-3
• Grades 4-6
• Grades 7-9
• Grades 10-12
• Young Adult/Adult

Each level addresses topics appropriate to the developmental stage of participants, with a focus on building self-esteem, fostering respect for others, and developing the ability to make informed decisions. The curriculum for younger children focuses on topics like body image, gender identity, and family diversity, while the programs for older participants cover more complex issues such as sexual orientation, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Training and Implementation

Facilitators of the Our Whole Lives program undergo comprehensive training to ensure they are prepared to deliver the curriculum effectively and sensitively. Training sessions are conducted by experienced educators and cover a range of pedagogical techniques, as well as strategies for creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Reception and Impact

Our Whole Lives has been praised for its comprehensive approach to sexuality education and its commitment to inclusivity. Research and feedback from participants indicate that the program is effective in increasing knowledge about sexual health, improving attitudes towards sexual diversity, and enhancing communication skills. However, the program has also faced criticism from some groups who oppose comprehensive sexuality education or disagree with its inclusion of topics such as abortion and same-sex relationships.

See Also

• Sexuality education
• Unitarian Universalist Association
• United Church of Christ
• Sexual health