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Upcoming Workshops
Promoting the Power, Publicizing the Passion
Presenter: Eric Rowles and Forrest Alton
Date:
Wednesday, March 25
Location:
SC Campaign Office
Fee: $30
Overview: A clear and consistent message is one of the most important tools you can use for program sustainability. Please do not miss this VERY interactive, hands on, and immediately applicable training where your staff will have the opportunity to develop advocacy messages fro your program, identify the multiple translations that need to occur when speaking to different audiences (i.e. legislators, parents, media, etc.), and have time to practice and deliver the motivational and inspirational messages about your critical work.
To register for this
workshop, click here.
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Regional Roundtables are coming to your area. Join us for a greater understanding of South Carolina's youth access to contraception and how your organization plays a vital role. This session will include experts from around the state who have conducted research on access, currently coordinate teen health services, and provide the state's perspective in meeting the needs of our youth. You will walk away with an update of the State of South Carolina's access to contraception, and we will begin to discuss collaboration opportunities. Click here to find your region. Workshops will be held in Spartanburg, Orangeburg and Florence. |
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Teen Birth Rate Up for Second Year
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The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) released 2007 teen birth data this week stating the teen birth rate in the United States is up for the second year in a row. This two-year increase follows 14 years of successful declines. After declining 34% between 1991 and 2005, the teen birth rate nationally has now increased 5% between 2005 and 2007. The increase from 2006 to 2007 was 1%.
"This report is another firm example that a lack of continued investment in young people is starting to catch up with us," said Forrest Alton, Executive Director of the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. "Troubling data such as this gives us all a chance to refocus our efforts and encourage our policymakers and school board officials to support our state's young people through a sustained investment in research-proven teen pregnancy prevention approaches. We don't have time to implement programs and strategies that don't work - more importantly, we can't continue to support budget cuts on the backs of young people."
Information from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy provides some guidance on possible solutions to reverse the recent teen birth rate trend. Results from a recent nationally-representative survey conclude that teens and adults agree 1) conversations between parents and teens, 2) more frequent and better quality sex and relationship education, and 3) seeing the consequences of teen pregnancy realistically portrayed in the media would all help young people avoid teen pregnancy.
Alton suggests parents look for teachable moments to begin dialogue with their young people. "'The talk' is uncomfortable for parents and young people, but as caring adults we cannot take a pass on this issue. Situations like Bristol Palin's pregnancy and recent break up, television programs like The Secret Life of the American Teenager and the never ending barrage of sexually explicit content in the media provide parents lots of opportunities to begin positive dialogue about love, sex and relationships with young people."
Visit www.TheNationalCampaign.org for full results of the public opinion survey.
Click here for the NCHS final report. |
Campaign Releases Advocacy Toolkit 
Nationwide and across South Carolina, organizations both large and small are facing tough economic times. When dealing with tight budgets and uncertain futures, it is increasingly important for key leaders to be aware of your good work and the impact your organization has in the community. Knowing the current political climate and the importance of advocacy, the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy has developed an Advocacy Toolkit to help you build sustainability for the issue of teen pregnancy and for your organization.
This document will give you step-by-step instructions for identifying and following up with key leaders. Use this Toolkit as a workbook - one you highlight in, make notes on, and refer back to often. Use the materials and resources to support your work, follow the easy to use step-by-step directions and increase your presence in your community with key leaders and decision makers. Most importantly, act quickly because very soon leadership throughout the state (at the Capitol and otherwise) will be making funding decisions that impact the long-term investment our state makes in teen pregnancy prevention. We hope you will put this Toolkit to use ASAP - there is no time to waste! The SC Campaign would like to thank Casey R. Fields for her hard work and incredible insight in developing this resource. Also, thank you to both SC Campaign staff and South Carolina teen pregnancy professionals who gave their time to review this document for both accuracy and applicability - in particular Caroline Humphries and Miranda Lambert. We are also in appreciation to the SC Campaign Public Awareness Department for their long hours ensuring this document reflects the hard work that's gone into developing it. Download available: AdvocacyToolkit |
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Looking for a Workshop Opportunity Without Travel Costs?
We know that many of you need high quality training opportunities but lack the time and resources to travel. Well, we have created the perfect solution - we are bringing the workshop to you!
Join us for our first FREE WEBINAR, Older Youth and Young Adults, co-sponsored by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.
Webinars are presentations or seminars that are transmitted over the Web. Through our partnership with the National Campaign, participants in this webinar will be able to actively participate in a discussion with other teen pregnancy prevention providers from across the country, all from the comfort of their homes or offices.
This webinar will focus on:
- Teen and unplanned pregnancy among young adults ages 18-24
- Challenges in working with this age group
- Promising solutions
The focus on older youth is very important because they account for 10% of teen pregnancies, and many births of 18-19 year olds are to teens who already have at least one baby.
Click here to register for this event. |
Stay Teen Billboards are Back!
Last spring we hung nearly 200 billboards throughout the state of South Carolina during the months of May through August as part of the 2008 Billboard Challenge. We featured three of the National Campaign's "Stay Teen" advertisements and converted those into billboards exclusively for our providers here in SC. Due to overwhelming response, this year's challenge will feature those same three fabulous designs. Unfortunately, because of budget constraints, the Campaign is not able to offer a match for billboards purchased and cannot assume the hanging and printing cost this year. Programs who choose to participate in the billboard challenge will incur all costs associated with hanging billboards. The total cost for each billboard is $229.20. You do have the option to personalize your boards for an additional $15.00. To create a uniform look, all personalization will be done in black or white. As in previous years Lamar Outdoor Advertising will donate all the billboard space used during this event. For this reason, it is not always possible to have billboards up during the month of May. While this is always the goal, in some instances it may not be possible. A representative from Lamar Advertising will notify you once your boards go up.
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The Buzz: The Palin/Johnston Breakup
Bristol Palin, 18-year-old daughter of former Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin, has called off her engagement to Levi Johnston, the 19-year-old father of their newborn son, Tripp, This situation focuses national attention on teens' expectations about marriage when there is a pregnancy, the proportion of teens who get married after having a child, and the viability of teen marriages themselves. Research suggests that the experience of Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston is far from rare. Click here to read more from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. |
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American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (HR 1), passed by Congress and signed by the President in late February, will provide much-needed support for state governments, other institutions, and individuals to assist with increasing rates of unemployment, uninsurance, and other issues resulting from the faltering economy. While the focus of the recovery package is to create jobs and to help states provide assistance to individuals and families who are being affected by the economic downturn, The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy has identified a few areas where the funding provided through this Act has the potential to benefit efforts to reduce teen and unplanned pregnancy. Click here to learn more. |
National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
Hundreds of thousands of teens nationwide are expected to participate in the eighth annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy on May 6, 2009. The purpose of the National Day is straightforward: Too many young people still think "It can't happen to me." The National Day helps teens understand that it can happen to them and that they need to think seriously about what they would do in the moment. On the National Day and throughout May, teens nationwide will be asked to go to The National Campaign's teen website-- StayTeen.org--and take a short, scenario-based quiz (available in English and Spanish). The quiz challenges young people to consider what they would do in a number of sexual situations. |
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Movie in the Park
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands will present Speak, a 2004 independent film based on the award-winning novel of the same name on Thursday, April 16 at 8 PM in Finlay Park. Kristen Stewart, of Twilight, stars as Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman who becomes silent after being raped by an upperclassman. The film is told through Melinda's eyes and is a great discussion movie for parents and teens (aged 13+). This event is free and popcorn and drinks will also be available.
For more information, contact STSM at 803-790-8208. |
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Research Corner
One in Six Teenagers Projected to Become a Teen Mother
Today is National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
HIV is affecting thousands of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). AI/AN have the third highest rate of AIDS diagnosis in the United States, despite having the smallest population. AI/AN people with AIDS are likely to be younger than non-AI/AN people with AIDS. AI/ANs also have the shortest time between AIDS diagnosis and death. Visit this website for more information, fact sheets, PSAs, and helpful links. Click here for more information. |
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Workshops and Events
A Night at the Cotton Club
It's time for the second annual "A Night at the Cotton Club" a benefit for the Teen Health Center for York County! This year's event will include live jazz, R&B, and dance music featuring Bobby Plair. The event is on Saturday, March 21 from 7:00 - 10:00pm.
For ticket or sponsorship information contact York County Teen Health Center at (803) 366-9119.
Sex:Tech Conference on STD/HIV Prevention
The 2nd annual Sex::Tech Conference brings together public health professionals, youth activists, educators and technology developers to move STD and HIV prevention and youth sexual health agendas into the 21st century.
Date(s): March 22-23 For more information, visit their website.
Latino Youth: Preventing HIV Infection
HIV/AIDS is an important health concern for Latino youth and their families. Latino adolescents are the largest ethnic minority group of teenagers in the US. Studies show that they are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Accion Mutua/Shared Action will host a web seminar on Tuesday, March 24 from 11:00am - 12:00pm (PT) to address this issue. To RSVP email accionmutua@apla.org. You will receive instructions on how to log in and what number to call after you register. Wise Guys National Training
The Wise Guys Program is an award-winning adolescent pregnancy prevention program for young men between the ages of 11 and 17. The curriculum and program are designed to promote sexual responsibility in young males. This training is designed for those who would like to develop and implement prevention programs for males on adolescent pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and STI's, and/or supervise adolescent males, such as educators, health care workers, mentors, coaches, and counselors. Enrollment is limited and advance registration is required.
Date(s):April 2-3
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Click here for more information and to register.
IMPACT! 5K Run/Walk
Proceeds will benefit the IMPACT! Teen Outreach Programs in Anderson and Oconee counties.
Date: April 18, 2009
Time: 10:00AM
Location: Rock Norman Track at Clemson University
Entry Fees: $10 for students/senior citizens; $20 for all others if pre registered
APPCNC Annual Conference
Join the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina for their annual conference on May 20 in Greensboro, NC. Keynote speakers include Dr. David Walsh, founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family, and Dr. Elizabeth Schroeder, Executive Director of Answer at Rutgers. Registration will begin soon.
Click here for more information. |
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In the News
Teen Pregnancy in South Carolina
WACH - Babies having babies we hear that expression a lot and in many cases, bright young people end up abandoning dreams because of it. Teen pregnancy goes way beyond hot and bothered young people. It's something those parents live with the rest of their lives.
Click here for full article.
Sex Education Bill Advances in State House
Fayetteville Observer - A bill that would give North Carolina parents a choice on what their children are taught about sex in public schools passed through the State House Education Committee with a vote of 32-21. Most schools in the state limit sex education to an abstinence-only curriculum. Every Republican present for Tuesday's vote opposed the change; every Democrat voted for it.
Click here for full article.
Teachable Moments Seen in Palin, Rihanna Cases
Associated Press - One is a soft-spoken teenager who never sought fame, but was thrust into the national spotlight at the most delicate moment of her young life. The other is a glamorous pop star, a fixture in celebrity magazines and on countless iPods. Bristol Palin and Rihanna have absolutely nothing in common - except that they are two young women whose private turmoil is currently playing out in the harsh glare of the public sphere.
Click here for full article.
Teenage Birthrate Increases For Second Consecutive YearWashington Post - The rate at which teenage girls in the United States are having babies has risen for a second year in a row, government statistics show, putting one of the nation's most successful social and public health campaigns in jeopardy. Click here for full article.
Single Moms Driving US Baby Boom
Fox - The U.S. is in the midst of another baby boom, as more babies were born in 2007 than any year in American history. And according to the National Center for Health Statistics Report on Childbirth, more unmarried women are starting families alone. Click here for full article. |
Grants Available
Positive Youth Programs Supported
The Entertainment Software Association Foundation is dedicated to supporting positive programs and opportunities that make a difference in the quality of life, health, and welfare of today's youth. Grants are provided to nonprofit organizations nationwide that are seeking funding for a specific project or program that reaches two or more states and serves youths ages 7-18. Specific areas of interest include skills and personal development, general health and welfare, risk behavior prevention, education, and multimedia arts/technology.
Deadline: April 15 Click here for more information. Wal-Mart Foundation
The Wal-Mart Foundation State Giving Program awards grants at the state and regional level to programs that have a strong impact within the communities the company serves. The program provides grants of $25,000 and up in the following categories: Education grants support programs that address the educational needs of underserved young people ages 12-25. Workforce Development/Economic Opportunity grants target job skill training and support services for unemployed and displaced workers. Health and Wellness grants strive to improve access to healthcare, reduce healthcare disparities, and promote healthy lifestyles. Environmental Sustainability grants assist in the development or expansion of environmentally sustainable communities, with emphasis on green building and job training. Deadline: April 17 Click here for more information. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors outstanding young leaders in the United States and Canada who have made a positive difference to people and the planet. Nominees may range in age from 8 to 18 and must have been the prime mover of a community service activity and demonstrated positive spirit and high moral purpose in accomplishing their goals.
Nominees must also be current legal residents of the United States or Canada have participated in their heroic work within the twelve months prior to the nomination deadline.
Youth must be nominated by responsible adults (teacher or librarian, school counselor, youth service official, religious leader,etc.) who have solid knowledge of their heroic activities but who are not related to the nominee. Winners of the prize will each receive $2,500 to be applied to their higher education or to their service project.
Deadline: April 30
Click here for more information. Funds for Local Company Communities
Deadline: April 30
Click here for more information. Sisters of Charity Grants
Deadline: May 5
Click here for more information.
Target Grants
The Target Local Store Grants support nonprofit organizations in the communities where the company's stores are located. Arts grants support programs that bring the arts to schools or make it affordable for families to participate in cultural experiences. Family Violence Prevention grants support programs that strengthen families and communities by keeping them safe, such as parenting classes, family counseling, and domestic abuse shelters. Early Childhood Reading grants support programs that foster a love of reading and encourage children, from birth through age nine, to read together with their families. Grants generally range between $1,000 and $3,000.
Deadline: May 31
Click here for more information.
National Education Association Foundation Learning and Leadership
These grants support high-quality professional development opportunities, such as summer institutes, action research, collegial study, lesson study and mentoring for pre-K-12 teachers, education support professionals and higher education faculty and staff, all of whom must be practicing in U.S. public schools.
Deadline: June 1
Click here for more information.
Violence Prevention Programs Funded for Youth
A Brighter Future for Children and Youth, an initiative of the United Methodist Church, supports nonprofit organizations that address the needs of children and young people age 5 to 18 in the areas of violence prevention, anti-abuse, and relationship abuse. Grants of up to $4,000 are provided to small-scale, community, and church-based programs. Priority is given to programs that have significant involvement of women and youth at the grassroots level.
Deadline: July 1
Click here for more information. |
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Website of the Week:
Racial Equity Tools
This new website is designed for people and groups across sectors and at all levels in the work of promoting racial equity. It is intended to help encourage and support transformative change within communities, organizations, systems and individuals. Check it out! |
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DHEC WORKSHOPS & INFO 
DHEC's Family Planning Program is sponsoring a statewide Satellite Broadcast Training presented by Jim Sacco, MSW, on Increasing Family Involvement in Adolescent Decision Making. Upon completion of training, participants will be able to: 1) Name at least three key factors that promote adolescent's ability to postpone sexual involvement; 2) Identify at least four factors in parental relationships that facilitate parent-adolescent communication; and 3) List at least four strategies health care providers can employ to enhance family involvement in adolescent patient's sexual decision making.
Date: April 10, 2009
Time: 9:00am - 12:30pm
Location: Peeples Auditorium in Columbia or at other DHEC Satellite Site Locations Statewide
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