Sex Ed National Week of Action Sparks Advocacy Nationwide
By Amanda Bule, SIECUS Policy Intern
Sex Ed National Week of Action
Sparks Advocacy Nationwide
For too long, sex education has been sidelined in favor of more hot-button issues. We know that far too many of our social problems today such as inaccessible reproductive health care, stigmatized LGBTQ+ identity, and gender-based violence stem from inadequate sex education. To address these pressing issues and more, it's essential that our lawmakers, school officials, and community members understand the urgent need to advance sex education. During the week of February 14, 2022, SIECUS hosted sex education advocates across the nation to demand sex education be recognized as the top priority issue we know it to be. The 2022 Sex Ed National Week of Action amplified the voices of advocates across the nation through collective action and storytelling.
Throughout the Week of Action, participants responded to different prompts each day that encouraged them to reflect on their journey in being a sex education advocate. Monday prompted advocates to report on the current state of sex education in their community and state, while Tuesday created space for participants to share why advocating for comprehensive sex education is important to them. Then, Wednesday and Thursday were focused on taking action. Wednesday highlighted current efforts underway in each state to advance sex education. Thursday resulted in direct, locally-led advocacy. Events included advocacy days, social media campaigns, virtual and in person events, community building opportunties, sex education classes, and private briefings for legislators to understand the importance of advancing sex education through progressive legislation. Friday left participants on a hopeful note by highlighting their vision for the future. SIECUS asked advocates what their future vision for comprehensive sex education looks like, and how our communities would change if every young person recieved the comprehensive sex education they need to thrive.
The Week of Action resulted in immense impact throughout the country, with participants making profound strides to advance comprehensive sex education. The Week of Action included at least:
- Participation from advocates in 21 states
- 7 in-person events
- 11 digital events
- 6 advocacy efforts involving lobbying
The success of the Week of Action would not have been possible without the support of Maude, a sexual wellness company devoted to supporting inclusive, sexual health and education for all young people. Maude provided microgrants to participants of the Week of Action to support local advocacy efforts.
One such local advocacy effort included action by the Massachusetts Healthy Youth Coalition. This Coalition is made up of a wide range of community organizations, all dedicated to the health and well-being of youth in Massachusetts. Reaching at least 26 offices, the Coalition hosted an in-person advocacy day to advance the passage of the Massachusetts Healthy Youth Act, a comprehensive sex education mandate. Their lobby day resulted in overwhelming success with 55 participants.
“It was so energizing for our Coalition to know they were taking action at the same time as so many others around the country.” -Jaclyn Friedman, Massachusetts Healthy Youth Coalition
In addition to advocating at the state legislative level, participants organized community members as well. One such community leader included the North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council (NCPPC), an organization dedicated to strengthening maternal and family health by identifying service needs and improving access to care through community collaboration, education, and referral for the well-being of every woman, every child, and every family. NCPPC ran a social media campaign and conducted targeted outreach with school districts. The events were a success with positive engagement, resulting in the beginning of new partnerships with schools.
“I enjoyed seeing what other people are doing in their communities. I think we all have a part on every level to make systemic change to advance sex ed and it was nice to see those different components. It was also nice to see the localized efforts. Local systems-change is still valuable progress!” -Allison Roselle, North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council, Inc.
The success of the Week of Action indicates the power communities have to create widespread change. Engaging on social media, speaking to a legislator, strengthening relationships within your community, and sending a postcard all have direct impact on the progress of sex education in this country. Advocates must use this momentum to build up their communities in order to make the comprehensive sex education that young people deserve accessible to all.