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To be or not to be (on camera)? That is the question….

Quick tips to build motivation to turn the camera on. By Valerie Sedivy, PhD July 15, 2021 By far, the most common challenge we hear from facilitators working in virtual settings is that young people do not want to be … Read More

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GSAs Are Where LGBTQ+ Youth & Allies Come Together

With more youth feeling free to live their authentic sexualities and build relationships that reflect that, it’s up to educators and youth-supporting professionals to keep up momentum for supporting LGBTQ+ young people in schools By Mariah Cowsert June 30, 2021 … Read More

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Bridging the Gap: How Caseworkers and Caregivers Can Support the Sexual & Reproductive Health of System Involved Youth

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On and Off the Field: How Title IX Protects the Rights of All Young People

Anyone who works in schools, or with students in other educational settings, can benefit from learning more about Title IX protections. By Mariah Cowsert June 24, 2021 When you hear “Title IX,” your mind likely goes first to sports. Indeed, … Read More

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Welcome, Sydney!

Sydney brings five years of experience in comprehensive communications, digital fundraising, and project management and has served a wide spectrum of mission-focused organizations across the U.S.  June 21, 2021 We are thrilled to announce that Sydney Keiler has joined Gina, … Read More

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Healthy Teen Network Welcomes Janet Max as President and CEO

With over 16 years of commitment to the organization, Janet brings both experience and dedication to the role.  June 17, 2021 For Immediate Release B altimore, MD—It is with great pride that Healthy Teen Network announces our new President and … Read More

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Dr. Nadine Finigan-Carr Awarded the ECPN John Reid Early Career Award

Events June 10, 2021 TThe ECPN John B. Reid Early Career Award is presented to an individual early in their career in prevention. This award is bestowed on someone who has shown a commitment to prevention science through outstanding contributions … Read More

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I’m Just a Bill: The Untold Story

I’m Just a Bill covers how a legislative bill makes its way to law. As a public policy advocacy practitioner for over 30 years, let me just say that how a bill becomes a law is more complicated than the … Read More

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Lemonade Musings: Seeing Youths’ Strengths

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Adolescents & the COVID-19 Vaccine

Well visits are a good venue for routine and COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as a variety of important screenings and assessments May 19, 2021 With the decline in routine pediatric immunizations and well-child visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, Healthy Teen … Read More

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Sexual & Reproductive Health, Rights, & Justice Organizations Applaud Introduction of Legislation to Improve the Health & Well-Being of Young People

All young people deserve access to high-quality sex education and sexual health care May 18, 2021 For Immediate Release Washington, D.C — Today, champions in Congress are introducing the Real Education and Access to Healthy Youth Act of 2021 (REAHYA). The … Read More

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Zooming, No Contact Deliveries, and Food Bank Drive-Throughs: Engaging Young Parents (and Parents-to-Be!) During A Pandemic

An inside look at how some of our members leveraged partnerships & personal & professional growth when facing the challenges of pandemic life  By Deborah Chilcoat, MEd May 8, 2021 We’ve heard from the CDC, Dr. Fauci, and just last … Read More

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May is Sex Ed For All Month (2021)

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Welcome, Jenna!

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Connecting Pregnant and Parenting Foster Youth with Home Visiting Services

Collaboration between the home visiting and child welfare systems benefits adolescent parents and their children.  By Amy Dworsky, PhD April 22, 2021 A dolescent motherhood is difficult under the best of circumstances. Adolescent mothers must navigate both the normative developmental … Read More

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Accessing Contraception During COVID-19

Ensuring that youth have access to the services they need is a core principle of reproductive justice—one that we must continue to strive towards and build upon. By Tonyé Fohsta-Lynch, MPH April 15, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has essentially changed our everyday … Read More

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Child Trends, Chapin Hall, and Healthy Teen Network Awarded Competitive Grant from Office of Population Affairs

Activate shares essential research for youth-supporting professionals. March 22, 2021 For Immediate Release Child Trends, together with Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago and Healthy Teen Network, has been awarded a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Health … Read More

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“Not [explicative] normal:” Crafting Group Agreements for Good Colleagues during COVID-19

One year into all-remote work, Allison and Nick reflect on some ground rules they and Healthy Teen Network staff are committing to for working during these strange times. By Allison Tomai Felsen By Nicholas Sufrinko March 17, 2021 Let’s face … Read More

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10 Ways to Help Young People Become Good Sexual Citizens: How Myth Busting and Youth Empowerment Increases Safety

Following these steps is a really effective way to guide young people towards becoming good sexual citizens. By Ellen Friedrichs, MA March 12, 2021 Recently, I was Zoom teaching a college class, and I asked my students to share any … Read More

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Engaging Young People Virtually

Sharing what we’ve learned from our Power through Choices facilitators. By Valerie Sedivy, PhD February 16, 2021 I know. You’re tired of Zoom, young people are tired of Zoom, and I’m tired of talking about how tired we all are … Read More

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Love in the Time of COVID

Well, really, relationships, love, and intimacy… By Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP February 11, 2021 Worldwide, the pandemic has brought unexpected changes in the ways in which we work, learn, play, and love. I feel that in many ways, I am … Read More

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Sexual and Reproductive Health Policies Affecting Youth: A Look at What’s Ahead

Newly-inaugurated President Joe Biden has reversed several policy decisions of former President Trump that had curtailed the sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls. Bob Reeg, MPA, CVA February 2, 2021 As the saying goes, “elections have consequences.” No … Read More

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Were you in foster care?

If so, we want to hear from you. Text the word STORIES to 313131 January 29, 2021 If you are 18 to 26 years old, currently parenting a child, and were in foster care around age 17, or have “aged-out” … Read More

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President Biden’s Executive Actions on Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice Are a Good First Step

Repro Blueprint First Priorities lays out more to do to advance access January 28, 2021 For Immediate Release Healthy Teen Network applauds President Biden for taking the first steps to undo the harms of the previous administration’s dangerous and restrictive policies … Read More

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Welcome, Mariah!

Mariah brings an artistic lens to nonprofit communications, along with a passion for inclusive health education and access.  January 26, 2021 We are just so excited to announce our newest staff member: Mariah Cowsert joins Gina and Allison in our Communications department.   Mariah Cowsert Mariah … Read More

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Welcome, Tonyé Fohsta-Lynch!

Tonyé brings a lot of energy, a commitment to centering youth voices, and multiple dimensions to her work. January 12, 2021 We are stoked to welcome Tonyé Fohsta-Lynch as our newest staff member. Tonyé Fohsta-Lynch Situated in the Capacity Building and Evaluation … Read More

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Un/Filtered: Highlights from #HealthyTeen20

Now is the time to talk to youth about sex and technology. December 11, 2020 From sexting to dating apps, young people are connected to technology and digital media more than ever, and this connectivity is helping shape their virtual … Read More

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Power to Decide Recognized with Youth 360º Innovation Award

Power to Decide is on the forefront of leveraging technology to support young people’s connection to sexual health services. November 16, 2020 Healthy Teen Network is pleased to announce Power to Decide as winner of the 2020 Youth 360º Innovation … Read More

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Sheila VanWert Recognized with Outstanding Former Teen Parent Award

In honor of Sheila’s  dedication to others and using her own life experience to make a difference in the world November 16, 2020 Healthy Teen Network is pleased to announce Sheila VanWert, BSW, MS, as the Outstanding Former Teen Parent Awardee. … Read More

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Sheana Bull, PhD, MPH, Awarded Douglas B. Kirby Adolescent Research of the Year

In honor of Dr. Bull’s tremendous dedication to building and evaluating mobile technologies for multiple and diverse audiences to support health and wellness November 16, 2020 Healthy Teen Network is pleased to announce Sheana Bull, PhD, MPH, as the 2020 … Read More

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It’s Almost Here…#HealthyTeen20

Dating apps, sexting, user-generated media, sex toys powered by AI, viral memes, porn…and so much more. Ready to talk about sexuality in the connected age?  By Janet Max, MPH, CHES By Rhoda Smith, Board Chair Novemeber 13, 2020 Back in 2019 (was … Read More

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Opportunity: Intern

We work collaboratively with our interns to make a plan, based on your skills and learning objectives, to make it a positive learning experience Updated April 7, 2022 Healthy Teen Network seeks interns who have a passion for and strong … Read More

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Fear and Loathing in Scranton, Pennsylvania

Strange memories on this nervous night near Scranton, in coal-scarred, Appalachian foothills filled with autumn color and political angst By Nicholas Sufrinko November 2, 2020 Strange memories on this nervous night near Scranton. Five years since Obergefell. Four since Election … Read More

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ReSHAPING Launches Partnership with Healthy Teen Network and New Website

Looking for the latest research on sexual health and adolescent parents in out of home care? We have it for you on ReSHAPING’s brand new website. By Claudette Grinnell-Davis, PhD, MS, MSW By Bryn King, PhD, MSW October 27, 2020 … Read More

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The future of sex through tech…which is much closer than you may think

We’re kicking off the conference with our keynote, Andrea Barrica, sex tech entrepreneur and founder of O.school and the author of Sextech Revolution: the Future of Sexual Wellness.  October 15, 2020 From sexting, to dating apps, and watching porn, young people are … Read More

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5 Reasons to Use Digital Focus Groups to Gain Insights about Your Community

 In the midst of a global pandemic, it’s nearly impossible to get people to gather in-person. The good news is that you can still elevate the voice of your participants through digital focus groups. By Genevieve Martínez García, PhD October 8, … Read More

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Too Much and Not Enough

Ginsburg’s death showcases how so many members of Congress and our government branches are failing us.  She was more than enough. They are nowhere near enough.   By Gina Desiderio September 22, 2020 It feels like too much.  Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader … Read More

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5 Tips for Teaching Sex Ed Remotely

Kickstart your school year with the Sex Education Collaborative’s quick tips for teaching sex ed remotely. By Valerie Sedivy, PhD September 15, 2020 To support educators navigating a new virtual learning environment this fall, the Sex Education Collaborative has released a … Read More

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Seven Things We’ve Learned from Leading Live Virtual Events

By Valerie Sedivy, PhD August 28, 2020 Like everyone else, we’ve been making the mad dash to convert our previously-planned live events to virtual events. We’ve run these events quite a few times since then, and along the way, we’ve … Read More

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What’s the Deal with Porn?

We know young people are watching porn. But, what are they learning from it? How can sex ed equip young people to make informed decisions about the porn they watch? August 27, 2020 Bring up pornography in any conversation, and … Read More

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Self-Care for Stressful Times

In the midst of a global pandemic and stressful times, we must remember that if we arent caring for ourselves, we can’t keep caring for everything else. By Carol Partonen August 12, 2020 It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it? … Read More

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Welcome (again!) , Ella

Ella’s approach has always been rooted in understanding how systemic, cultural, and personal factors impact a person’s sexual health. July 24, 2020 W e are delighted to announce the latest addition to the Healthy Teen Network team, Ella Dorval Hall. … Read More

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Legislation to Reauthorize Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) Introduced

PAF provides vital support services to empower young parents and their children to thrive. June 26, 2019 For Immediate Release W ashington, DC — Yesterday, July 25, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Robert Casey (D-PA) introduced legislation (S.2296) to reauthorize the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF). The … Read More

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Helping LGBTQ+ Youth Navigate COVID-19

While we all try to adjust to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, some young people are disproportionately affected.  By Allison Tomai Felsen July 24, 2020 W ell, here we are. It’s almost August and we’re still battling the COVID-19 … Read More

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Tips for Communication with Teens Remotely

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What am I willing to do differently to support Black lives?

Reproductive justice depends on defending the needs of women of color and other marginalized people, including trans people. Here are some individual actions that we can take to support Black lives and strive for justice in all aspects.  By Ella … Read More

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Title IX: Protect Your Rights

Young people who are pregnant or parenting face discrimination. By understanding Title IX law, you can help protect your rights. By Deborah Chilcoat, MEd June 23, 2020 D iscrimination against pregnant and parenting students is alive and well…and could be … Read More

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Healthy Teen Network Joins Over 50 Organizations in Calling for LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Education this Pride Month

The Sex Education Collaborative envisions a world in which all young people’s right to comprehensive, high-quality sex education is recognized and fulfilled.  June 22, 2020 For Immediate Release Baltimore, MD — Today, Healthy Teen Network is proud to join over 50 organizations … Read More

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Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) Reauthorization Sign-On Letter

PAF provides vital support services to empower young parents and their children to thrive. Updated December 02, 2020 For Immediate Release Dear Member of Congress: The undersigned organizations express our support for the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) and urge Congress … Read More

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Remembering Laurie Zabin

Laurie Schwab Zabin, PhD, was an internationally recognized expert on adolescent pregnancy, family planning, abortion, and sexual behavior. She will be missed. By Valerie Sedivy, PhD June 9, 2020 L aurie Schwab Zabin, PhD, an internationally recognized expert on adolescent pregnancy, … Read More

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