Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina

The Internet World Premiere of the Communication Project!

2008-03-14T14:21:00.001-04:00

APPCNC is pleased to present the companion video to our Advocacy Project, the Communication Project! This video talks to teens about sex, sex education and what they wish their parents knew.

I am honored to be a part, once again.

The Internet World Premiere of the Advocacy Project!

2008-03-13T13:01:00.002-04:00

APPCNC is proud to present the Advocacy Project, a 15 minute video of teens talking about sex, sex education and why it's so important for teens to talk to their Legislators.

I am honored to be a part of it.

Wrapping Up our First Investing in NC Youth Events

2008-02-26T08:52:00.006-05:00

On Wednesday, February 27th, APPCNC hosted its first ever Investing in NC Youth event with the National Campaign to Prevent Teen & Unwanted Pregnancy. We brought Bill Albert down from Washington DC to help get the message out about the importance of investing in youth before they turn down the path of teen pregnancy. We held two events: A Foundation Breakfast that brought funders and community leaders together to talk about teen pregnancy and a Spotlight event that brought school personnel and media together to highlight the good work that Thomasville City Schools is doing and to show them how they too can do great things.

It was, in a word, awesome.

Our Foundation Breakfast was well attended and well received. Amongst our attendees were two legislators, several reps from NC foundations and several community leaders. Bill Albert spoke to the assembled crowd and his remarks can be listened to here:

But the highlight of the day, at least for me, were the reactions we got. There was hope in the room. Hope that we can succeed at this battle if we only build will and support. Hope that comes from having fought this battle for so long and having actually gained ground. Hope that teen pregnancy need not be the issue that will always be with us. Hope that we can win.

And that we something we could all believe in.

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Keep Your Leadership Afloat

2008-02-26T08:48:00.002-05:00

APPCNC Presents: The First Annual Executive Director/Leadership Development Day

Join APPCNC and Special Guest Trainer Barbara Huberman for a day of Executive Leadership Development! Have you ever wondered if anyone else was experiencing the same issues that you're experiencing? Have you ever thought that "it must just be you?" Have you ever wished that there was a place where you could share your concerns without having to be worried that they'd get back to your staff? Well friends, have we got a training for you! This is your opportunity to network with your peers and get the answers you've been looking for.

What: Development and Support for Executive Directors or Anyone in the Leadership Role in Teen Pregnancy Organizations/Coalitions

When: Friday, March 14th

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Place: APPCNC Offices: 3708 Mayfair St. Suite 310, Durham, NC

Cost: $35.00 ( includes light breakfast and lunch)

Who: Barbara Huberman (from Advocates for Youth) and You: the fine Executive Directors!

This six hour learning and sharing opportunity will:

offer trends and national movements in teen pregnancy prevention
explore who and where you are in your role as a leader of your teen pregnancy group/coalition
motivate, help you create new visions for your work/organization
explore components of organizational sustainability beyond just money
address your relevant organizational issues and concerns

In addition, if you have specific organizational issues or problems you need help or support with, please briefly describe the concern and send it to Kay at APPCNC and we will work it in to the agenda.

To register, click here.

For directions to APPCNC, click here.

16 and Counting: Arizona to Reject Abstinence Only Funding

2008-01-24T12:30:00.000-05:00

http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/education/221353
Napolitano to reject abstinence-only funds
By Bob Christie
The Associated Press
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.20.2008
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano plans to reject federal money for abstinence-only sex education classes in the state's public schools.
Napolitano plans to send a letter the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this week rejecting the money unless the government lifts restrictions that bar teaching issues outside the abstinence-only curriculum, Napolitano spokeswoman Jeanine L'Ecuyer confirmed Saturday.
"She is going to ask if that is flexible at all, and if the answer is no, she's going to reject it," L'Ecuyer said. "With the restrictions, unfortunately we're not able to give kids all the information they need. If you teach abstinence-only, you can't teach birth control and other information they need."
Napolitano, a Democrat, first revealed her intentions Friday at a luncheon in Phoenix sponsored by Planned Parenthood Arizona.
Planned Parenthood has been pushing states to stop taking federal money for the programs and Congress to cut off funding, contending abstinence-only education denies teenagers information they need to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The groups notes that studies haven't shown the programs are effective.
Arizona becomes the 16th state to refuse the funding, said Alessandra Soler Meetze, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona.
"We are pleased that the governor has decided to stop misusing taxpayer dollars to support programs that give teens medically inaccurate and gender-biased information," Soler Meetze said.
The ACLU said Arizona has put up $780,000 this fiscal year for the programs, with the federal government adding another $1.2 million. Those numbers could not be confirmed with state officials Saturday.
The programs are supported by socially conservative groups, which argue they promote healthy, wise and safe lifestyle choices for students.
The Center for Arizona Policy, a conservative lobbying group, has pushed for abstinence-only sex ed, saying the state's programs have lowered teenage pregnancy rates, STDs and sex outside marriage.
Center for Arizona Policy president Cathi Herrod couldn't immediately be reached for comment Saturday about Napolitano's decision.

How To Make Sense of the NC Sex Ed Laws 101

2008-01-07T15:30:00.000-05:00

Building Support for Comprehensive Family Life Education

January 28, 2008

Does your school comply with the Healthful Living Standard Course of Study (SCS)? Are you interested in implementing health education programs in your school that go beyond the SCS? Not sure where to begin or how people will react?

What: Building Support for Comprehensive Family Life Education
When: Monday, January 28, 2008
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: APPCNC's offices: 3708 Mayfair Street, Suite 310, Durham, NC 27707
Cost: $25 (includes lunch)

This six-hour training will help you:

Know the state guidelines for sexuality education
Articulate why abstinence and safer sex education helps young people achieve education, financial, relationship, and other life goals
Enable comprehensive sexuality education by building support for the public hearing process
Differentiate among diverse community values about sexuality education
Develop compelling messages about sexuality education in public schools

Mobilize community support for abstinence and safer sex education*
*Please bring your local phone book with you; we will use it during the training!

Presenters:

Dr. Linda Berne
Dr. Donna Breitenstein, Director, NC School Health Training Center
Sarah Langer, HIV Policies and Programs Consultant, NC Department of Public Instruction

Click here to register!

Click here for directions to APPCNC

Contact Melinda DeJongh with questions: 919-286-1880 x108 or mdejongh@appcnc.org

Help Support the TPPI Rule Change: Write a Letter of Support Today!

2008-01-04T09:50:00.000-05:00

A new change has been proposed to the TPPI grant process that will require grantees to provide a plan to provide comprehensive sexuality education (including medically accurate information about contraception including abstinence) and a plan to refer any teen who needs further information or health consultation regarding contraception, mental health, substance abuse or domestic violence to the proper authority. These changes are long overdue and are in line with the spirit and letter of the TPPI mission: to prevent teen pregnancy in North Carolina.

Please take the time to write a letter stating why you think this rule change is important, necessary and needed right now. Please send these letters to:

Chris G. Hoke, JD
1931 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1931

The deadline for public comment is January 14, 2008. Please write today.

Join APPCNC & Bill Albert in celebrating Teen PEP!

2008-01-04T09:46:00.000-05:00

Join the Teen PEP program for a demonstration of a promising teen pregnancy prevention program followed by a Q&A with Bill Albert of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen & UnplannedPregnancies!
Save the Date for February 27, 2008 at 1:30 pm for a unique opportunity to see an effective in school teen pregnancy prevention program and chat with Bill Albert, Deputy Director of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen & Unplanned Pregnancies. The Thomasville Teen PEP participants will present a brief demonstration of their program, followed by a speech and Q&A with Bill Albert and Thomasville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Daniel Cockman. School officials are invited to attend. A reception and special session exclusively for school personnel will follow the presentation.

This is the perfect opportunity to see promising teen pregnancy prevention delivered in a school setting. NC Department of Public Instruction staff will be on hand to discuss NC policy for sexuality education in schools. For further information, please contact James Martin at (919) 226-1880.

Assessing Diverse Youth Populations Pilot Training!

2008-01-04T09:28:00.000-05:00

Join ETR and Healthy Teen Network for a Training to Help You Match your Population with the Right Program!
Asessing Diverse Youth Populations - Pilot Training
(you will be asked to give feedback on the training at the end of the day)

Who: Healthy Teen Network and ETR Associates
When: January 23, 2008; 8:30 - 4:30
Where: APPCNC Training Room, 3708 Mayfair Street, Suite 310, Durham, NC 27707
How much: $55.00 (includes breakfast and lunch)
What: A training to increase skills of using needs and resources assessment as well as risk and protective factors to select the appropriate program to match the youth you serve.

Why? Because you want to maximize your impact on the youth you serve. Because you want to be sure that you're using the most effective program for the population you serve. Because you care about getting the most bang for your donors' buck.

Plus you get the unique opportunity to be one of the first to experience this training. Boldly go where no one has gone before! Explore strange new data! Seek out new determinants and new interventions!

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this one-day training, participants will be able to:

Describe the benefits of a needs and resources assessment;
Explain how to establish a needs & resources assessment workgroup;
Develop a data collection plan including how to:

Identify assessment questions
Access existing data
Find new data
Assess community resources

Analyze data collected;
Identify important sexual risk-taking behaviors and determinants that influence those behaviors among youth populations;
Select priority population;
Complete the first three columns of your BDI Logic Model (health goal, behaviors, and determinants);
Identify where to locate information about science-based programs that you want to explore for your priority population.

Advocating for Your Cause Legally and Effectively: A How-To Training

2007-11-27T09:16:00.000-05:00

APPCNC's Introduction to Advocacy 101: Advocating for Your Cause Legally and Effectively

If you have ever wanted to advocate for your cause/nonprofit/clients but weren't sure where to begin, then this training is for you!

Participants will receive information on the best and most appropriate ways to advocate for important programs and services. State laws have changed and new rules have been put in place that affect how one accesses the government and "petitions" government officials - learn how to be an effective advocate for your cause while working within the most recently adopted laws and regulations.

When: Tuesday, December 11, 2007
10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Where: APPCNC's Durham offices:
3708 Mayfair Street, Suite 310
Durham, NC 27707

How Much: $25.00 (lunch included)

Presenters:

Patricia Yancey, Director of Public Education, Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina
David Heinen, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, North Carolina Center for Nonprofits

Click here to register!

For more information, contact:

Melinda DeJongh, Resource and Special Projects Manager
Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina
3708 Mayfair Street, Suite 310
Durham, NC 27707
919-226-1880, x108
919-226-1884 (fax)
mdejongh@appcnc.org
www.appcnc.org

Faith and Male Involvement in Teen Pregnancy Prevention: Bringing It All Together

2007-11-27T08:48:00.000-05:00

REGISTER NOW for December 4, 2007 and come to a Male Involvement Network training in Charlotte.

The goals of this one-day training are to enhance the capacity of practitioners to engage boys and young men in pregnancy prevention efforts and to increase your agency's resources for partnering with the Faith Community to promote adolescent health. Enjoy meeting other professionals who work with boys and young men. Share what's working and what's challenging in your program.

If you've been trying to find a new way to reach out to men and boys, this is the training for you! You'll get practical advice, ideas and new connections to help you build a bridge between faith and fatherhood!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

* Strategies to engage males in adolescent health
* The Male's Place, Mecklenburg Co. Health Dept.
* Strategies to involve the Faith Community
* Keeping It Real, faith-based STI/HIV/AIDS prevention curricula
* Current research on males and pregnancy prevention
* Interactive activities

Presenters:
Reggie Singleton, The Male's Place
Carol Singletary, SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
Panel with Pastor, Mentor and Youth

When: Tuesday, December 4, 2007
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Where: St. Paul's Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC

How Much: $35 (Lunch included)

Register now at our website www.appcnc.org

Confused about how to create teen pregnancy prevention programs that work?

2007-10-25T12:27:00.000-04:00

Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina
Training Announcement

Designing and Evaluating Programs that Work

DATE: November 7, 2007
TIME: 8:30-4:30
LOCATION: 3708 Mayfair Street, Suite 310 Durham, NC
COST: $35 (lunch included)

This training is an excellent tool for those engaged in writing or thinking about writing for the TPPI grants!

Part. I
BDI (Behavior-Determinant-Intervention) Logic Model

GOAL: To increase the capacity of participants to develop BDI (Behavior-Determinant-Intervention) Logic Models to design and improve programs to reduce adolescent sexual risk-taking behaviors. Participants apply these concepts to build a BDI Logic Model step-by-step.

Part II.
Program Evaluation Basics

GOAL: To increase the capacity of participants to evaluate the effectiveness of adolescent reproductive health programs using basic evaluation tools, and to use evaluation information to make appropriate program modifications.

Registration information is available at www.appcnc.org

Register Now for the Faith Community & the Guys: Two Pieces of the Pregnancy Prevention Puzzle!

2007-10-24T13:42:00.000-04:00

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for December 4, 2007 and come to a Male Involvement Network training in Charlotte.

The goals of this one-day training are to enhance the capacity of practitioners to engage boys and young men in pregnancy prevention efforts and to increase your agency's resources for partnering with the Faith Community to promote adolescent health. Enjoy meeting other professionals who work with boys and young men. Share what's working and what's challenging in your program.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Strategies to engage males in adolescent health
The Male's Place, Mecklenburg Co. Health Dept.
Strategies to involve the Faith Community
Keeping It Real, faith-based STI/HIV/AIDS prevention curricula
Current research on males & pregnancy prevention

Presenters:
Reggie Singleton, The Male's Place
Kathy Putnam, APPCNC
Roundtable Discussions: All Participants

Details:
When: Tuesday, December 4, 2007, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: St. Paul's Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC
How Much:$35 (Lunch included)

Register now at our website www.appcnc.org
Contact Kathy Putnam at kputnam@appcnc.org with any questions.

Moving Daze

2007-10-24T09:24:00.000-04:00

So, the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina is now firmly entrenched in new offices. For those of you who didn't know, we moved from our Southern Village offices in Chapel Hill to brand new offices in the South Square 2 Office Building in Durham! Our new address and contact info is:

3708 Mayfair Street, Suite 310
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 226-1880
Fax: (919) 226-1884

Our email addresses are still the same! The new offices are larger, newer and better equipped to serve North Carolina. Look for some great new innovations in the future, such as the ability to check out our library books online! Hooray!

Till then!
James, Web Elf

Be the TOP of Your Class: Get the Teen Outreach Program Training!

2007-07-12T09:34:00.001-04:00

APPCNC & the South Carolina Campaign team up to present the Teen Outreach Program Training of Facilitators!

Do you work with youth for an entire school year or over multiple years?
Are you looking for a proven effective curriculum that incorporates more than just classroom sessions?
Then the Teen Outreach Program is for you!

TOP is a research proven curriculum that emphasizes service learning. The program aims to prevent teen pregnancy and help youth both remain and succeed in school. Based on the principles of youth development, the program is designed for youth ages 12-19. TOP is adaptable to a variety of settings and audiences. Potential sites include Freshman Academy, After School Programs, Service Learning Courses, Community Center Programs, Boys and Girls Clubs and many other youth serving organizations. Participants in the training will learn how to be effective, engaged facilitators for the TOP approach. TOP is much, much more than just a curriculum.

Training Objectives:
· Introduce participants to the TOP framework
· Give trainees knowledge of TOP and comfort with the format, content and style of the Changing Scenes Curriculum
· Help participants gain a working knowledge of the practical aspects of creating strong communities through a service learning program.

Intended Audience: CAPP, NMF, youth serving organizations, schools, and faith comunities

Date: August 6-8, 2007
Time: 9:00 am -5:00 pm

Location:
Providence Baptist Church
4921 Randolph Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28211

Fee: $300 (includes copy of TOP)
$100 (if participant already has TOP)

Deadline to Register: July 30, 2007

Visit South Carolina's website at www.teenpregnancysc.org to register on-line and save 5% on registration! Or go on-line to www.appcnc.org to download the registration forms. Please complete and fax downloaded Registration Forms and Participant Profiles to (803)-771-6916 by July 30th. NOTE: Discount does not apply to faxed registrations

Co-sponsored by the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina!

Directions to the Location: Take I-85 S toward CHARLOTTE. Take the SUGAR CREEK RD exit- EXIT 41. Turn LEFT onto W SUGAR CREEK RD. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto EASTWAY DR. EASTWAY DR becomes N WENDOVER RD. Turn LEFT onto RANDOLPH RD.

Are You Reaching Out to the Hispanic Community?

2007-06-19T10:21:00.000-04:00

The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina is Pleased to Announce our Annual Symposium: “Teen Pregnancy Prevention for Hispanic/Latino Youth”

On July 26, 2007, the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina (APPCNC) will convene a one-day symposium on effective practices in teen pregnancy prevention programming for Hispanic/Latino youth.

North Carolina is experiencing a tremendous growth in the Hispanic/Latino population. Nationally, this population has the highest teen birth rate of any group, and, although the rate has fallen recently, it has not fallen as much as for other populations. In North Carolina, APPCNC and local program providers have begun to address this issue by promoting and implementing programs specifically designed for Hispanic/Latino teens.

The symposium focuses on helping health providers and educators increase knowledge of Hispanic culture and Hispanic health and learn from the experiences of those who are implementing and studying successful programs for Latino youth in North Carolina and other areas of the US.

Speakers will include Axel Lluch, Office of the North Carolina Governor, Director of Hispanic/Latino Affairs; Abigail English, Director of the center for Adolescent Health and the Law and other experts in the field of teen pregnancy prevention for the Latino youth; Carlos Ugarte, Senior Health Adviser to National Council of La Raza, the largest National Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in U.S., among others.

Prevention program providers, health care providers, school personnel, public and private agency directors, and policy makers will benefit from lessons learned in other parts of the country in the design and implementation of effective teen pregnancy prevention program for Hispanic/Latino youth and their families.

Those interested in attending the Symposium should consult APPCNC's website at www.appcnc.org. The final date for registrations is July 12. For further information or questions, contact Alejandra Zorrilla at (919) 932-9885.

Agenda

8:30 Registration and continental breakfast

9:00 Welcome
Kay Phillips, Executive Director, APPCNC

9:05 Keynote Speaker: A Seat at the Table: Translating Public Support into
Legislative Reform
Axel Lluch, Office of the North Carolina Governor, Director of Hispanic/Latino Affairs

9:45 Ensuring Latino Minors’ Access to Health Care
Abigail English, Director of the center for Adolescent Health and the Law

10:45 Break

11:00 Latina Teen Pregnancy: Problems and Prevention Carlos Ugarte, Senior Health Advisor of National Council of La Raza, Washington DC

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Breakout sessions

A. The Highlights of Plain Talk in Siler City, NC
Maria Soto, Chatham County Together, Plain Talk Coordinator

B. Mental Health Issues for Latino Youths
Luke Smith, MD,El Futuro Clinic

C. Gang Involvement among NC Latinos
Hunter Glass, Investigator

2:30 Break

2:45 Immigration Laws that affect Hispanic Immigrants
Ann Robertson, Attorney at Law, Board Certified Specialist in Immigration Law

4:15 Adjourn

REMINDER: The last day for the early registration discounted fee is June 26th.

Orange County Youth Voices Announces 5th Annual Youth Voices Summer Leadership Institute!

2007-05-07T11:30:00.000-04:00

The Youth Voices Summer Leadership Institute is an exciting, energizing and fun 6-week program that trains youth ages 15 to 19 to become effective community leaders. Participants have the opportunity to:

•Improve leadership and team-building skills
•Learn the fundamentals of shared group leadership, strategic planning and problem solving
Improve self-confidence; strengthen personal development and communication skills
Plan and complete a group community service project

There will be:

•Leadership skills practice and discussions
Guest speakers, field trips, and enrichment activities
$500 stipend for each participant

Interested in learning more or getting an application?

Contact Khalia Jones at 245-2064 or YouthVoices@co.orange.nc.us, or Iris Fuller at 245-2057.

Application deadline: May 25, 2007

Call The Reps on the House Education Committee and Let Them Know that Our Children's Health Cannot Wait: Support HB 879!

2007-05-04T22:33:00.000-04:00

We've Gotten the Bill This Far, But It's a Long Road to Go

Raleigh - House Bill 879 is getting ready to be heard by the House Education Committee and the opposition to Abstinence Based Comprehensive Sexuality Education are mobilizing with a goal to kill it where it stands. The Bill made it out of the Health Committee "without prejudice," which means the members voted to send it on without going on record whether they support it or not. What does that mean?

It means that we need to double our efforts to keep the Bill alive and moving forward! We need to pick up the phones and call the Representatives and let them know that we support the health of our youth and that means we support HB 879.

Who Ya Gonna Call? The Representatives!

Members of the House Education Committee:
MEMBER NAME * RALEIGH PHONE * HOME PHONE * PARTY AND COUNTY

Rep. Larry M. Bell 919-733-5863 910-592-1177 (D-Sampson, Wayne) Committee Chair
Rep. Marvin Lucas 919-733-5775 910-497-2733 (D-Cumberland) Committee Chair
Rep. Alma Adams 919-733-5902 336-273-9280 (D-Guilford)
Rep. Martha Alexander 919-733-5807 704-558-4670 (D-Mecklenburg)
Rep. Marilyn Avila 919-733-5530 919-280-6084 (R-Wake)
Rep. Curtis Blackwood 919-733-2406 704-846-6019 (R-Union)
Rep. Alice Bordsen 919-733-5820 919-563-5264 (D-Alamance)
Rep. Larry Brown 919-733-5607 336-972-4256 (R-Davidson, Forsyth)
Rep. Angela Bryant 919-733-5878 252-442-4022 (D-Halifax, Nash)
Rep. Becky Carney 919-733-5827 704-332-1893 (D-Mecklenburg)
Rep. George Cleveland 919-715-6707 910-346-3866 (R-Onslow)
Rep. Tricia Ann Cotham 919-715-0706 704-634-9400 (D-Mecklenburg)
Rep William Current 919-733-5809 704-864-0337 (R-Gaston)
Rep. Bill Daughtridge 919-733-5802 252-442-5526 Ext. 238 (R-Nash)
Rep. Margaret Highsmith Dickson 919-733-5776 910-485-3870 (D-Cumberland)
Rep. Jerry C. Dockham 919-715-2526 336-859-2281 (R-Davidson)
Rep. Nelson Dollar 919-715-0795 919-233-8399 (R-Wake)
Rep Bob England 919-733-5749 828-453-8807 (D-Cleveland, Rutherford)
Rep. Susan Fisher 919-715-2013 828-258-5355 (D-Buncombe)
Rep. Dale Folwell 919-733-5787 336-748-0046 (R-Forsyth)
Rep. Rick Glazier 919-733-5601 910-484-4168 (D-Cumberland)
Rep. Bruce Goforth 919-733-5746 828-298-6237 (D-Buncombe)
Rep. Melanie Wade Goodwin 919-733-5823 910-205-0464 (D-Montgomery, Richmond)
Rep. Larry Hall 919-733-5872 919-682-8823 (D-Durham)
Rep. Mark Hilton 919-733-5988 828-464-9006 (R- Catawba)
Rep. Bryan Holloway 919-733-5609 336-985-0826 (R-Rockingham, Stokes)
Rep. Pat Hurley 919-733-5865 336-625-9210 (R-Randolph)
Rep. Verla Insko 919-733-7208 919-929-6115 (D-Orange)
Rep. Maggie Jeffus 919-733-5191 336-275-4762 (D-Guilford)
Rep. Linda Johnson 919-733-5861 704-932-1376 (R-Cabarrus)
Rep. James Langdon 919-733-5849 919-894-5797 (R-Johnston, Sampson)
Rep. Jimmy Love 919-715-3026 919-775-7119 (D-Harnett, Lee)
Rep. Mary McAllister 919-733-5959 910-488-9928 (D-Cumberland)
Rep. Pat McElraft 919-733-6275 252-342-0693 (R-Carteret, Jones)
Rep. Marian McLawhorn 919-733-5757 252-524-3113 (D-Pitt)
Rep. Earline Parmon 919-733-5829 336-767-7395 (D-Forsyth)
Rep. Ray Rapp 919-733-5732 828-689-2214 (D-Haywood, Madison, Yancey)
Rep. Deborah K. Ross 919-733-5773 919-832-6508 (D-Wake)
Rep. Ruth Samuelson 919-715-3009 704-366-8748 (R-Mecklenburg)
Rep. Paul Stam 919-733-2962 919-362-8873 (R-Wake)
Rep. Bonner Stiller 919-301-1450 910-278-5379 (R-Brunswick)
Rep. Cullie M. Tarleton 919-733-7727 828-295-3353 (D-Ashe, Watauga)
Rep. Charles Thomas 919-715-3012 828-681-5516 (R-Buncombe)
Rep. Joe Tolson 919-715-3024 252-827-2749 (D-Edgecombe, Wilson)
Rep. R. Tracy Walker 919-733-5935 336-838-0606 (R-Wilkes)
Rep. Edith D. Warren 919-715-3023 252-753-4198 (D-Martin, Pitt)
Rep. Laura Wiley 919-733-5877 336-841-0045 (R-Guilford)
Rep. W.A. Wilkins 919-715-0850 336-599-7336 (D-Durham, Person)
Rep. Larry Womble 919-733-5777 336-784-9373 (D-Forsyth)
Rep. Michael Wray 919-733-5662 252-535-3297 (D-Northampton, Vance, Warren)
Rep. Douglas Yongue 919-733-5821 910-276-1727 (D- Hoke, Robeson, Scotland)

Keep Up the Pressure and Keep the Bill Alive!

Call these representatives. Call them at the office and call them at home. They're our public servants: we elected them and they report to us. Don't be afraid to let them know what you think and why. Be polite, but be direct.

This Bill is opposed by a very vocal minority. 73% of parents in North Carolina told DPI that they want comprehensive sexuality education in public schools. Don't let them tell you that we are a minority.

We were the silent majority. But we're not going to be silent anymore. Take a stand, call the reps and let your voice be heard: We support real health education for our children.

An Encouraging Word from Rep. Ty Harrell

2007-05-04T22:29:00.000-04:00

I receieved the following e-mail from Representative Ty Harrell (D-Wake) today. I think it sums up the sort of urgency we ought to be feeling in fighting for this bill, HB 879:

James,

Great to get your email. I just want to inform you that you MUST tell all recipients of this email that they must be relentless in contacting the members of this committee. If this bill means anything at all to them, they MUST email and call their Representatives! Opponents of this bill will be working tirelessly to kill it, we can not allow that to happen.

Rep. Marilyn Avila (a STRONG opponent of H879) and I taped our discussion on the bill today for NBC-17's "At Issue" program that will be aired this Sunday at 11:30am. One of the show's hosts, Donna Martinez, hit me with a question saying the bill is "anti-marriage." Please be aware that this bill is being portrayed as a Anti-marriage bill to many conservatives.

Either way, keep moving forward. I'm on your side, and will continue fightin' for you. Thank you for being one of the Good Guys!

Warmest wishes,

Rep. Ty Harrell

NC State House, District 41

16 W. Jones Street

Room 2121

Raleigh, NC 27601-1096

919.733.5602

tyh@ncleg.net

We need to get motivated and move on this Bill if we're going to return real sexual health education back to North Carolina. Enough children have suffered from our lack of urgency.

It's time we remembered that this is not about politics, it's about health.

Let's make this happen, North Carolina.

HB 879 Passes the House Health Committee!

2007-05-01T15:35:00.000-04:00

House Bill 879, the bill that seeks to bring Abstinence Based Comprehensive Sexuality Education to North Carolina, passed its first hurdle on May Day. It passed the NC House Health Committee and was referred to the House Committee on Education.

What does this mean?

It means we won Round One. We fought the good fight and we won! A majority of committee members saw that the health and welfare of our children is the most important factor in the consideration of how we should educate our youth about their sexuality. A majority rejected Abstinence Only Until Marriage and embraced a scientifically evaluated, proven system of sexuality education that teaches abstinence and backs it up with medically based comprehensive education on sexuality.

Congratulations go out to the House Committee on Health and to all the North Carolinians who showed their support to their legislators! Cheers!

Now, onto Round Two: the House Committee on Education. We need to be three times as committed as before, because the opposition to this bill have lost their first battle and will be twice as committed to derailing this bill.

So please, even if you've already sent an email, already called your legislator, already showed up at the Legislature: We Still Need Your Support.

Here is the list of email addresses for members of the House Education Committee:

larryb@ncleg.net
Marvinl@ncleg.net
Almaa@ncleg.net
Marthaa@ncleg.net
Marilyna@ncleg.net
Curtisb@ncleg.net
Aliceb@ncleg.net
Larrybr@ncleg.net
Angelab@ncleg.net
Beckyc@ncleg.net
Georgec@ncleg.net
Triciac@ncleg.net
Billcu@ncleg.net
Billd@ncleg.net
Margaretd@ncleg.net
Jerryd@ncleg.net
Nelsond@ncleg.net
Bobe@ncleg.net
Susanf@ncleg.net
Dalef@ncleg.net
Rickg@ncleg.net
Bruceg@ncleg.net
Melanieg@ncleg.net
Larryh@ncleg.net
Markh@ncleg.net
bryanh@ncleg.net
Path@ncleg.net
Verlai@ncleg.net
Maggiej@ncleg.net
Lindajo@ncleg.net
Jhl@ncleg.net
Jimmyl@ncleg.net
Marymc@ncleg.net
Patm@ncleg.net
Marianm@ncleg.net
Earlinep@ncleg.net
Raymondr@ncleg.net
Deborahr@ncleg.net
Ruths@ncleg.net
Pauls@ncleg.net
Bonners@ncleg.net
Culliet@ncleg.net
Charlest@ncleg.net
Joet@ncleg.net
Tracyw@ncleg.net
Edithw@ncleg.net
Rayw@ncleg.net
Lauraw@ncleg.net
Winkiew@ncleg.net
Larryw@ncleg.net
Michaelw@ncleg.net
Douglasy@ncleg.net

Drop them an email and let them know that you support HB 879. Let them know that you care about the youth of North Carolina. Let's win every battle; let's win the war.

The children are counting on us, North Carolina.

House Bill 879 gets delayed; We get a chance to tell legislators what we think!

2007-04-27T12:10:00.000-04:00

HB 879 is delayed: This is our Chance to Flood the Legislature with Email and Calls!
The Opposition is sending out 400 emails a day; we need to send 500!

Raleigh -The Race for the Budget caused the bill to be delayed again, but we have it on very good authority that its day is close. To remind everyone, HB 879 will mandate Abstinence Based Comprehensive Sexuality Education for the youth of North Carolina. It replaces Abstinence Only education, which a recent Mathematica study showed has absolutely no effect on stopping teen pregnancy.

The Good News: Even though the bill's committee meeting was cancelled, over 50 supporters of the bill showed up at the Legislature on Thursday. Way to go! We need to get at least these people back to the legislature and more. Our presence is the best way for us to show the lawmakers that we care about this bill and we support the healthy education of North Carolina's youth.

More Good News: May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month and what better way to celebrate than by passing this bill?

The Bad News: The opposition to this bill is rallying its base to send out over 400 emails to legislators decrying this bill as immoral and wrong. We need to make certain that we're sending out more emails to legislators than they are. We need to awaken the silent majority and show legislators that we care for our youth and we're willing to show it.

So What's a Gal/Guy to Do?
It's email-writing time! Break open your email software and in the TO space, copy and paste the emails listed below:
Tomw@ncleg.net
Beverlye@ncleg.net
Bobe@ncleg.net
Carolynj@ncleg.net
Raymondr@ncleg.net
Almaa@ncleg.net
Marthaa@ncleg.net
Carya@ncleg.net
Marilyna@ncleg.net
Jeffba@ncleg.net
Joeb@ncleg.net
Brub@ncleg.net
Billcu@ncleg.net
Nelsond@ncleg.net
Jeanf@ncleg.net
Rickg@ncleg.net
Bruceg@ncleg.net
Robertg@ncleg.net
Tyh@ncleg.net
Verlai@ncleg.net
Marymc@ncleg.net
Marianm@ncleg.net
Wiln@ncleg.net
Earlinep@ncleg.net
Charlest@ncleg.net
Williamw@ncleg.net
Trudiw@ncleg.net
Winkiew@ncleg.net

Then send an email to each representative letting them know that you support HB 879. And urge your colleagues/friends/family/casual relations/people off the street to do the same. Flood them with support and urge them to stand up for North Carolina's children.

But I've Been Supporting This Bill Forever; When's It Going To Pay Off?

This bill has been pushed back several times due to budget matters and attendance matters, but the end result is the same: It Still Matters! This bill is our best chance to get comprehensive sexuality education in schools. 18,259 teens got pregnant in 2005. Studies show Abstinence-Only doesn't work, but this bill will add comprehensive sexuality education to our abstinence toolbox, giving teens a better chance to avoid pregnancy.

And let's face it: we owe it to them. We allowed the Abstinence Only supporters to gain a foothold. We robbed our children of a proper sexuality education. They deserve to know the facts about their bodies, not to have vital information withheld from them when they need it the most.

This Bill is our chance to make right what is wrong in North Carolina. Let's not let the youth down!

Spread the Word: Support NC HB 879 and SB 1182!

2007-04-02T14:09:00.000-04:00

Support Comprehensive Sexuality Education for our youth

House Bill 879 and Senate Bill 1182 were recently introduced in the North Carolina Legislature, but they need your support to pass! Both bills would change the current Abstinence Until Marriage curriculum to an Abstinence Based Comprehensive Sexuality Education curriculum. This change would be a HUGE step forward for North Carolina. These bills are currently in committee and will be voted upon by April 12; any action must be taken quickly!

The bill's summary appears below:

Modify School Health Education Program. (Sponsors: Sen. Linda Garrou, D-Forsyth) The bill proposes substituting abstinence-based comprehensive sexual health education for Abstinence Until Marriage Education, which is currently included among the listing of programs that are to be developed and taught in the school health education program. Among the subject matter the bill proposes to be taught in the public schools are the following - 1. Abstinence-based comprehensive sexual health education; 2. Awareness of sexual abuse and assault risk reduction; 3. Prevention of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDs, and other communicable diseases; 4. Effectiveness and safety of all FDA-approved contraceptive methods in preventing pregnancy, including emergency contraception; and 5. Instruction on the law that allows an individual to lawfully leave a minor child 72 hours or younger with a responsible person in accordance with the provisions listed in the current law without being in violation of North Carolina's criminal statues against abandonment. The bill also proposes that all materials used for instruction be factually and medically accurate and objective. If this bill is enacted, it would eliminate the current public hearing requirement that a school board must conduct if the board wants to expand on the areas to be included in its school health program and instruction objectives. Local boards would be required to adopt policies allowing parents to withhold consent ("opt out") to a student's participation. Current law provides that local boards can adopt policies that either allows parents to consent or withhold consent -- "opt in or opt out" -- to a student's participation in sexuality education. (Referred to Senate Education /Public Instruction Committee, March 22, 2007).

What YOU Can Do!

This bill is a huge step forward, but opponents of comprehensive sexuality education have already mobilized to stop it. We need you to contact your representative and senator to urge them to support this bill. Further, we need you to do as many of the following as you can:

Write opinion pieces to your local newspapers and radio and television stations, urging the public to support this legislation.
Urge your friends, family, church, co-workers and people on the street to contact their representatives and senators to support these bills.
If you work with teens, urge them to tell their parents and legislators to support these bills.
Head to the State Legislature to show your support. Tell them APPCNC sent you.
Forward this email to as many people as you can. These bills will be voted upon in Committee, and if they don't suceed there, it will be at least another two years before they'll come up again.
Flood the Legislator's emails and phones with support; the opposition to this bill is organized and determined. We must be doubly so.

Who Do I Contact?

You can view the members of the House Committee on Health HERE.
You can view the members of the Senate Committee on Education/Public Instruction HERE.
You can contact your legislator and urge them to urge their colleagues. If enough people express their support for these bills, it will help. Never doubt that we can make this happen.
Bottom line: contact as many legislators as you can as soon as you can!

The Bottom Line

These bills aren't perfect. But they are the best chance we have to pass comprehensive sexuality education in North Carolina this year. Contact your representatives and senators, both Democratic and Republican, both conservative and liberal. Make certain that they know that this isn't a political issue, it's an issue of morality: our children deserve the best sexuality education that they can get. They deserve to be able to protect themselves from disease and pregnancy. They deserve better than what we currently give them.

Good Luck, North Carolina; your children are depending on you.

Event: Teens Taking Action: Teen Summit in Charlotte!

2007-03-28T11:41:00.000-04:00

APPCNC is proud to help publicize:

Planned Parenthood of Charlotte & Teens Taking Action Present the 2nd Annual Taking Action to Save Lives Teen Summit

Highlights:
• Workshops on self esteem, dating, college prep, HIV/AIDS, sexuality, and much more!
• Door Prizes & Free Food!
• Special Entertainment by Sigma Beta Zeta step team!

Special appearance by Janine Davis, Founder and Executive Director of Girl Talk Foundation, Inc and Radio Personality!

Where: UNC-Charlotte Main Campus
Fretwell Building (next to West Parking Deck)
9201 University City Blvd.
Date: May 19, 2007
Time: 10:00 am- 3:00 pm
Contact Person: Deann Weatherspoon, Phone Number: 704-569-9870 x 2

Funding Alert: Channing-Bete Publishers

2007-03-28T09:03:00.000-04:00

An Urgent Funding Alert for NC Providers:

On April 2, 2007, Channing Bete Company will begin accepting **a limited number of applications** for the Channing Bete Company's Community Services Grant Program.

We'll be awarding four grants of $750 each towards the purchase of Channing Bete Company(R) materials. Since there is no restriction on the type of Channing Bete Company products that can be purchased in this grant program, grant recipients have access to over 1,000 research-based, audience-targeted publications, presentations, and prevention programs.

Imagine where this grant could take **your** programs!
Why not start by making a list of the materials you'd get if you were named a grant recipient? You'll find our complete product line at:
http://go.channing-bete.com/wa/home?p=1

Here are the essentials of the Channing Bete Company's Community Services Grant Program:

* Applications will become available on our Web site on April 2, 2007. For a downloadable application, go to
http://www.channing-bete.com/funding/index.php?src=em.

* The deadlines for applications are April 30, 2007, or when 150 applications have been received.

* Preference will be given to new and innovative programs in the areas of public health, human services, or community safety/law enforcement.

* Programs that are awarded grants must be implemented by October 1, 2007.

* Award recipients will be required to sign a publicity release.

Questions?
Call 1-800-391-2118, fax 1-800-499-6464, or e-mail your reply to this message (please include your name, title, business name and address, and phone number).

When calling, faxing, or replying to this message, please use cust. no. 11152674 and key code H021N to help us serve you better.

Remember, only the first 150 applicants will be considered -- so make April 2, 2007, the day you apply for the Channing Bete Company's Community Services Grant Program!

Good Luck!

APPCNC's Got a Forum, too!

2007-03-26T13:24:00.000-04:00

One of the other requests we received was for APPCNC to provide a forum for providers and parents to come together and share ideas. In that spirit, we unveil the APPCNC Forums!

In addition, if you have something you'd like see posted on the Blog, simply email James Martin at jmartin@appcnc.org with the subject line "New Post for the Blog," and we'll make it happen.

Thanks!