ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH

Rights. Respect. Responsibility.^®

Remarks by Barbara Huberman, Director of Education & Outreach, Advocates for Youth
Advocates for Youth's 20th Anniversary Conference
Washington, DC, December 3, 2001

Rights. Respect. Responsibility.^®, a new paradigm for healthy adolescent sexuality. We began these two days with the President of Advocates for Youth defining what the 3Rs mean. You've heard from incredible young people who've told you what they need and told you what they're doing as sexual health activists—young people who somehow, in this schizophrenic culture, developed the confidence and commitment to be a part of change. You've heard from youth serving professionals who've shared their knowledge, experience, and passion for this work. Now comes the challenge—what will you do?

We challenge you to do something—to invest in making the 3Rs a reality in your community, your programs, your family. Five years ago, the European study tour was only a fact finding mission; but, as we synthesized and developed the lessons learned, a movement was born - the 3Rs. And this conference, the kick off of the national 3Rs Campaign, gives legs to that movement.

With over 140 study tour participants, you now can join that movement. You can be a part of something that is vital, exciting, and an agent for change. If I had a magic wand, this is what I'd ask of you.

1. This January, when the Family Life Education Act is introduced in Congress—100 million dollars for comprehensive sexuality education—whether it passes or not is up to you. American parents want this for their children's health and safety. Each of us must educate policy makers and demand they be accountable to the majority. Will you write a letter, make a call, or go visit your congressperson?
2. To build youth-adult partnerships identify youth activists in your community and give them platforms and opportunities to speak out. Support their quest for change in our culture. Make a pledge that you will no longer talk about youth involvement, but instead you will learn about and support youth-adult partnerships. And, if you are an adult, make a pledge that you will be responsible, realistic, use research to guide policy, and be inclusive of all people.

If you are an educator - can you take a leadership role in making comprehensive sexuality education a reality? Can you form a discussion group at your school or program and strategize ways to involve parents, clergy, and youth so that they make it happen?

If you are a program administrator—dedicate your strategic planning this year to how you can embrace the 3Rs. Review your practices, your policies, your staffing, your hours, and your content. Does it really support the rights of young people and respect them as valued assets?

If you are a youth-serving professional and a parent—are you one that tells other parents what to do—and can't do - with your own children? Could you give your teen condoms with a message that you love them and want them to be safe—and you want them to respect themselves above all else—so the decision to be sexually intimate should be made with care and pride.

If you are a health care provider - have your staff discuss what teen friendly services really mean. To embrace the 3Rs in your setting or services, do you follow the example of the Valley Community Health Clinic for Teens and give teens meaningful leadership roles in the planning and operation of the program? Have you stopped doing regular pelvic exam for oral contraception? Do you guarantee and practice confidentiality? Are you offering emergency contraception every time you see a client?

3. Can each of you leave here today and commit to healthy, lifelong sexuality education—not just teen pregnancy prevention or STD reduction? Stop framing programs in terms of "problems" or "consequences" and start building programs that recognize and accept that young people are sexual beings and they can make wise, healthy decisions.

Since the word "if" implies weakness and failure, you will no longer say, "Don't do it. But, if you do, use protection."

Instead, TODAY, can you reframe your messages to empower and respect? Can you say,

"When you decide that physical intimacy is right for you, you should always protect yourself and your partner from pregnancy and STDs." 

"Intimacy should always be consensual."

"A relationship should always be built upon honesty, respect, and healthy communication."

And when it comes to language can you commit to always referring to couples as partners - not husband/wives or only acknowledge male/female relationships? Can you show respect that you may not know with whom someone partners? And, as we leave here today, can you remember the power of one? Don't leave change to someone else. Be strong and do not be intimidated. Opposition will always be there, but this is a democracy and you/we are the majority. Young people will behave responsibly when we change the hypocrisy of the adult world. Stand up for what is RIGHT—what is JUST, and WHAT IS MORAL. It is morally wrong to send young people into the world of 2001 without the information, skills, and the services they need to be sexually healthy and safe. This is not 1901 - an era of Victorian prudishness. It is not 1951 and Ozzie and Harriet fantasy life. This is 2001—the world of Beavis and Butthead, Sex and the City, the Internet, and AIDS. Change—making the 3Rs happen—is up to all of you. One person—one vote—has changed the world.

Let us leave here today remembering the voices of young people who've been out front and honest with you.

Remembering the messages of James Wagoner, Verna Eggleston, Wayne Pawlowski, Michael Carrera, and Sol Gordon and all our presenters. Remembering the sights of the video, Power of One.

You too can stand in front of a tank, rescue harp seals, save the forests, and make walls fall down. Walls—barriers and policies that place our young people in peril. Let us always remember - The Power of One!

Click here for more information on the Rights. Respect. Responsibility.^® Campaign.