Workshop Series for Youth: Sex and Health with Marita

Does your organization provide services and programming for youth? Then you have clients who could benefit from this workshop series! Created for youth ages 13-18, this curriculum can be adapted further for specific age groups.

Sex and Health with Marita is an interactive, collaborative workshop series intended as an adjunct to school-based sexual health education which ranges widely based on location, educators and other factors. The material is created with inclusivity, a non-judgmental approach and space for open conversations and recognition of a variety of values and cultural practices around sexuality. Participants are encouraged to connect with their own values and explore how their values and those of their families and communities to inform their own exploration and development of sexual ethics.

Sessions and Cost

  • Typical workshop series runs over 6 weeks with 60-90m sessions

  • Cost is calculated based on group size and length of sessions

  • Can be offered virtually or in person (preferred)

How it Works

This series is designed as an interactive, collaborative learning process that starts before the first session with an opportunity for the facilitator to meet with Marita ahead of time to discuss any unique group needs and wants. The facilitator will be provided with a poster offering an invitation for participants to ask anonymous questions and specify topic preferences from a list. (It is suggested that participants are provided with an anonymous question box to ensure confidentiality.)

This ensures that the workshop meets the needs of all members of your group. Content will be mindful of participants backgrounds including but not limited to:

  • clients who have a history of assault and abuse

  • clients with physical and/or intellectual disabilities

  • specific cultural or religious beliefs

Marita’s experience in pediatric sexual assault care gives her a unique ability to navigate complex and challenging conversations with sensitivity and non-judgmental approaches. In event of any questions or concerns parents are welcome to connect with Marita directly at any time.

Topic List to Explore

  • Consent: beyond yes or no

  • Gender and sexual orientation

  • Healing from sexual violence

  • Healthy relationships and boundaries

  • Navigating health care: patient rights and self advocacy

  • STI’s: what are they, how are they transmitted, disclosing to partners

  • Contraception, pregnancy prevention and abortion

  • Safe(r) sex practices: exploring risk, decision making and communication

  • Talking to parents: having better conversations and accessing support

  • Navigating complexities of digital relating and media: sexting and safety, realities (and un-realities) of pornography, recognizing healthy and unhealthy depictions of sexuality in media

  • Your unique ideas!

Sample Package Includes:

  • Digital posters including anonymous question flyer

  • 30minute pre-session call to discuss specific group needs and topic options

  • Series of six 90 minute customized sessions for group of eight to ten youth*

  • Worksheets and Resource lists

*Families will have access to syllabus and can opt out of any session

Optional Add-Ons

  • Open house for parents of participants to explore syllabus and ask questions

  • Workshops for parents with topics of choice

  • Body Literacy Handbook: includes series worksheets, activities, anatomy illustrations and journal prompts

  • Educational poster with topic of choice, branded with your organizational information as well as MSSHE*

  • Educational pamphlet with topic of choice, branded with your organizational information as well as MSSHE*

*Your organization will retain digital file to print unlimited copies of educational resources

Scheduling Policies

Pre-workshop details

You will receive the session poster and topic list a minimum of one month before the series begins. All anonymous questions and topic suggestions must be submitted a minimum of one week prior to the first workshop. Any submissions after that date will be considered for later sessions.

Cancellation policies

We understand the need to adapt: workshops can be rescheduled with a minimum of 7 days notice unless extenuating circumstances occur.

Payment policies

Secure payments are made through PayPal. If you prefer e-transfer or require an invoice for an alternative form of payment you can make a request by email.