Our Whole Lives (OWL)
What is Our Whole Lives (OWL)?
Our Whole Lives is a series of comprehensive sexuality education resources (kindergarten thru adulthood) written by human sexuality educators appropriate for use in a variety of congregational, school, and community settings.
Although developed by two religious organizations (UUA & UCC), Our Whole Lives contains no religious references or doctrine. Religious references are provided in a Unitarian Universalist and UCC companion publication, Sexuality and Our Faith. BCCUCC will be using the UCC companion publication to complement the foundational program.
Classes Offered
2014-2015: for Grades 7 and 8
2015-2016: for Grades 10, 11 and 12.
2016-2017: for Grades 7 and 8
2017-2018: for Grades 10, 11 and 12
2018-2019: for Grades 7 and 8
Classes canceled due to COVID
2023-2024: for grades 7 through 10 (providing an opportunity for those who lost out due to COVID)
Classes are now offered every other year alternating with Confirmation Class – so no OWL classes in 2024-2025.
2025-2026: for Grades 8 & 9
Core Values of OWL
SELF WORTH –
Every person is entitled to dignity and self-worth, and to his or her own attitudes and beliefs about sexuality.
SEXUAL HEALTH –
Knowledge about human sexuality is helpful, not harmful. Every individual has the right to accurate information about sexuality and to have her or his questions answered.
RESPONSIBILITY –
We are called to enrich our lives by expressing sexuality in ways that enhance human wholeness and fulfillment and express love, commitment, delight and pleasure. All persons have the right and obligation to make responsible sexual choices.
JUSTICE & INCLUSIVITY –
People of all ages, races, backgrounds, income levels, physical & mental abilities, gender identities & expression, and sexual orientations must have equal value and rights.
Aspects of OWL
- PARENT orientation session that affirms parents as the primary sexuality educators of their children
- EFFECTIVE group building to create a safe and supportive peer group
- UP-TO-DATE information and honest, age-appropriate answers to all participants’ questions
- A VARIETY of highly engaging activities that include values clarification and decision-making skills
- A COMPREHENSIVE approach to understanding sexuality throughout society and throughout life
- ACCEPTANCE of diversity
- EDUCATION to identify and avoid sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment
- ENCOURAGEMENT to act for justice
- RELIGIOUS foundations provided by Sexuality and Our Faith. Each session includes biblically-based and worship-centered resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child can’t attend all the sessions?
We encourage and prefer full participation but we realize that schedule conflicts occasionally occur.
How do we sign up?
Contact Andrea Bullard, andrea@bccucc.org or 246.0111 x107.
What if I want my child to participate but he/she isn’t sure?
We recommend that you encourage your child to participate in the first two sessions before he/she decides whether or not to continue participation.
Is there a cost?
Yes. We ask for a $100 donation to reserve a spot in the program. This will help us cover a portion of expenses. The OWL program (training, books, supplies, ministerial support) is made possible by members’ annual pledges to the church, as well as donations of time and skill by all facilitators.
Can my older child participate?
Class size is limited and will only be open to the designated ages during a particular program year in order to offer age-appropriate information.