The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica

Our Whole Lives (OWL)

Our Whole Lives is a series of sexuality education curricula for five age groups: grades K-1, grades 5-6, grades 8-9, grades 10-12, and adults, developed by and used in UU and UCC churches across North America. Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.

This year our RE program will offer two OWL classes – one for Kindergartes and 1st graders and one for 5th-6th graders, taught by co-ed teams of church members who have attended official OWL trainings. Children may participate only with written permission from their legal guardians and after their guardians have attended mandatory orientation sessions. (For more information about the OWL program for adults, contact the Adult RE committee.)

Grades K and 1 class: The OWL Grades K - 1 curriculum is based on specific values related to human sexuality. It nurtures the worth and dignity of every participant. It fosters loving, equitable and healthy relationships and counters injustices such as homophobia, stereotyping and sexism. Children are encouraged to value themselves and act on their values throughout their lives. This elementary age program is based on the philosophy that parents and religious communities can form a meaningful partnership for positive responsible sexuality education.

Grades 5 and 6 class: This class nurtures and supports the “three Rs” of childhood sexuality—Respect, Relationships, and Responsibility—by helping children gain self-respect and respect for others, build relationships with members of all genders and with many kinds of families, and understand their responsibilities regarding their own health and that of others. This curriculum helps participants integrate the values of the program with their own system of values in an open, affirming and anti-bias environment and a community of trust and authenticity.

For more information, contact Beth Rendeiro, OWL Coordinator, or Catherine Farmer Loya.