Just Loosen Up and Keep Talking. 1998.

A complete communication tool providing both theoretical and "hands-on" resources for use in creating community receptivity to youth sexual health.
By Judith L. Page
72 pages
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Description

This briefing kit is a complete communication tool providing both theoretical and "hands-on" resources to increase community receptivity to youth sexual health. The purpose of the kit is to provide communication materials that will be useful to presenters. It was created in response to Just Loosen Up and Start Talking, a survey of Nova Scotia youth, and was designed to provide assistance by using the insight and experience of youth. It includes practical suggestions and tips for initiating dialogue and collective action to create communities supportive of youth sexual health. Creative use of the material by a variety of organizations and communities is encouraged.

The document explores the need to create safe environments for discussion, the need to be sensitive about ethno-cultural and racial issues, and the need to understand human sexuality. It emphasizes the role of parents and guardians, and the value of open, trusting relationships and effective communication. The benefits of involving youth as organizers, co-facilitators, and participants in discussions are highlighted throughout the document.

Briefing notes, a presenter's outline, and resource materials are included for each topic. The material is designed to allow for flexibility in presentation length and within topics.

Credits

Just Loosen Up and Keep Talking was written by Judith L. Page for the Atlantic Regional Office of the Population and Public Health Branch, Health Canada, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Round Table on Youth Sexual Health and Planned Parenthood of Nova Scotia.

Availability

This publication is available for download in English (744 KB) and French (180 KB). You will require the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

For more information on obtaining copies of the document, call or write

Public Health Agency of Canada
Suite 1525, 15th Floor, Maritime Centre
1505 Barrington Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3Y6
Tel: (902) 426-2700
Fax: (902) 426-9689
E-mail: atlantic-atlantique@phac-aspc.gc.ca