First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg

What is OWL?

OWL (Our Whole Lives) is a comprehensive and age-appropriate sexuality education program which also addresses life and identity issues.

Previous to the OWL program, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) developed a sexuality education program for adolescence called “About Your Sexuality” (AYS). The changing times prompted the development of a new and updated program. In 1991 a sexuality education task force was set up composed of UUA and United Church of Christ representatives, as well as lay leaders and sexuality educators from both groups. The group was aligned in its belief that sexuality is an integral part of being human, is natural, is positive, and involves many aspects of one’s make-up.

Background and Overview: OWL for Youth

The first program published was the grade 7-9 curriculum in 1999. This is the core of the program being the longest (27 sessions), and it is the most comprehensive. It was followed a year later by programs designed for K-1, grades 4-6, grades 10-12, and adults.

The 7-9 curriculum was first taught in this church in the fall of 2000 followed soon after by the remaining levels.

For the elementary and middle school years the programs are taught in groupings of two consecutive grade levels, i.e., K-1, 5-6, and 7-8. This facilitates the running of the programs every two years so that no student is taught the program more than once, and also recognizes that an age difference of three years can see a wide range of emotional and intellectual development that might make teaching the program more difficult. The sessions are co-facilitated by a female and male team whenever possible.

Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is encouraged in the programs. There are opportunities built into the curriculum for parents to discuss course content with their children. Parents are encouraged to attend orientation sessions, can organize discussion groups if they wish, and are asked to help out when weekend sessions are planned.

OWL Program Positively Received

The OWL program has been positively received by both participants and parents. The church continues to support and encourage the training of new facilitators to ensure the longevity of the program, and is committed to both the philosophy of the OWL program and to making it available to students and adults in the continuing future.

More Information

If you have questions or require registration information, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at (204) 474-1261.