OWL is a curriculum designed to help students gain the knowledge, life principles, and skills they need to express their sexuality in life-enhancing ways. This curriculum is an expression of the belief that educating institutions – religious communities, community organizations, and schools – can form meaningful partnerships with parents and caregivers to provide positive and responsible sexuality education.

OWL is inclusive of and welcoming to all gender identities and sexual orientations. The core curriculum contains no religious creeds or faith confessions. Grinnell UCC sponsors the program as part of its commitment to social justice. Families of any or no faith affiliations are welcome to participate. The “Sexuality and Our Faith” curricular addendum explores the relationship between human sexuality and spirituality. Families may opt into this curricular companion, which will be taught in the final 15 minutes of each session.

If your child has participated in OWL before, YOU ARE OUR BEST REFERENCE! Please help spread word about this amazing program to other families in the wider community! Advance registration is required for OWL courses.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN for Grades 5-6 Fall 2025 Program:

This class is for grades 4-6 prioritizing grades 5 and 6. The class is limited to 15 students and includes: informational meetings on Zoom (for families new to the program), an Orientation and Kick-Off session, and 10 regular sessions.

Mandatory Caregiver/Parent Orientation and Kick-Off Session:

November 2 from 4:00 – 6:30 PM

Regular Sessions:

November 9 thru February 22 from 4:00 – 5:30 PM. Regular sessions will be held on Sundays with no classes during Thanksgiving & Winter Break.

Program Fees

The cost of the program is subsidized by Grinnell UCC. Families should select the fee that is appropriate to their household. Fees include 12 workshops led by trained facilitators, curriculum materials, and snacks provided during the sessions. If additional financial assistance is needed, please reach out to Pastor Jessica at jessica@grinnellucc.org or 641-236-3111, ext. 712.

Fee Level 1: $325           Fee Level 2: $275           Fee Level 3: $225

Registration Details

To register, please submit fee and completed registration form no later than October 19. Paperwork can be submitted electronically via email to jessica@grinnellucc.org or dropped off at the Church Office during office hours, Tues through Thurs, 9-3 pm. CLICK HERE for a copy of the registration form.

All Welcome, No Exceptions

Grinnell UCC sponsors the OWL program, underlining a commitment to social justice. Regardless of faith affiliations or none at all, all families are warmly invited to participate, contributing to the creation of an inclusive and accepting community.

From Director of Outreach and Education, Lindsey Altenhofen: 

Since joining staff in July 2022, I have been honored to serve as a trained lead facilitator for several Our Whole Lives (OWL) courses. I have learned that OWL is so much more than a community-based youth program – it is a ministry of justice, compassion, and radical inclusion.

In the current political landscape, where transgender youth and LGBTQ+ communities face relentless attacks, the significance of OWL cannot be overstated. One of the basic values of OWL is Justice and Inclusivity, one aspect being our commitment to the statement that all types of gender identity are part of the natural range of human existence.

As someone who has witnessed the impact of OWL firsthand, I have seen youth grow in their understanding of consent, relationships, and self-awareness. I have watched their confidence bloom as they learn OWL is a space where their questions and experiences are not just tolerated but welcomed. OWL stands as an unapologetic declaration of our faith in action – a faith that refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice. Some may put obstacles in the path towards building a just and compassionate world, yet we will not compromise our values.

What Our Recent Class of 7-9th Graders Found Most Meaningful About OWL: 

    • “I learned to be more confident in myself and my decisions.”

    • “I feel ready to set boundaries and communicate them.”

    • “I know how to welcome and include others for who they are.”

Please consider supporting our OWL program through financial contributions or by encouraging participation. The sliding fee scale ensures accessibility for all families, but your support helps sustain this work so that we can continue nurturing the next generation.