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.
OWL Update 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.”
We look forward to offering another course for grades 6-8 in the fall! 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.
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 9 workshops led by trained facilitators, curriculum materials, and snacks provided during the sessions. If additional financial assistance is needed, please reach out to Lindsey Altenhofen, UCC Director of Outreach and Education at lindsey@grinnellucc.org or 641-236-311, etc. 713.
Fee Level 1: $150 Fee Level 2: $200 Fee Level 3: $250
Registration Details
Stay tuned for registration details for the 6-8 grade fall OWL program. For more information, please contact Lindsey Altenhofen, Director of Outreach and Education, at lindsey@grinnellucc.org or 641-236-3111, ext. 713.
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.