Monday, September 30, 2013

NEWS RELEASE: We want sexual health to go viral... in the social media sense of the word!

Embracing social media in the new age of non-profit sustainability
 

CALGARY – Sexual health is going viral – in the social media sense of the word. The Calgary Sexual Health Centre (CSHC) is launching its “#ChangeMaker” campaign which will aim to create a buzz with social media audiences in an effort to raise much needed funds. Known for innovative approaches in its work and its 40 year history of pushing for change around sexual health issues, CSHC will be looking to a few bold supporters to stand up as ChangeMakers – and to help spread the love.


“We’ve been having a lot of fun with our social media presence, and we’ve found it’s been a great tool to support our mission to normalize sexual health,” said Pam Krause, Executive Director of CSHC. “We get to interact with our followers on everything from sex ed basics to broader societal issues that drive our work, like consent and sexual rights. It gives us the ability to connect with our supporters in a whole new way and to reconnect with the underlying societal issues that have sparked our passion for over 40 years. ”


With their #ChangeMaker campaign, CSHC aims to engage supporters in reconnecting with their own personal reasons for why they choose to support CSHC’s work, and to share it online. But the organization cautions that standing up as a ChangeMaker requires bold commitment.


“We are looking for 100 people – just 100 people – to come forward with a donation of $1000 to be a ChangeMaker,” Krause explained. “It’s a big ask, but its in support of big changes on big issues.”


Our supporters have always been an audacious bunch. Together we have stood proud on so many hard-fought issues; reproductive rights, LGBT equality, non-judgmental sexual education in our schools. This campaign aims to bring public focus back to these important issues, and to rally our audacious supporters to join us in making important change.”


In keeping with their history of incorporating new approaches, the organization’s #ChangeMaker campaign will include a social media component which aims to inspire Calgarians to be a ChangeMaker – or to help find a ChangeMaker.


“Share your personal reason for creating change. Maybe you’re one of the 100 people who can donate to be a ChangeMaker, or maybe you’re a youth or parent or concerned citizen who encourages a ChangeMaker to step forward,” said Krause.
 
“Visit our website, print a ChangeMaker sign to write down your personal reason, then share a self pic or video with us on Twitter or our Facebook page. Together, we are using social media to bring a face to some big social issues and make some big social changes.”


The organization is also using the campaign as an opportunity to explore using Vine, a new app that lets the user record and share short looping videos. Globally, the nonprofit world has been typically slow to embrace social media in their work, including Vine. The CSHC hopes the video app will offer a creative and compelling addition to their social media toolkit.


For more information about CSHC’s #ChangeMaker campaign, visit www.change-maker.ca or tweet the organization at @YYCSexualHealth.

 

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Media contact:

Pam Krause, Executive Director               Office:  (403) 283-5580 ext. 314
Calgary Sexual Health Centre                   Email:   pkrause@calgarysexualhealth.ca

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Be on the Youth Team with new "fYrefly in Schools" program!

Calgary area YOUTH!!!!
 
Do you want to improve school climates for all students, particularly LGBTQ students? Become part of the youth team for the new "fYrefly in Schools" workshop program!
 
“fYrefly in Schools” is a new educational initiative developed to help reduce discrimination against sexual and gender minority youth, increase awareness of the impacts of homophobia and transphobia, and create safe and inclusive school environments for all students.
 
Designed for junior and senior high school students, “fYrefly in Schools” workshops are student-centered and activity-based to focus on personal and social development and comprehensive health. Workshops follow the peer-to-peer mentorship model of our award-winning summer leadership retreat, Camp fYrefly.


► To participate in this educational program, you MUST attend the training on September 28th!

“fYrefly in Schools” Calgary Workshop Training

 
If you are a youth (under 25) who is interested in developing leadership skills, sharing your lived experience as a sexual or gender minority or ally, and want to give back to your community, this program is for you!

We are looking to train 20 youth to help deliver school-based presentations throughout the 2013 school year. All “fYrefly in Schools” presentations are facilitated by experienced presenters in conjunction with student panelists.
 
 
Sat Sept 28, 2013
10am – 3 pm

Calgary Sexual Health Centre
Suite 304, 301 14th St. NW
RSVP: By September 25th

 
 
Wanna know more about the program? Check out the brochure or the FAQs page for more details.
 
Questions? Please contact Nick Moore:
Phone: 403-283-5580 ext.308

Friday, September 13, 2013

First meeting of the new school year! --> Calgary GSA Network Roundtable Meeting

The Calgary (and area) GSA Network invites Students and Education Staff to attend the first meeting of the new school year!


Calgary Gay-Straight Alliance Roundtable
Getting Going and Setting Goals!
 
Tuesday, September 24th, 2013
6:00pm – 8:00pm

Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association Community Centre
1320 - 5 Avenue NW, Calgary
(Free parking and just a few minutes walk from the Sunnyside C-Train station)


Bring out your GSA, friends and teachers!
FREE food and drinks will be provided!


Purpose of the meeting:


Please share this poster!
    ► Network and meet other youth and GSA’s in the city
    ► Learn about resources and supports for your GSA

    ► Brainstorming and sharing ideas and goals

    ► Tips on how to run effective meetings

    ► Discuss how to develop safe and inclusive environments in Calgary and areas schools




RSVP to:
Call Nick Moore at 403. 283. 5580 ext. 308
Email: nmoore@calgarysexualhealth.ca

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What is the Calgary GSA Network?

Meetings are held once a month (during the school year) for students, teachers, staff, and administrators to meet, network, and share strategies in support of sexual and gender minority (LGBTQA) youth attending schools in Calgary and surrounding communities.

The purpose of these monthly Roundtable Meetings is to provide resources, supports and connections to schools in order to assist GSA’s in creating safe, inclusive, and equitable school environments for sexual and gender minority students, questioning students, and students from same-sex parented families.

The Calgary GSA Roundtable meetings are hosted by the Calgary Sexual Health Centre and are supported by a number of different community groups and agencies and school communities.

Check out our previous blog post about the 1 year anniversary of the Calgary GSA Network!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Explore & Understand Sexuality: Sexual Attitude Reassessment Workshop

Together with the Alberta Society for the Promotion of Sexual Health (ASPSH), we are pleased to present:
 
Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) Workshop
Friday Nov 22 and Saturday Nov 23, 2013
8:30 to 4:30
► UPDATE: online registration and tickets now available! ◄
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What is a SAR and why should you attend?
SAR provides an opportunity to explore and understand your own beliefs, attitudes, values and biases within the realm of sex and sexuality.  This self-exploration and self-understanding facilitates comfort that ultimately fosters improved communication skills, both on a professional and a personal level.
By becoming more aware of your perceptions, beliefs and feelings you will become increasingly comfortable with the wide variation of existing sexual attitudes, behaviours, practices and even sub-cultures.  This comfort is necessary for any sexual health professional and is also beneficial for individuals striving for personal growth and the development of healthy personal relationships.
During the SAR, you will examine sexuality and sexual attitudes from numerous perspectives using a variety of images.  The nature of SAR requires that some of the media be explicit.  The use of explicit media is necessary for increasing self-awareness and personal comfort with the many areas of sex and sexuality.  In addition to the personal growth, the event involves small group discussions during which you will be challenged with the opportunity to practice your professional or interpersonal skills.
 
 
Who might be interested in attending? 
  • Professionals in the field of sexual and reproductive health
  • Sexual Health Educators
  • Counselors and Therapists
  • Anyone interested in challenging their values, perceptions and understanding of sexuality
 
 
Leader Bios
Mary Valentich, PhD, RSW is a Professor Emerita, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary and a Registered Social Worker, Alberta College of Social Workers. She is a Certified Sex Educator and Diplomate in Sex Therapy, American Association of Sex Educators, Counsellors and Therapists and has received ASSECT accreditation for the SAR.
 
Since 1972 Mary has had a private practice; taught sexuality for 35 years; and published 50 articles and co-edited two books related to practice in sexual problems. She has presented papers and workshops on various aspects of sexuality including development of sexual self-awareness, feminist/gender sensitive practice and ethical issues pertaining to multiple relationships in professional practice.
 
 
 
Edward Sandberg, MSW, RSW is a Clinical Social Worker in Private Practice in Vancouver .B.C. Edward has worked extensively in the area of sexuality for the past 25 years and has taught on a variety of sexual health subject areas at workshops, conferences and SARs.
 
Edward started his professional career as an HIV/AIDS counselor and educator. He has worked in the areas of sexual health disease prevention, sexual orientation, gender identity, couples counselling and extensively with members of the BDSM community, both heterosexual and queer.
 
Edward has a diverse clientele and deals with a multitude of issues in his practice. However, the underlying issues of sexuality are frequently present because clients seek out a therapist who is comfortable with these life and lifestyle issues even if they are not the primary issues to be addressed in the therapy.
 
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AASECT Accredited

“This program meets the requirements of American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 16 CE credits.  These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification.

 

 

ACSW Accredited

Calgary Sexual Health Centre sponsored workshops are approved for Level A, Alberta Social Work Credits via a partnership with the Calgary Counselling Centre.

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Location: 
Calgary Sexual Health Centre
#304, 301 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB
 
 
Workshop Fee: 
  • $375 ASPSH members   
  • $425 non members 
  • $275 Students

To register and purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/event/8392709821

 
 
Questions?: 
Valerie Barr
403. 283. 5580 ext. 317
 
or

 
Becky Van Tassel
403. 283. 5580 ext. 323
bvantassel@calgarysexualhealth.ca

 

 


 

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Walking & Talking at the Fall Feminist Walk 2013

We are pleased to partner with the Women's Centre and Take Back the Night Calgary to present the Fall Feminist Walk.

Tour the streets with us and learn more about Calgary's herstory! Come spend a fall evening with us walking, talking and hearing about stories of women who have shaped our City.  We will also discuss some of the current issues facing women in our region and ways to get involved.

Everyone is welcome. The event is open to everyone - not just women.



Date:
September 12, 2013

Time:
6-8pm

Location:
Starts at Memorial Park Library (1221-2nd St SW) and
ends at Olympic Plaza (228-8 Ave SE).
 




 
 
For more info: