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APPROACH PEOPLE MAKE AN IMPACT. This belief fuels the Stop and Think approach to abstinence education. Every day, teens are wrestling with difficult decisions. What these teens want, more than statistics, more than slides, is a connection. The teens of today may forget numbers tomorrow. They will, however, remember the type of person the presenter was and what they stood for. Stop and Think presenters not only introduce students to life-changing ideas, they introduce students to themselves. By being authentic, honest, and direct, Stop and Think presenters make an impact. People make an impact. This is the Stop and Think approach. For two to five days Stop and Think goes into middle and high school classrooms to discuss the realities of sex. In an open, non-judgmental manner presenters guide students through three critical-thinking skills that are intended to help students make sober, educated life decisions. Whether or not a student chooses to be sexually active, Stop and Think's goal is to help students feel responsible for their decisions. In our experience, Stop and Think presenters have a way of encouraging student not only to "own" their decisions, but also to make those decisions in a better, safer, and healthier fashion. |
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DECISION is the flagship Stop and Think program. Through student interaction, trained presenters introduce three critical thinking skills. During the three to five class sessions, students have the opportunity to examine influences in their life, determine personal goals, and compare the pros and cons of being sexually active or practicing abstinence. Students already abstinent reported that the presentation strengthened their resolve, while Students already sexually active appreciated being able to interact with the issues in a non-judgmental, open format. The presentation also gave many of them the reasons they needed to begin practicing abstinence. |
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REALITY is Stop and Think's ground-breaking effort to help high school students interact with the idea of abstinence. REALITY takes the concepts of DECISION to a whole new level. We know that the older students become, the less they want to hear a lecture-so REALITY focuses on small group interaction that allows students to arrive at their own conclusions. Through a series of activities, students analyze media constructs, determine personal goals, weigh the costs and benefits of sexual activity and abstinence, and become ultimately responsible for their own decision. |
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LISTEN: Parents are the single most influential factor in any teen's decisions. LISTEN is a Stop and Think program designed to equip parents with the tools they need to communicate with their children about sex and abstinence. The LISTEN presentation also reviews key aspects of the parent-child relationship during the teen years. Teens may say they don't want to listen to their parents, but whatever they say, they do want to know what their parents think about sex. LISTEN is here to help parents communicate their ideas and values regarding this sensitive subject. |
| >> STUDENT QUOTES TEACHER QUOTES >> “The speaker was really good! I’m glad they showed real life stories. It really makes you think what will influence you and what you should do with your life.” (8th grade male) “This program taught me a lot about myself and the choice I should make. I especially remember her saying that it is never too late to wait. Never to late to start practicing abstinence.” (8th grade female) "This program really made me stop and think about my relationship with my boyfriend. I remember that it is never to late to wait and if he really likes and respects me he will respect that decision." (8th grade female) "The stories were actually cool stories and they can help! I’m glad we did this because I think all kids need this kind of presentation." (8th grade female) "This class was cool!! I’ll remember most that it is never too late to wait." (8th grade male) "I learned that there are more STD’s than I thought there were and that making goals can help you stay away from bad choices like consequences of sex before marriage." (8th grade female) "Thank you for coming to our school. I liked this program because it taught me that it is not safe to have sex before you are married and if you have already had sex that you can still choose to stop and wait." (8th grade female) "The presenter was an awesome speaker and showed me that sex isn’t really all that cool until you’re married." (8th grade male) “I think the method used to deliver the abstinence message is effective with this age group. Pointing out influences on their behavior makes students think about who they listen to when seeking advice on certain topics, whether it be music choice or lifestyle choice.” “Very pleased. Excellent examples of stories of real people, and true life situations. Very well presented material. I liked discussion of pros and cons of sexual activity and short and long term outcomes.” “I was impressed with her ability to talk to the students- bringing out ideas. Speaking to them at their level, but drawing out the best in them.” “I thought it was excellent. The presenter is obviously very comfortable with the subject matter and her true life stories really kept the students attention. The over-all message of making good choices and benefits of choosing abstinence was very clear.” “I really liked the focus on controlling your own actions. She was not preachy - as in don’t do this and don’t do that. The focus was on making decision and the consequences of those decisions.” “Respect yourself and your goals and don’t let others make you lose sight of that. Sexual Abstinence just ties right into respecting yourself and your goals. I like the angle that was taken to teach this. It’s not “preachy”, but makes them think.” “The presenter did a good job. Her presentation was well prepared and she has very good delivery. She held the attention of the students and respected their comments and views. She dressed professionally for the presentation.” “The presenter did a nice job of drawing the girls in through use of her own personal experiences Her sense of humor helped put the girls at ease. She did a nice job and we look forward to having her here again next year. The session on goals was interesting to observe as students revealed things we didn’t know about many of the kids.” “The presenter was great working with the students. Students felt free to share ideas about abstinence and pressures of sex. Boys and girls were able to see how waiting is a good thing and not impossible.” “The presenter did a great job explaining to students that abstinence is the way to go, they need to think about their goals before they act to have sex, and what are the short term and long term effects of having sex.” |
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