GUIDING PRINCIPLES

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AT THE TALK, WE…

• Cultivate a culture of trust, acceptance, and kindness.​

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• Communicate with youth using a respectful and non-judgmental attitude.

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• Encourage youth to talk with trusted adults about issues related to sexuality.

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• Enthusiastically encourage curiosity and questions. Answer questions honestly, succinctly, and age-appropriately.​

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• Encourage children to use appropriate language for body parts and bodily functions.​​

• Are sensitive to each child’s gender identity and always use the name and pronoun a child asks us to when talking about or to them.

• Avoid using gendered language to the greatest extent possible.​

• Address homophobic language or behavior immediately by engaging in a non-punitive, tolerance-based dialogue. 

• Talk openly about healthy self-care practices.​

• Make all participants feel safe, seen, and welcome. 

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