Calendar of Events

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All events noted in Eastern Time

Event Series Pride Month

Pride Month

Pride events are held around the world during June as a way of recognizing the influence LGBTQ+ people have had around the world. June is when the Stonewall Riots took place in 1969.

Building Gender-Inclusive Schools: A Focus on Supporting Transgender, Non-binary, and Gender-expansive Students

(4-part training) Participants will be introduced to the basic language, terminology, and concepts for understanding sexual orientation and gender diversity. The facilitator will guide participants into a deeper understanding of how to support transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive students (TNGE) in PK-12 schools. The goal of this session is to establish foundational knowledge from which to build affirming and inclusive practices in schools.

Understanding Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

Advancing the cause of racial justice is core to high-quality sex education. Advocates for Youth knows school staff need help reflecting on their own internalized racism, and racism present in school systems as well as the field of sex education. This free workshop will cover the fundamentals of racism, implicit bias, white supremacy, and privilege to prepare learners to engage in the subsequent Virtual Professional Development simulation on the same topic.

National Sex Educator Appreciation Day

Sex educators are fun, passionate and highly qualified professionals, often with advanced degrees, who make the world a better, happier, safer place, and save lives. But it is a misunderstood profession. From abstinence only funding, to censorship, community backlash and harassment, an overarching cultural shame of sexuality that makes our students hard to reach, and a profound society-wide misconception about what sexuality educators even do and why it's important, sex educators are up against a lot when they go to work every day. On June 9, thank a sex educator for the important but often underpaid and unappreciated work they do.

26th Annual Summer Institute

Summer Institute is one of the top adolescent reproductive and sexual health education conferences in the nation—hundreds of professionals gather to learn new information, network, share ideas, and discuss successes and challenges. Together, we will celebrate the achievements of the past, embrace the present, and envision a future where youth and young adults have the opportunity of a healthy, bright, self-determined future.

Healthy Decision-Making about STIs and Testing

While rates of unintended pregnancy are at a record-low, unfortunately rates of sexually transmitted infections continue to climb. In order for students to make healthy decisions, they need school professionals to provide instruction based on the Comprehensive Health and Physical Education (CHPE) Framework that will enable them to access critical knowledge and skills to safeguard their health. This free workshop will help educators understand the latest medical landscape about STI trends, testing, and treatment for the betterment of student health and well-being.

AASECT Annual Conference St Louis, MO

Get the latest information relating to sex counseling, therapy, education, and more! In-person and Virtual. In a time when fundamental human rights are not guaranteed, we face some of the most significant challenges of our time. AASECT joins in answering new calls to collective liberation — where underutilized and historically oppressed voices are centered, where advocacy is transformed into action, and where we can create a more just world for all of us.

Curriculum Fidelity in Sex Ed: Navigating Adaptations with Red, Yellow, and Green Lights

This virtual training focuses on maintaining the fidelity of sex education curriculums while making necessary adaptations. Participants will learn how to identify and apply red, yellow, and green light adaptations, ensuring that any changes made to the curriculum maintain its effectiveness and align with the program’s goals. An excellent refresher for all health educators! Pre-registration is required. Cost: $150

Racial Justice in Sex Education

Advancing the cause of racial justice is core to high-quality sex education. Advocates for Youth knows school staff need help reflecting on their own internalized racism, and racism present in school systems as well as the field of sex education. This free workshop will cover the fundamentals of racism, implicit bias, white supremacy, and privilege to prepare learners to engage in the subsequent Virtual Professional Development simulation on the same topic.

Young People Are the Experts in Their Lives, So Why Do We Exclude Their Expertise?

Sexuality education is often ‘on’ young people, rather than ‘with’ them. Recognizing their expertise, I argue that we need to move away from a protectionist model of sexuality education to include young people’s voices at all stages. Without their input, how can we ensure it is valuable and meaningful? Cost: $35

Queering Consent: Conversations for Connection

Focusing on consent beyond traditional frameworks, this workshop explores how to talk about queering consent with young people. Participants will learn how to navigate conversations that honor diverse identities and experiences, encouraging open dialogue about boundaries, autonomy, and respect.

Awkward to Awesome: Core Skills

This one-day, in-person training, held in the EyesOpenIowa Training Hall in West Des Moines, Iowa, covers essential topics such as responding to sensitive questions, values clarification, boundaries and self-disclosure, and more! Required for Certified Sexual Health Educator (CSHE) certification, this dynamic session is led by experienced trainers and offers practical skills along with networking opportunities. Cost: $200

Sex Ed Staples: Core Content

This covers essential topics like puberty, reproductive anatomy, methods of protection, and STD/STI prevention, along with best practices for teaching them. With follow-up asynchronous content, participants gain the core knowledge needed to effectively facilitate sexual health education. This training is also required for Certified Sexual Health Educator (CSHE) certification, making it ideal for both newcomers and experienced educators. Cost: $200

Navigating Sexual Advocacy: DSP Perspectives on Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a vital role in supporting the sexuality of individuals with mild to moderate Intellectual Disabilities (ID). This presentation explores DSPs’ experiences, challenges, and advocacy efforts, highlighting key themes from interviews. Discussion will focus on implications for improved training, policies, and collaborative support to enhance advocacy. Cost: $35

Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.

Consent: Understanding Massachusetts State Laws

This free workshop will help school professionals understand the laws in MA that protect students against sexual exploitation, particularly as it relates to the age of consent, sexting, and sexploitation. By providing information about the legal landscape, practice answering student questions and sample activities, this workshop will equip educators with the knowledge and skills they need to help keep students safe.

Screenwise: Guiding Teen Decision Making Through the Digital Age

This training is designed for anyone helping young people navigate the online landscape. It covers strategies for supporting teens in managing online safety, sexting, and exposure to explicit content. With interactive activities and discussion, participants will learn how to ground themselves when talking about sensitive topics, helping teens form their own values and beliefs. Cost: $150

3Rs Curriculum Scope and Sequence (3-part training)

Rights, Respect, Responsibility is a free K-12, LGBTQ-affirming sex education curriculum created by Advocates for Youth. In 2024, Advocates created a version specifically tailored to meet the Massachusetts Comprehensive Health and Physical Education (CHPE) Framework. This workshop series will familiarize school professionals with the 3Rs curriculum, its philosophical underpinnings, lesson architecture, and recommendations for sequencing lessons across grade levels. Additionally, participants will become familiar with the unique features of 3Rs including family engagement, student-centered instructional strategies, and flexible design. 3 free sessions 2-3:30

Training for Educators

This training is appropriate for educators who are looking to enhance their sexual educator skills. The training will take place over the course of three days with a 90 minute session each day and will cover the following topics: Creating a safe learning environment, Answering Sensitive Questions, Boundaries & Self-Disclosure, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Experiential, and Learning Cycle. Price $175

Sex Ed vs. Project 2025

Founded by Steph Zapata, S.L.A.M. is committed to honest truth-telling in sexuality education. This event builds upon that mission by centering the voices of those directly impacted by systemic oppression—uplifting BIPOC, queer, and trans leaders in reproductive justice and sex education. Price: $100+

Anniversary of Stonewall Riots

The Stonewall Riots, also called the Stonewall Uprising, began in the early hours of June 28, 1969 when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village in New York City. The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.

Certificate Program in Social Justice and Sexuality Education

The Certificate Program in Social Justice and Sexuality Education offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between social justice and human sexuality. This interdisciplinary program provides a nuanced understanding of diverse perspectives, theories, and practices related to sexuality within the context of social justice frameworks. Instructor - Tanya Bass, PhD, MS, MEd, CHES®, CSE $1495

Passion2Power: Get Bold. Be Heard. Make Change

This training will teach you how to speak out with confidence as you advocate for change at public meetings and more. Passion2Power is designed to give actionable information and hands-on practice.

How To Use Title IX As a Tool for Supporting Student-Survivors

As educators, we often teach complex and heavy topics such as consent in an attempt to prevent sexual violence. But we need the tools to support our students if prevention fails. This workshop will help educators build a toolkit for supporting student-survivors via Title IX in education institutions and settings. Cost: $35

What Now? Sexuality After Sexual Trauma

Consent education in popular curricula often implicitly seems to assume that youth are arriving to sex ed as blank slates. However, nearly all consent education classes will include youth who have experienced some sort of sexual trauma. How can we adjust our consent education to be survivor-informed, but not trauma-focused? How do we create room for a diversity of desires and experiences? This free workshop will grapple with these realities and provide tangible tools for reclaiming sexuality after sexual trauma.

Training For Educators

This training is appropriate for educators who are looking to enhance their sexual educator skills. The training will take place over the course of three days with a 90 minute session each day and will cover the following topics: Creating a safe learning environment, Answering Sensitive Questions, Boundaries & Self-Disclosure, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Experiential, and Learning Cycle. Price $175

Modeling Consent for Disabled + Nonspeaking Youth

Instruction of consent skills often relies heavily on verbal check-ins and confirmation of understanding...but what does consent look like for those who are nonspeaking or have cognitive impairments? This workshop explores best practices to maximize agency for all young people.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Month

Awareness helps the public understand that symptoms like irregular periods and pelvic pain are not something to be ignored and getting it checked is necessary. While there is no cure for PCOS, there are treatments that can help ease the stress and complications of specific symptoms. The more people that are informed of PCOS the better chances for early diagnosis.

Certificate Program in Sexuality Education and Consent

The Certificate Program in Sexuality Education and Consent explores the concepts of consent and body autonomy and their foundational importance to sexuality education. Learners will explore the many facets of and approaches to these concepts, as well as how to teach about consent and build a consent-based education practice. We will cover age- and developmentally-appropriate ways to teach about consent to young children, teens, college students, and other adults. We will also discuss training parents/caregivers and teachers on practicing consent with the young people they support. Instructor - Faculty: Isy Abraham-Raveson $1495

Receiving a ‘No’: Rejection Literacy in Sex Ed

This workshop will explore the importance of how we receive a ‘no’ and best practices for teaching rejection literacy in sex ed. Topics will cover different kinds of communication and navigating power dynamics in conversations of consent, to support us all in respecting the desires of others.

Event Series Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October. The month aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Known best for its pink theme color, the month features a number of campaigns and programs — conducted by groups ranging from breast cancer advocacy organizations to local community organizations to major retailers.

October is “Let’s Talk Month”

Advocates for Youth sponsors Let’s Talk Month. Observed each October by states and communities throughout the country, Let’s Talk Month emphasizes the importance of young people and the adults they trust talking about sex.

Advocates for Youth recently updated its Let’s Talk Month Planning Guidebook. The guidebook provides strategic tips and examples to help local communities plan and implement activities for Let’s Talk Month. It also includes fact sheets, guidance for involving youth and working with the media, and sample forms.

Certificate Program in Parents, Families, and Sexuality Education

This course explores inclusive, evidence-informed strategies for engaging parents, caregivers, and families in comprehensive family sexuality education. Participants will explore research-based frameworks and practical tools for building sex-positive environments at home and in educational spaces to support young people’s sexual health. It covers topics including preventing child sexual abuse, navigating consent and digital culture, and effective communication techniques to support conversations about sexuality across diverse family structures. This course empowers adults to be confident, informed sexuality educators in their families and communities. Faculty: Breanna Lewis, MPH, CSE. $1495

Exploring Consent: Strategies for Caregivers

This session will explore updated communication strategies to help caregivers move conversations about consent beyond just yes or no, providing more impactful guidance for sexual health and safety.

Unsensational: The Reality of Reporting

In cases of sexual or interpersonal violence, educators often guide youth toward the criminal legal system as a primary response.If we are encouraging minors to report or are mandated to ourselves, we should understand what the process entails and take steps to prepare young people and help manage expectations.

The National Sex Ed Conference

Are you a sexuality educator, health educator, professor, school teacher, nurse, counselor, case manager, social worker, therapist, or someone who works in a related field? If so, this conference is for you!
Hosted by The Center for Sex Education, this conference is the perfect opportunity to share your knowledge and engage with professionals in the field. ($560)

‘We Contain Multitudes’: Consent & Adolescent Non-monogamy

This session will provide an overview of what non-monogamy is and is not, foundational questions of consent in a non-monogamous context, and a deeper dive into stigma, power, privilege, and the possibility of coerced consent.

International Sex Education Day!

Sex Education Alliance

Talking to kids about sex and relationships can change their futures — and the world. Sex education, at home, in school, and even at the doctor’s office can improve self-esteem and self-image, reduce at-risk sexual behavior, reduce teenage pregnancy, and improve grades, test scores, and educational outcomes.

SIECUS Hosts Nationwide Sex Ed Week of Action

“The majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, believe sex education should be taught in schools. States that teach comprehensive sex education in their curriculum see lower STI rates, lower teen pregnancy rates and overall better well-being of students across the country. We are enthusiastic to see our national and state partners engage in our week of action to advocate for all students.”

Currently, only 33 states mandate sex education, and an overwhelming 34 states mandate sex or HIV/STI education to stress abstinence over other forms of contraceptive options. Only 13 states require sex education to include instruction on consent; 10 states have policies that affirm sexual orientation and gender identity; and many states explicitly require instruction that discriminates against LGBTQ+ youth.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

SAAM is about both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Looking at the history of the movement to end sexual violence: It’s impossible to prevent an issue no one knows about, and it’s difficult to make people aware of a problem without providing a solution. The two work in tandem.

Maine Sexuality Education Conference

Maine’s Annual Comprehensive Sexuality Education Conference began as an opportunity to provide sexuality education updates to school nurses and health teachers. Decades later, it has grown into an eagerly anticipated annual event for educators, school nurses, school counselors, and a variety of other youth-serving professionals. Every year we are excited to come together to share new and innovative programming, develop skills and knowledge, and provide resources for delivering positive, inclusive sexual health education.

Pansexual & Panromantic Visibility Day

If you identify as panromantic or pansexual – enjoy the 24th of May. If you know someone who does, let them know you’re thinking of them. Validation and acceptance makes the human experience all that more wonderous. If you neither identify or know someone – but you’ve learned something new about the wonderful variety that human beings come in, share on social media, have a conversation, do some reading. The more connected we are, the happier we are.

Event Series Pride Month

Pride Month

Pride events are held around the world during June as a way of recognizing the influence LGBTQ+ people have had around the world. June is when the Stonewall Riots took place in 1969.

National Sex Educator Appreciation Day

Sex educators are fun, passionate and highly qualified professionals, often with advanced degrees, who make the world a better, happier, safer place, and save lives. But it is a misunderstood profession. From abstinence only funding, to censorship, community backlash and harassment, an overarching cultural shame of sexuality that makes our students hard to reach, and a profound society-wide misconception about what sexuality educators even do and why it's important, sex educators are up against a lot when they go to work every day. On June 9, thank a sex educator for the important but often underpaid and unappreciated work they do.

AASECT Annual Conference St Louis, MO

Get the latest information relating to sex counseling, therapy, education, and more! In-person and Virtual. In a time when fundamental human rights are not guaranteed, we face some of the most significant challenges of our time. AASECT joins in answering new calls to collective liberation — where underutilized and historically oppressed voices are centered, where advocacy is transformed into action, and where we can create a more just world for all of us.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.

Anniversary of Stonewall Riots

The Stonewall Riots, also called the Stonewall Uprising, began in the early hours of June 28, 1969 when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village in New York City. The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.

Event Series Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Month

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Month

Awareness helps the public understand that symptoms like irregular periods and pelvic pain are not something to be ignored and getting it checked is necessary. While there is no cure for PCOS, there are treatments that can help ease the stress and complications of specific symptoms. The more people that are informed of PCOS the better chances for early diagnosis.

Event Series Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information.

Event Series BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October. The month aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Known best for its pink theme color, the month features a number of campaigns and programs — conducted by groups ranging from breast cancer advocacy organizations to local community organizations to major retailers.

Event Series October is “Let’s Talk Month”

October is “Let’s Talk Month”

Advocates for Youth sponsors Let’s Talk Month. Observed each October by states and communities throughout the country, Let’s Talk Month emphasizes the importance of young people and the adults they trust talking about sex.

Advocates for Youth recently updated its Let’s Talk Month Planning Guidebook. The guidebook provides strategic tips and examples to help local communities plan and implement activities for Let’s Talk Month. It also includes fact sheets, guidance for involving youth and working with the media, and sample forms.

Event Series The National Sex Ed Conference.

The National Sex Ed Conference

Are you a sexuality educator, health educator, professor, school teacher, nurse, counselor, case manager, social worker, therapist, or someone who works in a related field? If so, this conference is for you!
Hosted by The Center for Sex Education, this conference is the perfect opportunity to share your knowledge and engage with professionals in the field. ($560)

International Sex Education Day!

Sex Education Alliance

Talking to kids about sex and relationships can change their futures — and the world. Sex education, at home, in school, and even at the doctor’s office can improve self-esteem and self-image, reduce at-risk sexual behavior, reduce teenage pregnancy, and improve grades, test scores, and educational outcomes.

SIECUS Hosts Nationwide Sex Ed Week of Action

“The majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, believe sex education should be taught in schools. States that teach comprehensive sex education in their curriculum see lower STI rates, lower teen pregnancy rates and overall better well-being of students across the country. We are enthusiastic to see our national and state partners engage in our week of action to advocate for all students.”

Currently, only 33 states mandate sex education, and an overwhelming 34 states mandate sex or HIV/STI education to stress abstinence over other forms of contraceptive options. Only 13 states require sex education to include instruction on consent; 10 states have policies that affirm sexual orientation and gender identity; and many states explicitly require instruction that discriminates against LGBTQ+ youth.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

SAAM is about both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Looking at the history of the movement to end sexual violence: It’s impossible to prevent an issue no one knows about, and it’s difficult to make people aware of a problem without providing a solution. The two work in tandem.

STI Awareness Week

STI Awareness Week, observed the second full week in April, provides an opportunity to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STI Awareness Week focuses on how STIs impact our lives, reducing STI-related stigma, fear, and discrimination and ensure people have the tools and knowledge for prevention, testing, and treatment.

Maine Sexuality Education Conference

Maine’s Annual Comprehensive Sexuality Education Conference began as an opportunity to provide sexuality education updates to school nurses and health teachers. Decades later, it has grown into an eagerly anticipated annual event for educators, school nurses, school counselors, and a variety of other youth-serving professionals. Every year we are excited to come together to share new and innovative programming, develop skills and knowledge, and provide resources for delivering positive, inclusive sexual health education.

Pansexual & Panromantic Visibility Day

If you identify as panromantic or pansexual – enjoy the 24th of May. If you know someone who does, let them know you’re thinking of them. Validation and acceptance makes the human experience all that more wonderous. If you neither identify or know someone – but you’ve learned something new about the wonderful variety that human beings come in, share on social media, have a conversation, do some reading. The more connected we are, the happier we are.

Event Series Pride Month

Pride Month

Pride events are held around the world during June as a way of recognizing the influence LGBTQ+ people have had around the world. June is when the Stonewall Riots took place in 1969.

National Sex Educator Appreciation Day

Sex educators are fun, passionate and highly qualified professionals, often with advanced degrees, who make the world a better, happier, safer place, and save lives. But it is a misunderstood profession. From abstinence only funding, to censorship, community backlash and harassment, an overarching cultural shame of sexuality that makes our students hard to reach, and a profound society-wide misconception about what sexuality educators even do and why it's important, sex educators are up against a lot when they go to work every day. On June 9, thank a sex educator for the important but often underpaid and unappreciated work they do.

AASECT Annual Conference St Louis, MO

Get the latest information relating to sex counseling, therapy, education, and more! In-person and Virtual. In a time when fundamental human rights are not guaranteed, we face some of the most significant challenges of our time. AASECT joins in answering new calls to collective liberation — where underutilized and historically oppressed voices are centered, where advocacy is transformed into action, and where we can create a more just world for all of us.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.

Anniversary of Stonewall Riots

The Stonewall Riots, also called the Stonewall Uprising, began in the early hours of June 28, 1969 when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village in New York City. The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.

Event Series Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Month

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Month

Awareness helps the public understand that symptoms like irregular periods and pelvic pain are not something to be ignored and getting it checked is necessary. While there is no cure for PCOS, there are treatments that can help ease the stress and complications of specific symptoms. The more people that are informed of PCOS the better chances for early diagnosis.