Let's Talk About "IT"

July 2009 E-Newsletter

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We're now in the throes of summer and since many of us are still planning and squeezing in vacations, we knew this would be the perfect time to talk about sexual assault and sex education as it pertains to traveling and global exploits. Hitting the road opens our eyes to new experiences and cultures; allowing us to appreciate the differences but also long for understanding and sometimes even change. In the July edition we're going to address the issue of sex while on vacation, how to remain safe while traveling and we'll also take a look at how other nations are approaching sexual assault and sex education around the globe. Welcome aboard!

Vacation Frustration; Issues When Abroad

Molly Hays, Communications Intern

Vacations allow for much needed relaxation; it's a time to kick off the shoes, lounge around and be carefree. However, the lines between carefree and careless can sometimes blur.

American College Students especially have become notorious for wild spring breaks and summer flings. This reputation is often based on the combination of changing sexual boundaries, alcohol and the actual sexual acts.

Our 3 of diamonds of the Sexversations card deck specifically asks, "Do your sexual boundaries change while on vacation or spring break and if so is that okay? (ex. What happens in Mexico stays in Mexico!)"

While not every one's sexual boundaries change after crossing the border, many people do struggle with the desire for sexual fun and the moral and ethical questions attached to changing sexual boundaries.

While many factors contribute to each individuals changing of boundaries (or not), a clear link exists between casual sex and binge drinking.

Often consent to changing sexual boundaries can be overpowered by alcohol. A new study by the Journal of American College Health reports that 20 percent of undergraduate women experience sexual assault during their college years. In addition, 11 percent were assaulted while incapacitated.

Pregnancies, STIs, and moral implications can be the result of changing sexual boundaries; its then that spring break breaks down. Because what happens in Cancun, doesn't always stay in Cancun.

Do you want to add your input on this issue and many others? Then join the Sexversations Facebook Fan Page. Your voice counts, log on and let it be heard.

Quickie Travel Tips

Sabrina Sadler, Social Outreach Intern

Sometimes it can seem overwhelming when traveling to make your personal safety a priority, the truth is it is easier to do then many of us believe. Think of these simple tips (as basic as using sunscreen) to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to keep you and your posse safe. Feel like you need more 411 to have fun and keep safe? Visit uniteforchange.com for more information about staying safe on the road.

• Tell people at home where you are going and where you are staying.
• Trust your Intuition; it is your best defense.
• Look and act confident. Be alert. Use common sense.
• Travel in 3's (or more).
• Don't bring the bling.
• If you are robbed, toss the bag and protect yourself.
• Drinking in the sun equals bad sunburn, risks of sun and alcohol poisoning and an even worse a hangover.
• Party smart, pace yourself, be responsible.
• Never leave with someone you just met.
• Go out with your friends, go home with your friends.
• Know your sexual boundaries, if you choose to have sex make sure it is safe sex.

Share your opinion on this e-news issue with us and be entered to WIN some sexually empowered swag! info@kellyandbecca.com

GLOBAL VIEW TO GETTING IT ON

While great controversy can surround the issue of Sex Ed, looking at it from a global perspective can shed some major insight to a programs' effectiveness as well as the reasoning for seismic cultural shifts in countries such as the China. As we evaluate our countries current programs and our legislator's battle out changes, evolutions and progressions we were interested to see what Molly uncovered in her crash course in global sex education. The full article can be found here: World Approaches to Sex Education.

Whatever your passion, whatever the cause, bring awareness by talking about "IT."

Focused, Determined and Hopeful -
Kelly & Becca

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