Eat, Drink, Spike, Repeat at Head and Hands' Annual Beach Volleyball Fundraiser
MONTREAL, July 25, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec government's sex education pilot project, launched in 2017, still does not fill the gaps in contemporary youth's experiences. After twelve years without complete sex education across the province, educators are ill equipped - and inadequately trained - to make the shift towards a comprehensive sex education curriculum that actually answers the questions children and teenagers have. The pilot project from the Quebec government lacks an intersectional approach, often not addressing the different LGBTQ2IA+ experiences of sexuality or gender.
Having these conversations with teachers at all can feel awkward for students. As Charlie, Head & HandsSense Project Coordinator, says, "It's like asking your boss for bedroom advice". Instead, bringing in external youth facilitators that are trained to discuss sex ed in an inclusive manner, allows youth to really connect with the subject: resulting in a more effective and open conversation. This especially benefits queer and trans youth, who might be more likely to see shared experiences with volunteers closer to their age or who are members of the same global communities.
With 22 volunteers aged 18-25, and 13 years of experience, the Sense Project has and continues to address what institutions are lacking: providing effective safe(r) sex education to youth in a non-judgemental setting. In 2017, the Sense Project provided 57 workshops to 929 youth across the Greater Montreal Area. Workshops include online consent for the smartphone generation, sexual health, and an upcoming workshop focused on trans experiences and allyship.
Every year, the annual SERVE Beach Volleyball Tournament brings together staff from bars and restaurants from around Montreal raise money for the Sense Project, supporting another year of intervention-based sex education. This year the festivities include: a dunk tank, steel pan performance from Mr. Pong, 9 hours of volleyball - and of course, an endless supply of cheap beer.
"Youth already have a lot of knowledge. They just need to validate that knowledge, and build on it in an environment that feels safe". - Charlie Morin, Sense Project Coordinator
| Who: |
The staff of 20 Montreal bars and restaurants and 500 community members who want to support sex education for youth |
| Why: |
To support sex education for Montreal youth through a fun day of beach volleyball, games, steel pan performances, face painting and more! |
| When: |
Sunday, July 29th, 2018 |
| Where: |
Jeanne-Mance Park beach volleyball courts |
SOURCE Head and Hands
Richenda Grazette, Director of Fundraising & Development, [email protected], (w) 514-481-0277 x 2011, (c) 613-650-1807
Share this article