Honest, accurate information about sexuality changes lives.

It dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision making, and has the potential to save lives. For these reasons and more, we are proud to offer Our Whole Lives (OWL), a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education curricula for use in both secular settings and faith communities. Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. With a holistic approach, Our Whole Lives provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about a range of topics, including relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influences on sexuality.

At Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, we offer the following OWL programs facilitated by congregation members who are trained and certified for the following sessions:

Our Whole Lives for 1st-2nd grades

This age-appropriate program involving the whole family supports parents in educating children about birth, babies, bodies and families. Following a Parent Meeting and Parent/Child Orientation, the 8 sessions engage children with stories, songs and activities and include a weekly HomeLink – a homework project for parents and children to do together. Promotes dialogue between parent and child. We will be offering this program again in autumn of 2023.

Our Whole Lives for 4th-5th grades

During the spring of 2023, we will be offering this most excellent age-appropriate program here at the Boise UU Fellowship! This is an 8-session program for learning about and discussing the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Participants will read It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie H. Harris, and examine topics such as values and sexuality, communication and decision making. Each session includes a HomeLink – a homework activity for parents and children to complete together.

Our Whole Lives for 8th-9th grades

A sexuality education program for youth that models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. A holistic program that moves beyond the intellect to address the attitudes, values, and feelings that youth have about themselves and the world.

Unlike many other sexuality curricula currently available, this program is comprehensive and progressive. In an inclusive and developmentally appropriate manner, it addresses sensitive topics that are typically excluded. Although the curriculum was developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ, this volume is completely secular and free of specific religious doctrine or reference. However, the underlying values of the program reflect the justice-oriented traditions of both denominations.

A condensed 8 session version of this curricula, OWL Taking Flight, is being offered this autumn of 2022. The full 25-session class will be offered again in the spring of 2024.

Our Whole Lives for 10th-12th grades

Using a comprehensive approach, this program helps senior-high youth gain the knowledge, life principles and skills they need to express their sexuality in life-enhancing ways. Includes a parent orientation and 12 sessions. Tentatively scheduled for spring of 2025, pending the release of a new curricula edition.

Small Group Ministry Support Groups for Parents and Guardians

To build community and offer additional resources for parents and guardians, we offer small group ministry support groups for parents and guardians running concurrently with all Our Whole Lives programs for 1st grade through 9th grade programs.

If you have any questions about OWL, please contact our Director of Family Ministries. Participants and their parents/guardians do not have to attend Boise UU Fellowship, but they do have to register through our family ministries program.

The Unitarian Universalist Association has more complete information on their website about the Our Whole Lives program.