Our Whole Lives (OWL): Lifespan Sexuality Education provides honest, accurate information about how 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. 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 curriculum 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.  

There are seven distinct OWL programs for different ages along the life span: grades K-1, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12, young adults (ages 18-35), adults, and older adults (ages 55 +). Our congregation is proud to offer OWL regularly for a rotating age group. 

This year (2025-2026) we are offering a 25–session comprehensive and progressive sexuality education program designed for 7th-9th graders that approaches sexuality from an inclusive, holistic perspective.  The OWL curriculum is designed to:

• Model and teach caring, compassion, respect and justice
• Approach sensitive topics in a developmentally appropriate and inclusive manner
• Move beyond intellectual concepts to address the attitudes, values and feelings that youth have about themselves and the world

While we are offering this program for all three grade levels, we are primarily using the adjustments that are suggested for a 7th/8th grade cohort.  If your 9th grader would benefit from a more mature curriculum, or would feel more comfortable with a cohort of high school peers, this may not be the right fit for them.  

The program begins with a parent/guardian orientation session, and may include periodic check-ins with families as necessary to ensure that everyone’s needs are being met. We generally like to have a check-in around the 6-week mark, before we get into more sensitive material.

Dates: November 17th, 2025 (parent orientation) – June 8th, 2026 (tentative)

Time: Monday evenings, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Location: Hale Hall, First Parish Church in Beverly UU

Cost: $100 for non-FPCB members

Program Overview: Unit and Workshop Descriptions

If you would like more information about participation in this program, please email faithdevelopment@firstparishbeverly.org. If you would like to learn more about OWL in general, click here.