Connections Matter is a training designed to engage community members in building caring connections to:
- Improve resiliency,
- Prevent childhood trauma, and
- Understand how our interactions with others can support those who have experienced trauma.
The Sex Education Collaborative Training Hub lists trainings for sex educators, facilitators, and other professionals on best practices for sharing important information with clients and the public. From teaching anatomy inclusively to effectively addressing bias in the classroom to addressing racial justice and equity in sex education, the Training Hub includes trainings, technical assistance, and policy support from state, regional, and national leaders in the field of sex education.
Please note: The Training Hub includes both in-person and online professional trainings. If you see a training you are interested in and it isn’t listed as virtual, please reach out directly to any of our members to find out what's possible!
Connections Matter is a training designed to engage community members in building caring connections to:
Many students in our schools identify as a gender or sexual minority. A 2020 survey found that 40% of LGBTQ respondents seriously considered attempting suicide in the past twelve months, with more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth having seriously considered suicide (Trevor Project, 2020). Participants will identify ways to support gender and sexual minorities in their schools and learn skills for being a more inclusive educator.
Sexual Health Education Essentials is a foundational training meant to prepare sexual health educators, school personnel, and other youth work professionals to support young people. Training content is data-driven and aligned with best-practices in the field of adolescent sexual health promotion. Topics covered during pre-work and live training include holistic sexuality, adolescent growth & development, reproductive health, responding to sensitive questions, values in sexual health education, consent, contraception, and more. Sexual Health Education Essentials is recommended for anyone new to the field of sexual health education or for trusted adults working with young people in any capacity who wish to gain knowledge and strengthen their skills.
This facilitator training enables facilitators to provide excellent sexual health education to youth and adults AND to "stellarize" other curricula so it is more affirming, accessible, and trauma-informed while adhering to local and state restrictions. This facilitator training includes strategies for guiding a well-rounded exploration of whole people, especially when cultural norms might challenge scientific and psychological reality.
Learn how to facilitate in ways that are intentionally trauma-informed, antioppressive, and accessible to people with various learning styles and abilities. Stellar Sex Ed facilitator training can help facilitators of any curriculum, even in strictly regulated Tennessee public schools, create a more trauma-informed, inclusive experience for students.
RISE recommends at least two facilitators work together on any workshop or class, so if your organization is considering sending one facilitator trainee, please consider sending two or collaborating with another organization. Let us know at RISE if you might need cofacilitators—we love collaborating!
This workshop is designed for sex ed and family life educators who want to make their programs more accessible to people with a variety of disabilities, particularly autistic people and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Adding these skills to your toolbox makes affirming, inclusive education more accessible for all participants..
“Accessible Sex Ed” also covers how to talk with caregivers about the importance of complete, fact-based education for all people, especially neurodiverse folx.
Funding to develop this training was provided in part by the Tennessee Disability Coalition.
Many supportive educators and school staff are asked to be Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) advisors, but don’t know where to start. GSAs (also known as gender and sexuality alliances, queer straight alliances, and other names) are student-driven clubs for LGBTQ+ students and allies. They play a huge role in making schools more safe and supportive.