Unitarian Universalist Church of Silver Spring
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Our Whole Lives is a comprehensive program on human sexuality, and UUCSS offers OWL classes for both 8th Graders and 10th-12th Graders. The 8th Grade class runs from October thru April, and the 10th-12th Grade class runs from January thru April. The curriculum is based on the Unitarian Universalist Principle of respect for “the inherent worth and dignity of every person,” and all of the lessons flow from this premise. Young people learn about everything from basic anatomy to respectful relationships to safe sex practices. Many graduates of the OWL Program claim that it was the most important part of their UU Religious Education.
UUCSS also offers a parent class to accompany the 8th Grade class. The parent class meets approximately five times and provides an excellent opportunity for parents to learn more about the overall content of the OWL Program while also sharing the ups and downs of parenting an 8th Grader.
Because OWL classes require parent permission and pre-registration, these classes do not meet during the regular Sunday morning RE time (Sunday morning classes are always open to visitors). In addition, UUCSS charges a nominal program fee to cover the additional cost of providing these classes (waivers may be granted upon request).
OWL teachers are required to attend a fifteen hour training and be certified by credentialed trainers before teaching an OWL class. They also adhere to the UUCSS Child Safety Policy.