Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States

Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States is a national, nonprofit organization that was founded in 1964 by Mary S. Calderone, Lester Kirkendall, and Harold L. Iversen with the goal of promoting sex education and sexual health in the United States. The organization has been a leading voice in the development of comprehensive sex education programs, working with organizations such as Planned Parenthood, American Civil Liberties Union, and National Organization for Women. The council has also collaborated with UNESCO, World Health Organization, and International Planned Parenthood Federation to advance sexual and reproductive health globally.

● History

The organization was established during a time of significant social change in the United States, with the Civil Rights Movement and the Women's Liberation Movement gaining momentum. The council's early work focused on providing sex education resources to public schools, community organizations, and healthcare providers, with support from Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and Carnegie Corporation of New York. The council's founders, including Mary S. Calderone and Lester Kirkendall, were influenced by the work of Alfred Kinsey, Margaret Sanger, and Ruth Westheimer, and sought to promote a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to sex education. The organization has also worked with American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, and National Association of Social Workers to develop sex education guidelines and standards.

● Mission and Goals

The organization's mission is to promote sexual health and well-being through the development of comprehensive sex education programs, with a focus on youth empowerment, gender equality, and social justice. The council's goals include increasing access to sex education and reproductive healthcare for all individuals, particularly low-income communities, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The organization has worked with National Coalition for Sexual Health, Sexuality and Disability Education Resources, and The Trevor Project to advance sexual and reproductive health for marginalized populations. The council has also collaborated with UNICEF, World Bank, and USAID to promote global health and human rights.

● Programs and Initiatives

The organization offers a range of programs and initiatives, including sex education curricula, teacher training programs, and community outreach services. The council's National Sex Education Standards provide a framework for comprehensive sex education programs, with support from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The organization has also developed sex education resources for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers, in partnership with American Academy of Pediatrics, Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, and National Association of School Nurses. The council's Youth Leadership Institute provides training and support for youth leaders and community organizers, with funding from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

● Advocacy and Policy

The organization is a leading advocate for comprehensive sex education and reproductive rights in the United States. The council has worked with Congress, White House, and state legislatures to promote sex education policies and programs, with support from National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, and Service Employees International Union. The organization has also collaborated with Human Rights Campaign, National LGBTQ Task Force, and Planned Parenthood Action Fund to advance LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive justice. The council's Policy Institute provides research and analysis on sex education and reproductive health policy, with funding from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Annie E. Casey Foundation.

● Organization and Leadership

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors composed of experts in sex education, public health, and social justice. The council's Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the organization's programs and operations, with support from Debra Haffner and Christine Soyong Harley. The organization has a staff of educators, advocates, and researchers who work to promote comprehensive sex education and sexual health in the United States and globally, in partnership with UNFPA, WHO, and International Rescue Committee. The council's advisory board includes experts from Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, and Columbia University, and provides guidance on sex education and reproductive health research and policy. Category:Sex education