Title: The Church Partnership Program.

POPLINE Document Number: 141905

Author(s):

Chapman C

Source citation:

EDUCATOR'S UPDATE, 1999 Apr;3(5):1-3.

Abstract:

In 1996, Black religious groups in the US acknowledged that adolescent pregnancy is a serious problem for Black churches and that the churches have a responsibility to address reproductive health concerns. These statements bolster the collaboration between clergy and faith communities and Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington (PPMW) that began in 1992 when PPMW entered into a partnership with the Mt. Airy Baptist Church to prevent HIV infection. As new congregations entered the Church Partnership Program, the focus changed to the prevention of adolescent pregnancy. The program offers to ministers and lay leaders training workshops that incorporate a curriculum adapted for multiple denominations. PPMW also holds a series of monthly ministerial breakfasts to reach additional clergy and congregations. During the training and breakfasts, ministers are introduced to short-term programs offered by PPMW, such as parent-child communication workshops, forums for teenagers and younger children, and use of PPMW's resources. Longterm programs include an adolescent pregnancy prevention program, called the "Sursum Corda Youth Program," that provides life skills to 62 children from ages eight to 18. Other longterm efforts include establishment of a church-based reproductive health clinic and incorporation of an educational youth theater troupe. PPMW is currently producing a video describing this innovative partnership in order to promote its replication nationwide.

Keywords:

United States
Blacks
Adolescents
Influentials
Religion
Adolescent Pregnancy
Training Programs
IEC
Prevention and Control
Developed Countries
North America
Americas
Ethnic Groups
Cultural Background
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Youth
Age Factors
Knowledge Sources
Communication
Reproductive Behavior
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Education
Program Activities
Programs
Organization and Administration
Diseases