Honest, accurate information about 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. For these reasons and more, we are proud to offer Our Whole Lives (OWL), a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education curriculum for use in both secular settings and faith communities.
In Spring 2026, we are pleased to be providing an OWL program for grades 8-9.
Click here for the schedule.
We are also partner with the UU congregations in Sunnyvale, Los Gatos & Fremont to offer OWL for K-1.
We hope to offer 4-6 grade OWL program in the 2026-2027 program year.
Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. With a holistic approach, Our Whole Lives provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about a range of topics, including relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influences on sexuality.
OWL FAQs
WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND OWL?Underpinning the OWL program is the belief that sexuality is an integral part of being human. The goal of OWL is to provide a positive, holistic approach to sexuality education taught in a safe environment where participants are helped to understand and make informed and responsible decisions regarding the challenges facing them as sexual beings.
HOW DOES THE OWL PROGRAM DEFINE SEXUALITY?
We are all sexual people regardless of age, ability or illness. As well as having a physical/biological component, sexuality spans the psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of our lives.
WHO IS OWL FOR?
OWL has age-appropriate programs designed for several groups: grades K-2, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, Young Adults (18-35), Adults & Older Adults. It acknowledges that at different life stages we have different needs and perspectives, and that our growth is continuous and evolving.
WHO TEACHES OWL? WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DO THEY HAVE?
OWL facilitators are adult volunteers from the congregation who have attended 3-day OWL training sessions conducted by trainers approved by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).
HOW ARE OWL PROGRAMS TAUGHT?
Facilitators use a variety of techniques to present course material including: demonstrations, role-playing, interactive games, group discussions, guest speakers, meditations, and videos/slides.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN THE CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMS?
Our Whole Lives recognizes parents as the primary educators of their children on sexuality issues and helps foster meaningful conversations between parents, children, and facilitators.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF OWL?
Prior to the OWL program the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) developed a sexuality education program for adolescents, called About Your Sexuality (AYS) in the early 1970s. In 1999, the program was updated and the first OWL curriculum (7-9) was published — the result of a sexuality task force set up composed of UUA and United Church of Christ (UCC) representatives, as well as lay leaders and sexuality educators from both groups. Additional programs for K-2, 4-6, 10-12, Young Adults, Adults, and Older Adults were later added.
WHY IS OWL IMPORTANT TO UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS?
We believes that sexuality is an integral part of being human and is therefore an essential aspect of our relationship with ourselves and others. The program helps to define our community as supporters of sexual health.
IS THERE A RELIGIOUS COMPONENT TO OWL?
The OWL curriculum itself contains no religious doctrine, but activities and readings from Sexuality and Our Faith have been added to connect these teachings to our Unitarian Universalist Values.